Finding rental home when on minimal HB/CTB

luminated

Tried this on House Buying, Renting section but no joy so hoping I may het some help on this board:-



Bear with me & I will try and keep this short.

Most rental agents/landlords say they want an annual income at least 30 times the monthly rent. So in my case this translates into a monthly rental payment of £700.

Me & my wife are both on state pension.

I am on DLA on a PM equivalent of £458

I get HB/CTB which is enhanced by the fact I get DLA

So my question is if I were to want to rent at say £850 PM (I wish to move closer to my family who are over 4 hours away but in a much more expensive rental area) would I still come under the NO HB/CTB claimers or because I have a fairly sound income, including state pension & the DLA would a more sympathetic view be taken?

I really could use some help as my health us getting worse and I do need to have more support from my family who are too far away to react/get to us very quickly.

FBaby

In the end, it's up to the landlord. The main issue is that you are basing your income of the assumption that you will continue to receive DLA. A landlord might be anxious about this in light of the current changes with the system.

Caz3121

Some landlords do not accept HB claimants as their insurance/mortgage does not allow this so it is down to them
If you are planning on claiming HB for a private rent then you need to look at the LHA rate for your circumstances in the area. If the rent is £850 per month and the LHA for a one-bedroom is £600 per month then all the HB calculations will be based on the £600 so even if you qualified for full HB you would still have a large amount to cover from your other benefits

luminated

Thanks for your quick replies.

A bit more detail and I've just dug out the actual figures.

Our fixed income from our two state pensions, & two private pensions is almost £21000 net of income tax.

The LHA for SW Herts where I am aiming for is £664 PCM.

We are looking for a one bedroomed place further complicated by my health/disability needs which will shorten the shortlist a lot further. IE No garden as we can't do it and don't want pay someone to do it as we have been forced into in the last year or so. Also a LL that will be happy for aids to be fitted extra stair handrails, grab rails and such. Also need space for my two wheelchairs the none motorised and the one with a motor. It would be good to get an electric scooter as my present house has nowhere for it to be stored inside or outside.

All in all a bit of a nightmare but we do need to get closer to family after my numerous life threatening health scares this past year not all of which have been solved.

WE do live on our fixed income & have using the DLA for things that cost extra when you are disabled. The HB/CTB has only just started so that in turn will give us a few extras.

So I will look on the calculator web sites with my actual figures but maybe I need to hone in on actual homes and see what they cost per month as I still feel we can live without taking in to account the DLA but in a dearer area would need the HB/CTB.

Dunroamin

Have you made any enquiries as to the availabiity of social housing in that area?

luminated

Dunroamin wrote: »

Have you made any enquiries as to the availabiity of social housing in that area?

No but a good point, thank you, as my health/disability needs may help my case.

mazza111

luminated wrote: »

No but a good point, thank you, as my health/disability needs may help my case.

It will certainly help your case hon. Especially because of the reason you are moving. Points are awarded from most councils for this very reason. Hope it goes well for you x

Edited to add: Try some of the local HA as well as the council. The lass was housed with an HA within a couple of weeks

xylophone

http://www.housingcare.org/elderly-uk-sheltered-housing.aspx
Any pointers here?

luminated

mazza111 wrote: »

It will certainly help your case hon. Especially because of the reason you are moving. Points are awarded from most councils for this very reason. Hope it goes well for you x

Edited to add: Try some of the local HA as well as the council. The lass was housed with an HA within a couple of weeks

My problem is I is a bloke & I is deluded (I think I am young fit & handsome) - until I look in the mirror - :eek:

But I am so grateful for these forums as they (those who post on them) provide so much valuable advice. In recent past on benefits, walking sticks, then wheelchairs, then motorised wheelchair and now help with moving/new home - so good that so many are prepared to give their time & experience :T

luminated

xylophone wrote: »

http://www.housingcare.org/elderly-uk-sheltered-housing.aspx
Any pointers here?

Thank you:T
Looks a good link & as my last post I need to accept me as I am now not be stuck in a time warp of how I was 5/10 years ago. But it is very hard.

Dunroamin

I've just noticed that you say you have no income except the SRP and DLA. If that's the case, you should apply for Pension Credit, which may help a bit.