Renting a place when on benefits

Voyager2002

If someone's only income is state benefit (ESA, LHA and so forth), how would they go about finding a place to live? Is there any point approaching agencies, or these always insist on evidence of wages?

skintandscared_2

You will need to check round all the agencies as each will have a lot of landlords on their books. Some landlords will accept tenants on benefits, although I suspect that the majority probably won't. Also check the papers for private lets. If they definitely don't want benefit claimants they will usually put it on their ads.

Caz3121

Make sure they also check what the LHA rate is for the area/their circumstances...eg a single person under 35 would only get the shared accommodation rate, so if they want a self contained property they are likely to be paying a large % of their other benefits towards their rent

The council may have some details on private landlords that accept benefits

monty-doggy

Caz3121 wrote: »

Make sure they also check what the LHA rate is for the area/their circumstances...eg a single person under 35 would only get the shared accommodation rate, so if they want a self contained property they are likely to be paying a large % of their other benefits towards their rent

The council may have some details on private landlords that accept benefits

I don't think it's under 35 I thought that was under 18, when I was 26 (I am 30 now) I rented a private flat. My LHA was £405 per month and the flat was advertised at £425, I asked the LL if he would take £405 and he said yes. Once I Met him and explained my situation, he even waived the deposit.

I know I got lucky but there are people out there who will let you rent on benefits.

19lottie82

monty-doggy wrote: »

I don't think it's under 35 I thought that was under 18, when I was 26 (I am 30 now) I rented a private flat. My LHA was £405 per month and the flat was advertised at £425, I asked the LL if he would take £405 and he said yes. Once I Met him and explained my situation, he even waived the deposit.

I know I got lucky but there are people out there who will let you rent on benefits.

No it’s definitely 35. This rule came into effect this year.

monty-doggy

Gosh that's awful. How on earth can you be expected to house share? My circumstances were not my fault, and I got a job within four months of being on benefits. To be expected to live in such a paltry way of life is shocking. No wonder this country is on its way to ruin!

sandsni

monty-doggy wrote: »

Gosh that's awful. How on earth can you be expected to house share? My circumstances were not my fault, and I got a job within four months of being on benefits. To be expected to live in such a paltry way of life is shocking. No wonder this country is on its way to ruin!

What's wrong with house-sharing if you can't afford a place on your own? Many working people do it, so why should someone on benefits be automatically entitled to a place on their own, paid for (or subsidised) by someone else? House-sharing is hardly a paltry way of life compared to the workhouses of the past :rotfl:

If the OP can get work as quickly as you did then their options will be vastly increased, but in the meantime they may have to "bite-the-bullet". They might actually find they enjoy living in a full house and make some friends in the process.

I am currently on benefits but I wouldn't for a second expect to have the same lifestyle as I did when I was working, or the same lifestyle as someone who is currently working.

monty-doggy

sandsni wrote: »

What's wrong with house-sharing if you can't afford a place on your own? Many working people do it, so why should someone on benefits be automatically entitled to a place on their own, paid for (or subsidised) by someone else? House-sharing is hardly a paltry way of life compared to the workhouses of the past :rotfl:

If the OP can get work as quickly as you did then their options will be vastly increased, but in the meantime they may have to "bite-the-bullet". They might actually find they enjoy living in a full house and make some friends in the process.

I am currently on benefits but I wouldn't for a second expect to have the same lifestyle as I did when I was working, or the same lifestyle as someone who is currently working.

I wouldn't expect the same lifestyle however I wouldn't want to share with strangers! I can't stand other people's mess, and what happens if they have loads of friends round or are dirty or untrustworthy or any number of things! Now I am working I have my own house, but if I needed help I would at least expect a one bed flat to myself! A one bed flat is hardly the same lifestyle as someone working and having a house!

monty-doggy

In addition what's the likely hood that the people you end up sharing with are drunks/drug users/ benefit scrounges/criminals or god knows what else? The point I am making is that every set of circumstances is different and if you find yourself in that situation you shouldn't have to be put with people who are perhaps there by choice.

skintandscared_2

Nobody HAS to house-share. But someone under 35 will only get the RATE for a house-share. They are free to make up the difference in rent to get a one-bed flat from other benefits/income. That is up to them.

Talc1234

monty-doggy wrote: »

Gosh that's awful. How on earth can you be expected to house share? My circumstances were not my fault, and I got a job within four months of being on benefits. To be expected to live in such a paltry way of life is shocking. No wonder this country is on its way to ruin!

I have house shared over the last 4 years (since my divorce) until I recently bought my own place. I have made 3 great friends.

I currently have a lodger who has sole access of the top floor with double bedroom and ensuit bathroom and shares the kitchen, living room & garden with me in a lovely comfortable modern house backing onto fields. I am sure she would much rather chuck the whole lot in for a pokey studio flat in rough part of town.