Homeless - 10th July.

BlueSky11

Hi,

I posted this in another section on the forum, although I got great responses on my previous thread and everyone was very helpful, I was advised to post this on the Housing Board too.

Me and my partner (both 21) will be made homeless on the 10th July unfortunately and was wondering if anyone could give us some advice.

We are in a fairly good position at the moment, we have a deposit for a rented house, currently claiming JSA and we are entitled to claim housing benefits, you would be thinking, well whats the problem then?

Well, every home we have looked into are asking for a guarantor, we have no possible way of getting hold of one to sign our contract.

I was wondering if the homeless scheme or anything smilier would help you out with the guarantor to prevent you becoming homeless?

We have until the 10th July to find something, and if nothing is found by then we will be homeless .

Any help or advice?

Thanks.

G_M

Becoming a guarantor is a serious financial undertaking. Effectively, your guarantor is agreeing to pay ALL you rent, INDEFINATELY, as well as covering any DAMAGE you may do.

That is one hell of a commitment, usually undertaken only by a family member or someone who really knows, loves and trusts you.

There are landlords willing to take in tenants claiming benefits but you are right, many of them want a guarantor, or perhaps 6 months rent upfront.

The problem you face is that given the choice between a tenant who is earning, and one on benefits, mosts landlords will take the employed tenant. The risk is that anyoneon benefits is, by definition, living closer to the 'edge' financially, and as soon as they struggle with an unexpected bill, the rent gets missed.

Someone who is earning can generally cover the unexpected bill without missing the rent payment.

Maybe consider sharing?

mark?_3

probably falls into the last resort category, but as a short term measure you could go down the spare room route using a site like spareroom couk. People accepting couples are few and far between, but because it's a far less formal agreement you're unlikely to run up against the guarantor issue.

Even with a guarantor you may struggle to get a place sorted in the next 15 days so might work as a stopgap.

pmlindyloo

I'm not a landlord so perhaps those who are could comment on my suggestions.

First, you could offer to pay 2 months deposit instead of one - this might give the LL a sign of your commitment. Plus, you could offer to pay for a Rent guarantee and Legal expenses Insurance policy. (think that's what it's called)


As I said I do not know whether these policies do what they say on the tin. Hopefully others can comment.


In the end the LL needs assurance that you will pay the rent. Since you are on HB I do not know whether you could request to have your HB paid direct to the LL. would you have to pay a top up to the rent? You used to be able to do this but it may have been stopped.


There are LLs out there who won't require a Guarantor but they are few and far between.


I wish you all the best.

Werdnal

Under what circumstances are you being made homeless?

BlueSky11

Werdnal wrote: »

Under what circumstances are you being made homeless?

Currently living with my mother and partner. Due to my mother moving out on the 10th July, there will be no where for us both to live.

Old_Git

will your mothers landlord let you rent where you are now.

BlueSky11

Old_Git wrote: »

will your mothers landlord let you rent where you are now.

The rent will cost way too much. Its £500PCM. You are only entitled to £80-£90 per week, obviously we can top the rent up a little our selves but not that much.

Old_Git

BlueSky11 wrote: »

The rent will cost way too much. Its £500PCM. You are only entitled to £80-£90 per week, obviously we can top the rent up a little our selves but not that much.

I understand what you are saying ,but have you spoke to the landlord to see if they will accept a reduced rent .
They may accept a reduced rent rather than have the property empty , a bit of a long shot but worth asking .

calicocat

Stay where you are and you rent a room out?