Can you get housing benefits paid to you directly rather than to the landlord?

MiaWallace_2

I've posted this in the House buying/renting section but thought I'd get more replies here

Can you get housing benefits paid to you directly rather than to the landlord?

I'm planning to move to Exeter in September to go to University. My problem is that because I have a child, I won't be able to move into halls.

I'm trying to find somewhere to rent privately but so many letting agents/landlords refuse to accept housing benefits.

I have enough saved for a deposit and a months rent in advance. So if I could get the housing benefits paid to me directly, I wouldn't even need to mention I'm claiming benefits (I will only be receiving housing benefits and child tax credits because of my student loan).

I know it's slightly dishonest and if I was asked directly I would admit that I was entitled to housing benefits. But if I can find somewhere without them needing to know, then I'm more than willing to go along with it.

I'm normally a very honest person but I'm getting desperate. I really don't want to miss out on my Uni place but that's what will happen if I can't find somewhere to live.

emilie03

yes you can on the hb form there will be a choice- it will be paid by chq or by bank transfer direct to you

emilie03

ps- they will request landlord address- but will not contact him- just need orginal copy of lease

MiaWallace_2

Thanks for your reply. So in theory I could claim HB without the landlord knowing? I feel guilty even typing that but as long as the rent is paid why should they care where it's coming from?

msmicawber

Hi Mia,

Don't forget that most letting agencies check your income to ensure that you're not over-stretching yourself, so are likely to ask you how you're going to afford the rent. They'll likely want you to provide a guarantor as a student or as someone on a low income/in receipt of benefits.

Have you contacted the Student Services and/or Students' Union at your University? They often have properties and/or arrangements with local landlords and housing agencies. That's where I'd start.

Scarlett1

Mia my housing benefit took 2 days off 8 weeks to come through so be prepared to have a couple of months rent up front, also, if any time that a housing benefit payment is overpaid they now go straight to the landlord for recovery, so I dont know where you would stand there if you werent honest with your landlord, not saying you will be overpaid but just making you aware

Hapless_2

Also be aware that if the landlord does not take housing benefit that you may be breaking your lease as he may not be covered on his insurance for benefit tenants

Morglin

Hapless wrote: »

Also be aware that if the landlord does not take housing benefit that you may be breaking your lease as he may not be covered on his insurance for benefit tenants

How would the fact that a tenant may be on HB affect house insurance?

Whether I've been working or on my pensions, my insurance hasn't changed.

Lin

MiaWallace_2

Thanks for the responses. I've looked into this further and it appears that a number of insurance/mortgage companies do prevent landlords from letting to HB claimants. Therefore I've decided to be upfront with any landlords I deal with and will keep my fingers crossed I'm lucky in finding somewhere.

In regards to the student accommodation office, they have been unable to provide me with any information

minimadtrix

Morglin wrote: »

How would the fact that a tenant may be on HB affect house insurance?

Whether I've been working or on my pensions, my insurance hasn't changed.

Lin

Landlord insurance is different - I think they must believe that anyone on benefits is the scum of the earth and likely to leave causing serious damage (this is my opinion of insurers, please don't quote me on this!)

We rented out a property once to a very pleasant, clean single mum - best tenant we ever had - but we struggled to get landlord insurance.

It's the same with Buy To Let Mortgages.

Kazzajr

I think you are better off telling your landlord. I am also a student with a child in a private let, I receive HB but it does not cover all of my rent so be prepared for a shortfall which you will have to make up.

My landlord was fine with me being on HB but I needed a guarantor (as I was under 25).

I have had a few problems with HB not being paid on time/at all and there is no way I would have been able to pay my full rent (if LL didn't know I was receiving HB) so it was better that my landlord knew the situation and I could explain the problem was with HB not myself, he was always fine with this.

You should be able to go into/phone the council for the area where you will be studying who should be able to provide you with a list of landlords in the area that accept tennants receiving HB.

Good luck, I hope you find something.