Is it possible to rent a flat while disabled & unable to work?

Kavalactone

I have to move in 3 weeks time because my private LL has sold her flat. I am on ESA in the Support Group and my disabilities prevent me from being able to work.

Every Rental Agency I have approached has turned me down and spoken to me as if I'm a piece of dirt. One of them actually hung up the phone on me.

I found a website that lists properties that are 'DSS Accepted.' I looked into 25 different properties via that site. They were all grossly overpriced extremely grotty bedsits and the landlords seemed to be really trying to exploit their tenants. For example a typical example was a dirty bedsit in a bad part of the city with a kitchen shared with 6 other tenants, going for £255 per week. They also wanted a £300 admin fee to "help you fill out your forms."

Is there any other way to find a flat? I do not have anybody who can act as a Guarantor. I do not have enough money to offer 6 months rent in advance.

I'm so scared of being homeless.

hellokitty08

Yes. You must try and distinguish yourself from other housing benfit claimaints though. I would start with I am looking to rent a flat, im disabled, rather then just asking places if the accept benefit. This works better in my expereince.

Kavalactone

hellokitty08 wrote: »

Yes. You must try and distinguish yourself from other housing benfit claimaints though. I would start with I am looking to rent a flat, im disabled, rather then just asking places if the accept benefit. This works better in my expereince.

I seem to be having a little more luck with the private landlords I've approached directly today. The first thing the Rental Agents have been asking is "What work do you do?"

GwylimT

If you move in three weeks you will have your eviction in writing, you need to visit/call your local housing association who will be able to help you, as you are disabled and receive some benefits they may be able to home you, if not they will be able to provide practical advice/aid in finding a new home.

hellokitty08

The first thing the Rental Agents have been asking is "What work do you do?"

Have you followed this up with, "I am actually disabled and currently unable to work"

or just,

"Im not in work"

Kavalactone

GwylimT wrote: »

If you move in three weeks you will have your eviction in writing, you need to visit/call your local housing association who will be able to help you, as you are disabled and receive some benefits they may be able to home you, if not they will be able to provide practical advice/aid in finding a new home.

Is it possible to approach a housing association direct rather than going through the Council? I've called the Council on several occasions and they have not been helpful at all.

GwylimT

If your household is low income you can apply for help in dental costs, this would also cover some opticians costs as well. The form is either a HC1, HC2, or HC3 I can't quite remember which one it is.

Werdnal

Lets go back a step.

You have to move in 3 weeks time because your LL has sold? Has LL given you proper, legal and formal notice in writing? If not, you do not have to go anywhere until they do. Legally they must give you a Section 21 notice, advising that after 2 month's notice duration, the LL will apply to court to evict you.

You may not want to cause your LL any grief or hassle, but unless they have complied correctly with the legal method to end your tenancy, you do not have to go anywhere and the property remains your legal home until they do so.

Did you receive notice?

If you have such a notice, take it to your local council and housing associations, and use it as proof you are going to be made homeless. They may not actually offer you a property until the LL's notice ends and they apply for eviction, but you need proof that is it immiment and need to get yourself on their radar ahead of the date you will have to leave.

If your LL has just told you, I am selling in 3 weeks time and you have to leave, that is not correct, legal notice; the council will have no liability to house you and you do not need to leave ... yet anyway.

Strapped

Kavalactone wrote: »

Is it possible to approach a housing association direct rather than going through the Council? I've called the Council on several occasions and they have not been helpful at all.

Go back to the Council. You are being made homeless. Talk to Shelter who will give you advice. Unfortunately for your LL this will probably be to sit tight and let them evict you through the courts, which will make you homeless and push you up the Council priorities (along with being disabled). If you voluntarily leave at the end of your tenancy, then you may be deemed to have made yourself homeless (madness, I know).

ETA: Cross-posted with Werdnal.

GwylimT

Kavalactone wrote: »

Is it possible to approach a housing association direct rather than going through the Council? I've called the Council on several occasions and they have not been helpful at all.

Unless things have changed it depends on the area, in some you go to the council and others you go direct to the HA.

You might also want to look into sheltered housing, the age limits aren't set, if you have certain needs due to illness or disability you can be allowed to rent without being 55+.

Kavalactone

GwylimT wrote: »

If your household is low income you can apply for help in dental costs, this would also cover some opticians costs as well. The form is either a HC1, HC2, or HC3 I can't quite remember which one it is.

what?:cool: