Am I entitled to housing benefit if I own a property with my ex

sarashoe

I am in the middle of splitting up with my husband, we own a property which is currently about £40000 negative equity. My husband is willing to take on the property so it's a familiar place for our son, although he will be mainly living with Me.
The plan is to take my name off the mortgage but this will be in about 6months time when the mortgage company can see that he can afford to pay the mortgage himself.
My question is, whilst my name is on the mortgage, would I be able to claim any housing benefits for a privately rented property? I want to stay working but my wages would just need slightly 'topped' up to afford a house to live on.

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Yes - the property has no value. You will have to show the outstanding mortgage and the value.

somethingcorporate

At a slight tangent I doubt a mortgage company will let you take your name off the mortgage on a property in such negative equity.

beecher2

Your partner would have to be in a position to pay off the negative equity if he wants to take your name off the mortgage. Just telling them your partner has paying it will not be enough I'm afraid.

SkyeKnight

beecher2 wrote: »

Your partner would have to be in a position to pay off the negative equity if he wants to take your name off the mortgage. Just telling them your partner has paying it will not be enough I'm afraid.

Not just pay off the negative equity, but quite likely also put down a 10% deposit on top - taking your name off is pretty much like taking out a new mortgage - and there are no 100% mortgages.