Renting to a disabled relative

pmlindyloo

dantroberts wrote: »

Thanks pmlindyloo.

She split up from my dad and moved in with me over seven years ago; she has been assessed and is disabled and becoming increasingly more so both physically and mentally to an extent, which is causing all sorts of problems. Maybe its best if she rents from an unrelated private landlord - but she would'nt get the same support. The issue is not just about the landlord tenancy situation, but also about ensuring that she is not going to be kicked whenever the landlord decides...I can understand the issues with contrivence and this is far from it. It really is a difficult situation to judge.

I totally understand your difficulties and sympathise.

On this forum we always try to share our knowledge and experiences and as someone has said it can be seen as a contrived tenancy in some circumstances. However, that does not mean to say that it would be seen that way in your case , especially given her health and the problems of moving around from one rental to another.

I would urge you to have a look at supported housing in your area and to speak to the council about your mum. The council should, at the very least, be advising you about suitable accommodation for your mum.

Do you have any medical evidence about your mum's health and care needs? Is your doctor supportive? Does she have a social worker? (Sorry, you haven't given much information about your mum's needs)

I am not suggesting that the council will immediately give your mum a council house but they may suggest alternatives.

Have you googled 'private housing for the elderly in (your area) There are often schemes that are not widely advertised that may just be right for your mum.

dantroberts

"This is just not how it works, or everyone would buy the perfect property for their relatives and then get the taxpayer to pay for it..."

I understand; but I get no help or benefits myself for my mum, I'm a tax payer too but I don't get parents allowance like child allowance or married couple allowance...there seems to be no allowance or provisions made.

The simplest solution to all this is to make her rent privately; cold but then I'm better off and not considered a fraudster or benefits cheat, but then am I any a better person for doing that?

marliepanda

It's a hard situation to be in, but as we have said it will be seen as you basically buying a house with your mums benefits.

If you care for your mum over 30something hours you could possibly claim carers allowance? I'm really not 'up' on benefits, but although your desire to help is admirable it is, for all intents and purposes, asking the taxpayer to buy you a house. It's not you buying it for her really as you'll be charging rent.

As said earlier it 'is' possible but very very unlikely in these circumstances as you are adapting the property for her do very unlikely to evict her.

marliepanda

You mention she needs a downstairs bathroom/bedroom. What other needs does she have as I would thought bungalows or single level homes would have been about in social housing? My grandad was in a 'sheltered' bungalow for a little bit, all on one level and had a panic alarm in a few rooms with 24hour people on call to come running if it was pulled. They also offered many other services but he had mental health issues and wouldn't let anyone in to do anything. They're not all scary places.

dantroberts

Thanks, I'll look into private housing for the elderly and any similar schemes - I think this is the best option; its sad for me, and unless anyone is in this situation its really difficult because its quite emotive, especially with all the social housing problems going on around us.

dantroberts

marliepanda - that is EXACTLY what she needs; she is also agoraphobic and bipolar and suffers Menieres disease aswell as riddeled with arthritis.

That's a good shout really appreciated!

princessdon

dantroberts wrote: »

Good questions marliepanda and princessdon.

She cannot get up stairs anymore and does'nt walk very far; so a modified shower and downstairs bedroom are needed. Its seems awful to think that I'm making money or benefitting from my mums condition or needs, but I cannot carry on with the current situation. Its horrible to think that I will have to effectively kick my mum out and give up on the situation and hope social housing can support her...and probably be far more costly in the longer term. Thanks for all the considerations so far, even the difficult ones that have to be suggested.

Being disabled needs special consideration, especially if lack of suitable housing.

Give your council a ring and discuss it, they are normally helpful.

There are things that you can do to limit things like, a contract, using an agent, getting a deposit etc

The main negative is that you are wanting to rent purely to get benefits (or you'd buy her a home). That's not saying this is your reason for doing this, but it's a side affect that you'd not do this if no benefits, therefore you are renting to gain benefits.

Also you will hit problems with any mortgage.

Don't give up, but do more research

dantroberts

Thanks All! I do appreciate ALL your help, i really do!

princessdon

dantroberts wrote: »

Thanks All! I do appreciate ALL your help, i really do!

Also in the mean time ring social services and ask for an assessment.

A) or will help with points if you go down the social housing route

they can help you and her now, eg they can provide carers in your home whilst you are at work if necessary.

They can look at adaptions of your house (like a stair lift, downstairs loo, grab rails etc.

pmlindyloo

The maximum that you can earn to be eligible for Carer's Allowance is £100 a week.

I suspect that isn't what the OP is concerned about.

Please wait to see if housing benefit officer comes on to the forum. She will be able to give her 'take' on the situation.

The part about not evicting your mum is not likely to arise, I should imagine. Is she receiving all the benefits she is entitled to? Pension Credit/PIP/AA?

Since you seem to be in a position to get a mortgage would it be worth considering a granny annex to your current property or buy a larger house with an annex? No idea about your financial situation. Have you investigated anything like this?

I believe someone said getting a Buy to Let mortgage is difficult if you rent to a relative - something to investigate too.

Edit

Crossed posts. Looks like Mum definitely needs some form of supported housing.