A Question for Landlords

LocoLoco

Hello, I'd like to ask landlords on the site a question, if I may?


I am hoping to move later this year and know it will be harder to find a property because we claim housing benefit. I gave up work to look after my disabled son so all of our income comes from benefits, most of which are disability related.


We've been in our current property for six years and we are good tenants; we pay our rent on time and behave ourselves! So I can get a reference from our current landlord and provide evidence that we pay promptly.


We'll have the deposit and first months rent available and should have enough to pay the second month's rent if the new housing benefit claim is delayed. I could contact the council before we start looking to check they don't have huge backlogs at the moment that would hold the claim up for any length of time.


My question is, is there anything else I can do that would improve our chances of finding somewhere? I know that the mortgage prevents some landlords from renting to HB recipients but is there any more I could do to improve my chances with those who don't have that obstacle to overcome?


Many thanks in advance for any responses.

G_M

Some LLs are more likely to accept a tenant in your situation if

* they pay more than a month up front (often 6 months) or
* have a (financially solid) guarantor

LocoLoco

Thanks for that GM, unfortunately we won't have either of those things! Thank you for the info, though

dancingfairy

You might be better off going through a paper/online rather than going through an agency. The agency are likely to a) have lots of interest and b) more likely to operate on a computer says no basis. If you actually get to meet a landlord then they can get a gut feeling on you and you can answer any of their questions and show them whatever proof they might need.
Also try personal recommendations - does your landlord know anyone in the area who might help? Does anyone at work know a landlord who might be prepared to give you a chance?
df

LocoLoco

dancingfairy wrote: »

You might be better off going through a paper/online rather than going through an agency. The agency are likely to a) have lots of interest and b) more likely to operate on a computer says no basis. If you actually get to meet a landlord then they can get a gut feeling on you and you can answer any of their questions and show them whatever proof they might need.
Also try personal recommendations - does your landlord know anyone in the area who might help? Does anyone at work know a landlord who might be prepared to give you a chance?
df

Thank you, Dancing Fairy, I will give those things a go, many thanks

poppysarah

Social housing an option? Get on the list!

gordonbennet

As a private LL I would (if I'm honest) be a bit nervous about letting to someone on HB, but that doesn't mean I would completely rule it out. If you were able to find a guarantor, that would make a huge difference, but you say that isn't possible. Think again, just in case there is someone you could ask.

But failing that, the only other advice I can give is to be absolutely straight forward and honest with the LL. I get the feeling you would do anyway. Maybe write them a letter to go with the application, setting out what you have explained above.

LocoLoco

poppysarah wrote: »

Social housing an option? Get on the list!

Thank you Poppy Sarah, we've been on it for ten years! So I'm not holding my breath but I will keep checking in with it.

LocoLoco

gordonbennet wrote: »

As a private LL I would (if I'm honest) be a bit nervous about letting to someone on HB, but that doesn't mean I would completely rule it out. If you were able to find a guarantor, that would make a huge difference, but you say that isn't possible. Think again, just in case there is someone you could ask.

But failing that, the only other advice I can give is to be absolutely straight forward and honest with the LL. I get the feeling you would do anyway. Maybe write them a letter to go with the application, setting out what you have explained above.

Thank you, GB, a letter's a good idea, I suppose in some ways it's a bit like approaching a company when you want a job, putting together a CV of sorts probably gives a better impression so I will sort something out with regards to that.


We are fortunate that we aren't in a rush to move which is a really big help so I'm sure eventually we'll find something, it's just helpful being able to ask the people at the other end of it what might help them to make a decision in our favour so thank you to everyone for your suggestions.

RAS

You can get additional LHA to cover 2 properties for one month or so; do check that out as it may enable you to grab what comes up.

Have you check your LHA rate locally?

straas

Whereabouts are you based? I imagine that would make a difference.