How do people on benefits find somewhere to live!!

Keeping

I am currently on benefits and I'm trying to find somewhere to live but it's impossible! Every single estate agents never accepts housing benefit, dssmove.co.uk doesn't have any properties I can afford in my area, or anywhere that I would be willing to relocate to.

I'm on the housing register but I just don't understand, there are hundreds of thousands of people on benefits, where do they all live?! Landlords don't seem to want to go near people on benefits. I have deposit money, 3 months rent in advance etc but they just don't want to know.

Even google doesn't have an answer!

atolaas

Most estate agents will take you on providing you have a person who's willing to be a guarantor (someone who will pay the rent in the event that you aren't able to) for you. I've been able to do this for my previous and current properties. In my case, my mother is my guarantor.

Keeping

atolaas wrote: »

Most estate agents will take you on providing you have a person who's willing to be a guarantor (someone who will pay the rent in the event that you aren't able to) for you. I've been able to do this for my previous and current properties. In my case, my mother is my guarantor.

But isn't it ultimately the landlords decision whether or not to accept housing benefits or is it the estate agents choice?

New_User

My soon to be lodger found the same problem.
You may find that a landlord is happier to take you in as a lodger, rather than as a tenant.
I'm new to all this, but going by my friend's recent experience, landlords are reluctant to take on DSS tenants due to many factors.
Do you have a guarantor?
What's your rental / employment references like?

Voyager2002

Keeping wrote: »

But isn't it ultimately the landlords decision whether or not to accept housing benefits or is it the estate agents choice?

Yes, but most landlords pay an agent to find a "suitable" tenant.

An additional problem is that insurance companies make life very difficult for landlords who accept unemployed tenants.

New_User

Keeping wrote: »

But isn't it ultimately the landlords decision whether or not to accept housing benefits or is it the estate agents choice?

I think in theory, it is the landlord's decision. BUT it also depends upon his bank, insurance company etc.

New_User

I think it also depends upon the geographical region as well.
Areas with less employment and transport links can have more properties available to DSS tenants.

atolaas

Keeping wrote: »

But isn't it ultimately the landlords decision whether or not to accept housing benefits or is it the estate agents choice?

The decision lies with the landlord. They are more inclined to accept a tenant on DSS who has a guarantor.

missapril75

Noticeboards in supermarkets or shop windows?

You might have better luck with a room in a shared house or someone looking to take someone as their mortgage helper.

Granted it's not like having a place to yourself but not many people do.

dandelionclock30

Are you bidding for council/Housing Association properties as well?. Also go into your local homeless section of the council or the Big Issue office and ask if they have a list of places that accept DSS tennants.
Also look in places like alternative health food shop type places as they sometimes have boards up with rooms/flats advertised.

dippy3103

Ring your housing options team at the council & ask to speak to the homelessness prevention officer. They usually hold a list of landlords that do accept HB