How do people on benefits find somewhere to live!!

Keeping

nannytone wrote: »

i would, and i would suggest that you contact them in person or phone them.
if you arent able to for some reason, maybe you could get someone else to do it on your behalf?

i know when i was looking for a private rental ( about 3 years ago) that even though the agents said no benefit claimants, that when i approached them in person and explained the benefits i was receiving and why ... most were willing to accept me with a guarantor
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/17770380
that one doesnt say no DSS
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/93604
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/3431423
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/details/1590473

Thanks for the links, perhaps I'll try phoning them instead of emailing them.

New_User

If you are thinking of becoming a lodger, have a look at my previous post.
People have offered some good advice there.

Keeping

I phoned up a few estate agents today and actually I'm quite suprised at how easily they said housing benefit was not a problem when they told me if I can put down 6 months rent in advance instead lol.

Anyway I've found an estate agents who has shown me a few flats and it looks promising, they're quite nice and she seems sympathetic to my housing benefit issue.

Going to view two flats tomorrow! Thanks for all the tips :T

BigAunty

Put a wanted ad on Gumtree? Be aware of scammers that haunt the advert and follow their stay safe advice.

Ignore all 'No DSS/HB' stipulatations on adverts posted there from private landlords that offer accommodation by sending them a polite outline of your situation with any positive info about being able to pay extra rent in advance, offer a guarantor, the fact that your LHA rate and benefits make the rent affordable, or that you can provide excellent references (whatever positive elements are applicable) to try and make a landlord think twice about their point blank refusals.

I understand the Spare Room website does offer self contained accommodation, not just room shares, and has a 'HB accepted' filter for the search.

mattcanary

lisyloo wrote: »

Well as you said it's what you are "entitled" to under the laws of this land.
If some folks want to get funny then that's really their problem.
I hope you find help here.

Yes, ignore them.


There are far too many on this forum at the moment, mind you. The forum regulators need to clamp down on them.

weavedribbon

i'm in a similar situation to you financially but luckily have a flat now. try looking on gumtree, i've seen some places there that seem less "strict". i agree with the people suggesting a guarantor too. i had to provide bank statements before i was "approved" so the landlord must have seen i'm on benefits. sometimes it is worth asking people even when it says "no DSS" because some might b willing to accept you given your circumstances. good luck, it's hard work finding a place!