Benefit claiments being discriminated against housing

GiveMeABreak

I have phoned up about 20 properties that were up for let and everytime I tell the estate agent I am on disability benefit and housing benefit they tell me that the landlord doesn't accept housing benefit. Even after I explain to the estate agent that it's long term disability benefit and not JSA or something.

I have offered to show them my award letter which has been awarded for 5 years, my bank statements showing ingoings and outgoings, my previous landlord for a reference, 3 months rent in advance + a double deposit and STILL they won't even give me a chance.

I get paid £1551 a month yet I can't "afford" to rent a 1bedroom flat for £500 a month how ridiculous is that?! It's insane!

My disability benefit has been awarded for 5 straight years so for all intents and purposes it's more secure than a job as people get made redundant etc.

The only time they will consider me is if I pay 6months rent in advance which is fine but then the estate agents tell me that 6 months rent in advance would be a 6 month contract = no security for me.

I don't have a guarantor I am completely alone so I am doing everything in my power to get it across that I am an honest, reliable, professional but who can't work because of his disability.

If it was JSA I would understand because if you miss an appointment you lose JSA etc but I just feel like I'm being discriminated against because I am on disability benefit and unable to work.

Ridiculous!

specialboy

Their house their rules. Have you tried to see if you can get a mortgage and buy a place of your own?

Bantex_2

In effect, nobody gets more than 6 months security.

Marktheshark

They don't want benefit claimants because demand is outstripping supply.
Renting property is now a gold mine once again.

mrsp89

Its up to the landlord - I know alot of mortgage companies dont let landlords rent out to people on benefits and the landlord has proabbly stipulated to the agent 'no benefits' - not any particular kind ... you may be better off trying to find a private landlord and asking them directly rather than throuhg agents ... and unfortantely most people only ever get 6 month contracts!

tommix

As you are disabled you might qualify for 'Priority status' with your local council. Which could get you a secure tenancy within 6 months.

GiveMeABreak

tommix wrote: »

As you are disabled you might qualify for 'Priority status' with your local council. Which could get you a secure tenancy within 6 months.

I am currently in band B and have been applying for a flat for 3 months now and still no joy. My support worker suggested trying to get me moved into band A but as I understand it always comes down to who has been on the list longer so I have already spent 3 months in band B so it's probably worth just sticking with band B.

I will check though thanks.

PasturesNew

Many landlords aren't planning on holding onto the house forever/long - they probably don't want to be evicting somebody who is disabled, knowing they're likely to sell up in the next 1-3 years.

Also, many mortgage providers don't allow them to rent to people on benefits - that's part of the mortgage agreement, so they can't break that rule.

BigAunty

There was a thread a week or two ago by someone in the same position. However, they subsequently found that once they'd explained about their disability benefit, they were invited to viewings. There was a lot of helpful advice on that thread but I can't find it now.

haras_nosirrah

A lot of mortgage companies deem letting to benefit tenants against the terms of the mortgage companies and the insurance companies will also not insure or give higher premiums on the landlord policies if rented to benefit claimants.

It is an unfortunate situation

GiveMeABreak

haras_nosirrah wrote: »

A lot of mortgage companies deem letting to benefit tenants against the terms of the mortgage companies and the insurance companies will also not insure or give higher premiums on the landlord policies if rented to benefit claimants.

It is an unfortunate situation

It's an infortunate situation because the mortgage companies are discriminating against people on benefits. Could you imagine the uproar if a mortgage provider didn't accept black people or mexicans or men who are not married etc?

It's just wrong.