Can a council tenant on housing benefit rent another property privately?

stars2012

Hello, can I as a council tenant (claiming housing benefit and council tax credit) rent another property elsewhere privately? Would that affect my secure council tenancy and/or housing benefit/council tax credit to live on TWO addresses?
I intend to use the other address for business, but I'm not sure whether that matters to the council or not.
Thank you.

NYM

What kind of business premises ?
An office, an industrial unit...shop ?

S0litaire

I'm not 100% sure (others will have better understanding) but...They might take an interest into your finances. If you can afford a second rent, to a physical property, they may reduce your housing benefits. since you're income is over the threshold for support.

Do you need a physical property? Can a Post Office box not be sufficient?

stars2012

Hi all, the private property I'd be renting (for a very small, affordable amount) would be a music studio where I could sleep as well. Do you think the council would mind that I have two addresses..?

stars2012

The property I'd be renting (for an affordable amount) would be a music studio where I could sleep as well. Do you think it would be a problem for the council that I have two addresses..?

NYM

lucinka77 wrote: »

The property I'd be renting (for an affordable amount) would be a music studio where I could sleep as well. Do you think it would be a problem for the council that I have two addresses..?

You wouldn't have two homes though would you ? You'd have the place you live at and the other would be your business premises surely ? If you occasionally slept 'at work' it doesn't make it your home.

I am of course assuming it's a commercial studio ?

stars2012

Actually it is a cottage that our friend would rent us for almost nothing. That's why it WOULD be like a second home. We'd be using one room as a recording studio - homemade, not commercial. Do you still think this would be seen as fraud by the council...?
I just need to know whether it is LEGAL to have TWO addresses - as a council tenant in one flat, and as as a private tenant in the other, regardless whether I use it for business or not. Many thanks!

tomtontom

Is there a reason you cannot live in the cottage?

Are you still "working" as an artist while your husband writes a book?

Caz3121

Probably worth reading up on UC and how it will affect you. From working 30 hours a week for £1000 a year profit you will likely find that your income will be assessed as NMW so you may no longer qualify for the benefits you receive and your business may be classed as non-viable (if you were not receiving WTC and other benefits would you be able to earn a living from this business?)...
if the rent for this place is more than £20 per week it will cost you more than you currently make from the business a year. Do you have a business case that shows that the business can afford the rent for this property?

pmlindyloo

You are not making it very clear so that we can advise you.

Do you and your partner intend to live at the cottage? If so, how often?

Will you have a proper tenancy agreement? Will you be paying council tax or business rates?

It all depends on where your main home is.

Look at your council tenancy agreement and see what it says about leaving the property empty.

Your difficulty might be that one of your neighbours report you for living elsewhere - totally frowned upon by the council.

Be very wary.

jd87

If you're living in this cottage/studio/business premises/whatever, then why do you need the council flat?