Tenancy coming to an end can I get a new place without telling them about HB?

cashmonger

I remember on the HB form there is a question specifically to tick if you don't want HB to tell the landlord you are claiming so it must be allowed?

I would like to move to another city but it was really hard to find a suitable place that would also allow me to rent on HB since I want to live in the city centre and everyone in city centres are soulless money grubbers. They just get a dispondant and condescending look on their face as soon as you mention those dreaded two words 'housing benefit'. My track record means nothing; that I've never been late with rent etc.

So am I obliged to tell them or not? I planned this out somewhat in the past when I didn't end up moving. I was thinking I could tell them my mum is paying for it and I can just pay the HB to my mum. I checked with CAB a few years ago and I think they said that it is allowed. Just want to get other opinions before diving in to see whether it would go smoothly.

Since HB is always paid into my account I don't see how they'd ever need to know? In all the years I've been at my current address I don't think there has been any cause for them to know that info although I did tell these ones upfront first- but it was more luck that I got this place I think. I could get lucky if I tried again but I'd also likely lose alot of suitable opportunities because of it.

Guest101

cashmonger wrote: »

I remember on the HB form there is a question specifically to tick if you don't want HB to tell the landlord you are claiming so it must be allowed? - Well normally the council need a form to be filled out to confirm the rent etc. You say the tenancy is coming to an end, but on what basis, you are giving notice? or a court has ordered it? Those are the only two ways for it to end

I would like to move to another city but it was really hard to find a suitable place that would also allow me to rent on HB since I want to live in the city centre and everyone in city centres are soulless money grubbers. -well they're running a business. No-one owes you a place to live. They just get a dispondant and condescending look on their face as soon as you mention those dreaded two words 'housing benefit'. My track record means nothing; that I've never been late with rent etc. - well that's not relevant is it? They can choose who to rent to

So am I obliged to tell them or not? - legally obliged? no. But they might evict you if they find out. I planned this out somewhat in the past when I didn't end up moving. I was thinking I could tell them my mum is paying for it - That wont be enough to pass the credit checks. and I can just pay the HB to my mum. - That seems silly. I checked with CAB a few years ago and I think they said that it is allowed. Just want to get other opinions before diving in to see whether it would go smoothly. - Allowed? Yes. But no-one has to actually let you do it.

Since HB is always paid into my account I don't see how they'd ever need to know? - as long as the council don't ask, or they don't ask to see your bank statements. In all the years I've been at my current address I don't think there has been any cause for them to know that info although I did tell these ones upfront first- but it was more luck that I got this place I think. I could get lucky if I tried again but I'd also likely lose alot of suitable opportunities because of it.

It just depends if you want to be moving again in 6 months if they do find out I suppose.

cashmonger

I'm not being thrown out the tenancy is ending you know you arrange a contract for a year and the year ends It is just a matter of whether I renew or not. It is around the end of June so I am just analysing my options. My soul is so crushed living in this place I feel I will die if I live here any more.

Regarding credit checks by the estate agents it is my mum who's credit is checked not me isnt it if she is the only one who's paying. I can make out like I'm a spoilt son and the mother is just paying it for me so they don't need to see my earnings then do they? She has been a teacher all her life and has great credit record.

Though for HB they can see what they want of my accounts.

Guest101

cashmonger wrote: »

I'm not being thrown out the tenancy is ending you know you arrange a contract for a year and the year ends It is just a matter of whether I renew or not. It is around the end of June so I am just analysing my options. My soul is so crushed living in this place I feel I will die if I live here any more.

Regarding credit checks it is my mum who's credit is ckecked not me isnt it if she is the only one who's paying. I can make out like I'm a spoilt son and the mother is just paying it for me. Though for HB they can see what they want.

Just because a fixed term ends, doesn't mean a tenancy ends. You can stay on if you wish. You do not need to renew.
- but it sounds like you want to leave so fair enough.


No, you are the tenant and you are liable for the rent. So you are credit checked.

GobbledyGook

Why would only your Mum be credit checked for your tenancy? If your Mum is the official tenant then you won't be eligible for Housing Benefit.

If your Mum is willing to be your guarantor then you might get on ok with LL's, but to claim HB you'll need to be the tenant and go through all the checks.

Bear in mind though some won't rent to you because their mortgage prohibits it, rather than them having anything against HB tenants.

FBaby

You can put your mum as a guarantor, but that won't increase your chances much if you can't declare any income. Telling the agency that your mum will pay is not going to do it because the contract will need to be with you as the tenant, not your mum.

Some landlords might accept you on HB if your mum is prepared to be your guarantor, but ultimately, either you have an income and can prove it, or you don't. Some landlords might be more prepared to take you on if you are working, but need a top up for housing then if you are on JSA. In any case, most landlords will want to do a credit check on you to see whether you do have an income coming in.

cashmonger

I see I guess I would have to tell them then since I have HB going into my account for the past several years.

I am self employed and my earnings very sporadic but I have gold fever and have to keep at it till I am making steady money. No other way.