Problem with advance rent for housing association property

[Deleted User]

Unfortunately, there are some housing associations who charge a slightly higher rent (not a social rent), who do demand rent in advance.

I am a little worried that housing might get difficult if you are unable to take up this housing offer.

I'd advise contacting your MP or counsellor on Monday, explain the situation and ask them to see if they can help.

Most people are contactable by email.., including your MP.

moneyistooshorttomention

Could you produce proof that you've always paid your rent okay on time and a copy of the last few month's bank statements and ask whether they might "exercise their discretion" to wait for this advance rent? It would be as well to explain to them how you are in this position (if not to us on the Board) and then they might be more understanding possibly? It is difficult to get your mind round a "few hundred £s" not being available from some source or other (if a bank overdraft - as it has been sometimes) and hence they are likely to be puzzled and you have to persuade them it's safe for them to break their rules on this occasion as a one-off.

I guess the other thing is whether it would make any difference if you were able to find a suitable guarantor.

Gigervamp

People on benefits rarely have a few hundred pounds sitting around and an overdraft is not always a possibility. Some bank accounts don't allow them.

It's quite easy to "get your head around" the fact that poor people are less likely to have these things, especially if they're relying on benefits.

UN17ED

LittleMax wrote: »

If the circumstances are as you describe and you will qualify for full housing benefit then you should not need to pay any rent up front.

Instead the HA should ensure you have completed the form to transfer the HB to your new address and should do this with you when you sign the tenancy agreement.

They should have asked to see proof of your income so that they know that you will qualify for full HB - have they asked for this?

Sorry for not replying but only just got access to internet, HA came and saw me either at the start of this year or end of last year and I gave them proof of income.

The rent in advance was in the offer letter in bold stating before we give you the keys to your new home we require 4 weeks advance rent.

UN17ED

deannatrois wrote: »

Unfortunately, there are some housing associations who charge a slightly higher rent (not a social rent), who do demand rent in advance.

I am a little worried that housing might get difficult if you are unable to take up this housing offer.

I'd advise contacting your MP or counsellor on Monday, explain the situation and ask them to see if they can help.

Most people are contactable by email.., including your MP.

My local housing department are known for their lack of empathy, rudeness etc and have constantly asked for proof of illness etc from my GP then completely ignore it.

I did try my local MP and was advised that he does not have any sway over the decisions that the housing department make.

UN17ED

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

Could you produce proof that you've always paid your rent okay on time and a copy of the last few month's bank statements and ask whether they might "exercise their discretion" to wait for this advance rent? It would be as well to explain to them how you are in this position (if not to us on the Board) and then they might be more understanding possibly? It is difficult to get your mind round a "few hundred £s" not being available from some source or other (if a bank overdraft - as it has been sometimes) and hence they are likely to be puzzled and you have to persuade them it's safe for them to break their rules on this occasion as a one-off.

I guess the other thing is whether it would make any difference if you were able to find a suitable guarantor.

I would have to contact my ex landlords who I hate with a passion due to them destroying everything my family and I had plus one of them stating that I was faking my disability and didn't need my mobility scooter or walking stick.

Unfortunately this last 2 years has been a living hell and it makes all the soaps look like comedies.

Mokka

Unfortunately the problem with housing associations (who offer assured tenancies, as opposed to secure tenancies) is that they can evict you if you owe them more than 6 weeks rent. The fact that your Housing Benefit is late is irrelevant. The fact that not having the money is beyond your control is completely irrelevant. So you need to be prepared for such situations- unfortunately nobody will be able to help you. If you apply for Housing Benefit for this new property now it is very likely to take more than 6 weeks to sort out. HA knows this and does not want to be in position of having to evict a new tenants.

That's why council properties, although not as 'nice' as HA, are more desirable for people in your situation.

Bite the bullet and apply for a credit card? It's not so bad if you pay it off as soon as you can, put it away and don't use it, keeping it just for emergencies.

For a payday loan you would need a cheque too, so this is not really an option for you.

Research charities in your area- there might be a charity which would give a loan? Or a credit union?

Getting angry at the HA is not going to be helpful, the law is on their side I am afraid.

HappyMJ

UN17ED wrote: »

Sorry for not replying but only just got access to internet, HA came and saw me either at the start of this year or end of last year and I gave them proof of income.

The rent in advance was in the offer letter in bold stating before we give you the keys to your new home we require 4 weeks advance rent.

How about a Provident loan? I'm not sure how much rent you need upfront but assuming it's about £600 for 4 weeks then a Provident loan would cost £21 per week for 52 weeks and they do lend to tenants on benefits and collect the payment from your house every week. There are other similar lenders that do those types of loans.

UN17ED

Mokka wrote: »

Unfortunately the problem with housing associations (who offer assured tenancies, as opposed to secure tenancies) is that they can evict you if you owe them more than 6 weeks rent. The fact that your Housing Benefit is late is irrelevant. The fact that not having the money is beyond your control is completely irrelevant. So you need to be prepared for such situations- unfortunately nobody will be able to help you. If you apply for HA for this new property now it is very likely to take more than 6 weeks to sort out. HA knows this and does not want to be in position of having to evict a new tenants.

That's why council properties, although not as 'nice' as HA, are more desirable for people in your situation.

Bite the bullet and apply for a credit card? It's not so bad if you pay it off as soon as you can, put it away and don't use it, keeping it just for emergencies.

For a payday loan you would need a cheque too, so this is not really an option for you.

Research charities in your area- there might be a charity which would give a loan? Or a credit union?

Getting angry at the HA is not going to be helpful, the law is on their side I am afraid.

I have found a couple of local charities that can give me some money which has helped me me no end and I am so grateful to them, I have no problem with my new housing association except for the fact that they gave such a short time to gather the funds.

My hatred is for our previous HA who are a disgrace and I'm hoping that the court comes down on them for their treatment of me and my family.

UN17ED

HappyMJ wrote: »

How about a Provident loan? I'm not sure how much rent you need upfront but assuming it's about £600 for 4 weeks then a Provident loan would cost £21 per week for 52 weeks and they do lend to tenants on benefits and collect the payment from your house every week. There are other similar lenders that do those types of loans.

I will give them a look. I have used my DLA payment which has left me with a few pounds but I figured it would be better than losing the property.