Housing Benefit Questions

bocumaroy

Hi,

I've got a room that I'm due to rent from August but I've recently found out I might have to claim benefits rather than continue as a student (it's not a student only house though), so my first question is do I have to inform the landlord about this? I know there's often reluctancy to rent to people on housing benefits and I'm worried about losing the room. Or would they be contacted anyway after I make an application?

My second question probably assumes that the landlord would have to know about it anyway, but the agreed rent is a bit above the local housing allowance - would the landlord be forced to reduce the rent to meet this, or can I borrow a bit from my parents (who are also guarantors) to make up the shortfall?

Caz3121

bocumaroy wrote: »

but the agreed rent is a bit above the local housing allowance - would the landlord be forced to reduce the rent to meet this, or can I borrow a bit from my parents (who are also guarantors) to make up the shortfall?

no the landlord will not be forced to change the rent, you would be expected to make up the difference from your other benefits

NYM

No, the LL wouldn't have to reduce the rent charged for the room. You'll have to make up any shortfall.

Ames

Have you already passed the checks and signed the agreement? If so there's no reason your landlord should know if you're on benefits.

He won't be forced to lower the rent, you'll have to find the extra money yourself, from other benefits or as you say borrowing from parents.

What kind of tenancy agreement is it? Is it just for a room with everyone on separate agreements or are you all renting the whole house between you? If it's the latter if someone (or everyone) stops paying you or your parents would be expected to pay for the whole house.

NYM

You should really let your landlord know that you are claiming to keep everything above board in respect of his insurances/mortgage etc., As it's only a room you're renting I don't really see much of a problem.

Bananas123

just tell them, that you have a change in circumstance, BUT that you have a guarantor.

if i was a landlord (which i am far removed from) i would take a guarantor over a student, unless the rent was coming from money they didn't have direct acess to.... (must be a ballache finding new tenants all the time / clearing up after)

some landlords won't accept DSS though (fullstop), but alot of people on benefits can't guarantee payment.... so i think you should be fine, regardless (??).

best to get things sorted prior though, so not niggling down the line ? imho

bocumaroy

thanks for all the responses, i think giving consideration to the comments from bananas and nym i will be upfront about it to avoid further complication down the line.

can i set up a claim now for when i move in, or do i have to already be living there?

[Deleted User]

You need a tenancy agreement

GlasweJen

If you're the only non-student you'll end up liable for 75% of the council tax, you might get council tax benefit but it's not guaranteed to cover the entire bill.

Prinzessilein

I think you should tell the landlord if you start to claim benefits....It's not only a reluctance to accept tenants on HB, it can also be an issue with the landlord's insurance. (Some landlords would actually be willing to accept HB tenants, but are not covered by their insurance)