Housing benefit, joint tenancy but not sharing?

rtcw

Here's the situation:

It's time for my mother and her disabled son (my brother) to move out because of something not in her control.

I've tried searching for a place for them. Not many places will accept HB tenants, let alone, for her to pass credit checks.

As far as I know, there are only two alternatives:

1. Involve myself to sign the contract as a joint tenant with her so I can pay the deposit, pass credit checks and pay any fees. Also to hide the fact she's HB claimant. It appears that the guarantor thing is only for young people.

2. Her disabled son works but he earns little, however his credit history is pretty much gold. I could ask him to sign joint tenancy with her mother and pass credit checks. I'll cover the deposit and any other fees.

Since her son earns very little, they both can't afford shared accommodation rate. It has to be 2 bedroom rate.

Is this possible? If so, which methods are the best?

pmlindyloo

rtcw wrote: »

Here's the situation:

It's time for my mother and her disabled son (my brother) to move out because of something not in her control.

I've tried searching for a place for them. Not many places will accept HB tenants, let alone, for her to pass credit checks.

As far as I know, there are only two alternatives:

1. Involve myself to sign the contract as a joint tenant with her so I can pay the deposit, pass credit checks and pay any fees. Also to hide the fact she's HB claimant. It appears that the guarantor thing is only for young people.

2. Her disabled son works but he earns little, however his credit history is pretty much gold. I could ask him to sign joint tenancy with her mother and pass credit checks. I'll cover the deposit and any other fees.

Since her son earns very little, they both can't afford shared accommodation rate. It has to be 2 bedroom rate.

Is this possible? If so, which methods are the best?

How complicated!

Is your mum working? Does she receive any other benefits?

Does your brother receive any benefits - DLA/PIP?

What are the circumstances involving their having to move/

Sorry for all the questions but answers are relevant as regards HB situation/tenancy and whether they can make a homeless application.

rtcw

Mum does work, again she earns little. I don't know if she receives any of other benefits.

Yes, my brother receives PIP.

They had to move because the owner said so.

pmlindyloo

Easiest way if for you to act as a guarantor.

So tenancy in either your brother's name or your mother's name. LHA entitlement for two bed.

If brother receives DLA/PIP then in his name as there would be no non dependent deductions for mum.

Or other way round. Mum named on tenancy agreement with son as non dependent - deduction form HB according to his income.

You could try different scenarios on the calculator at https://www.entitledto.co.uk.

rtcw

Thanks, I've looked into this matter again. It seems that if I went with the option of the tenancy in my brother 's name, or went with joint tenancy between the two, it would be difficult to hide the fact they are HB claimant. I don't know if it's normal for landlords to ask for proof of income, or anything else that might reveal that they are HB claimant.

The guarantor method would be the best but it's difficult to find a landlord willing to accept that as it's really only common in student areas.

Nevertheless, I'll keep trying searching for a home for them.

xylophone

In view of your brother's disability, is there any chance of a council or housing association property?

Caz3121

rtcw wrote: »

I don't know if it's normal for landlords to ask for proof of income, or anything else that might reveal that they are HB claimant.

When I rented it was the norm to credit check and ask for confirmation of income from employer
note many landlords do not rent to HB claimants as either their mortgage or insurance does not permit it. Your council should be able to provide details of private landlords that do accept housing benefit

rtcw

I'll contact local council to see if they keep a list of private landlords.

I just realised, and checked my credit history, it doesn't seem to show any evidence about income whatsoever. So, the only way for a landlord to know if you are on benefits is to ask you about your income right?

xylophone wrote: »

In view of your brother's disability, is there any chance of a council or housing association property?

No, I don't think that's possible.

nannytone_2

rtcw wrote: »

I'll contact local council to see if they keep a list of private landlords.

I just realised, and checked my credit history, it doesn't seem to show any evidence about income whatsoever. So, the only way for a landlord to know if you are on benefits is to ask you about your income right?



No, I don't think that's possible.

the landlord may well ask for proof of income.
they wont rent a property unless they are sure you can afford it.
they do a credit check just to make sure you have no history of non payments.

you can of course lie ...
but if you do, this would compromise the usual tenants rights, as well as possibly leaving both your family, and the property, un insured.