new to renting how likely am i to get a place

Jalal

Hi everyone

Looking for a place to rent as a single person even in a flatshare and only started learning about the renting "world". I work on a casual basis for a number of reasons including my erratic life so the flexibility of booking shifts when i want is good unfortunately in a given month usually 1 week there are no shifts. So i have not been working a great deal. I am 26. But am now more organised with my ill mother to start working more hours and even get a permanent job.

I get the impression getting a room is like an interview and whether landlord likes your history. How will i stand with this.

If generally i can work about 30-36 hrs a week can i get housing benefit, how much will i get or should i forgoe this to atttract landlords and just pay them myself.

Is it illegal to to not declare DSS even if its payed only in your account -i seeing there are legal issues with this so llords avoid dss tenants.

Where to look for l.lords that accept DSS tenants.

[Deleted User]

Is there an urgent need to find somewhere to rent?

It might be best to wait until you are in a more secure full time job? The last thing anyone needs is to be worrying about getting themselves into debt paying rent.

With irregular earnings its a bit difficult to work out what benefits you would be entitled to. Possible but complicated.

If your mother is ill, and this is causing the irregular lifestyle, I'm afraid this won't go away if you move out. Either she won't get help if/when she needs it (unless alternative arrangements are made) or you'll be getting distressing calls for help. I'm not judging you, just wondering if some additional arrangements need to be made before/if you move out.

Jalal

thanks for the reply i just need some time to grow as a person and my mum is with my sister for a while. With my casual work there are usually shifts, but i think ill find some full time work in the time being? Do you think its necessary to tell landlords that you are claiming housing benefit if your work covers the rent anyway.

Surely i will have to find a place first or ask council for dss rent list ?

pmlindyloo

Jalal wrote: »

thanks for the reply i just need some time to grow as a person and my mum is with my sister for a while. With my casual work there are usually shifts, but i think ill find some full time work in the time being? Do you think its necessary to tell landlords that you are claiming housing benefit if your work covers the rent anyway.

Surely i will have to find a place first or ask council for dss rent list ?

Since you are under 35 then you will only be eligible for the shared accommodation rate of local housing allowance. You can find out how much this is by looking at your local council website.

If you are working then it is unlikely that you would get housing benefit unless you live in a very expensive area.

As you are over 25 then you may be eligible for working tax credit if you got a job for 30 hrs a week (the minimum hours a week in your circumstances to claim working tax credits) at national minimum wage.

I agree with others that your first priority is to find a full time job and then look for a shared house.

You can play around with figures by putting your details into the benefit calculator on https://www.turn2us.co.uk.

Don't forget a landlord will require a deposit and first month's rent up front.

Guest101

If you work 30-35 hours, as a single person with no kids, I do not believe you would get housing benefit (now I could be wrong)


Given the minimum wage is £7.20 x 30 = £216 per week, you should fairly comfortable afford a room which is £70-80 per week. does this exist in your area?

Jalal

Guest101 wrote: »

If you work 30-35 hours, as a single person with no kids, I do not believe you would get housing benefit (now I could be wrong)


Given the minimum wage is £7.20 x 30 = £216 per week, you should fairly comfortable afford a room which is £70-80 per week. does this exist in your area?

yes i was just getting my head around in case i was eligible- so generally a single person working full time would not get it i guess? as the LHA is around £75

Also with my casual work which for the time being is pretty regular and around 30+ hrs max do you think l.lords woul daccept me if i pay deposit and rent advance as i have savings. I am just concerned that they wont be attracted to me ?

If i was to have full time work how easy is it to find a place?
Also in case my casual work ceases how soon can one get onto h.benefit-just so i am safe?