First time renting help!!!

Kayteighgoodwin

Me and a friend are currently looking to move out together from a shared house to a flat. I have no idea where I stand with much my friend is currently working part time and I am employed but on long term sick leave so I receive housing benefits so going forward I do not know if I would stand to loose these benefits? Should we go onto a joint tenancy agreement or should my friend have sole tenancy? As I do not want to loose my benefits. Very confused😕

ap1985

Would you still not continue to receive housing benefits to help towards the rent for the flat?

Pixie5740

Why do you think you would lose your housing benefit by moving in with your friend? You would either (and most likely) have a joint tenancy with your friend or your friend would have the tenancy and you would be her lodger. Either way you will have rent to pay and will be eligible to claim housing benefit.

I would think that prospective landlords would prefer for you both to be named on the tenancy agreement as it's unlikely that your friend will meet the affordability for a tenancy on her own if she is only working part time.

Be aware that a joint tenancy means that you each have joint and several liability for the whole rent, not just half of it.

Kayteighgoodwin

So going forward you would advice that we are both named on the tenancy agreement and I will still be able to claim housing benefits?

Pixie5740

From Citizens Advice:

"To get Housing Benefit you must pay rent. It does not matter if your landlord is the council, a housing association or private landlord. You can also claim Housing Benefit if you rent a room in a hostel, or are a boarder. You can claim it if you share a flat or a house and can get Housing Benefit as a joint tenant or a sub-tenant."