House renting question

Aaronlm

I'm looking to move in with my grandfather who is in a council house being paid by housing benefits. I am working full time and willing to pay the rent and tax. Will there be any issue with me doing this. He's getting old now so I wanna be there to help him while I'm single. Also would it cause a d issues if I left in a few years? Would he ba able to keep the home and 're apply for housing benefits? Thanks

theartfullodger

What sort of tenancy does he have - "presumably secure"?? Check. If so you might have a right (eventually, I know you weren't asking) to "succeed" to the tenancy.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/council_housing_association/secure_council_tenancies
&
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/council_housing_association/can_you_inherit_a_council_tenancy

Check the terms (either the tenancy or council website or ask them) that you can move in. Normally yes, no problem (assuming enough room). Highly likely HB & perhaps other benefits will be affected due to your income, but I can't see why he should lose his home.

Check out both now & when you-move-in benefits using
https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Council tax will go up as no longer entitled to 25% single-occupant discount.

Best wishes to you both

NB Check it is still council landlord: Many have been sold off to other organisations...

Aaronlm

I'm happy to pay it all but if i meet someone and settle down I wanna know he'll be safe to stay there. Not sure exactly but I assume it's secure tenancy. There's never been any issues it's his house til he dies we assume. He's worrying that he will lose his state pension if I move in. I dont think they will ever stop that will they?

HampshireH

He won't have his house taken off him if you move in then out again. Unless you cause significant problems that require tenancy enforcement action (obviously assuming that not going to happen ).

The coming and going of an additional occupant won't affect the rights of his tenancy agreement. always best to let the Council/HA know you are becoming an occupant and again if you leave.

People's benefit entitlement changes all the time depending on circumstances. It may be disruptive if you leave and he has to re-claim benefits and there may be a delay. But if you are supporting him then you would surely cover any rent until his claim is back in place so he doesnt fall into arrears.

Can't comment on the state pension, I always thought it was a personal benefit and not related to changes in occupancy. Unless there is a Wife/Partner who may affect the claim or lack of qualifying payments to NI.

G_M

state pension will be unaffected.

HB is likely to be removed while you are there.

Single occupancy discounton councl tax (25%) will be removed)

pmlindyloo

It would be sensible to check which benefits your grandad is actually receiving so more detailed advice can be given.

For instance he might be receiving pension credit and/ or DLA/PIP/AA?

Your moving in would usually mean that there would be a non dependent deduction from his housing benefit. If he were receiving DLA/ PIP /AA then no dependent deduction would be made.

Other benefits may be affected.

Find out his details and post on the benefits board for detailed help.

Aaronlm

He's only receiving housing benefits and his pension. I think the council tax is paid for him aswell but bot certain on that.

Margot123

The Council will ask why you want to move in. You may be required to provide evidence that grandfather needs care eg is he on Attendance Allowance, are you able to devote the minimum number of hours to caring for him (they may question that with a full time job)?

Simply being of an advanced age does not imply a need for care.

Councils are quite naturally wary of those wanting cheap housing and avoidance of being on a waiting list (NOT saying this is your case BTW).

Aaronlm

I don't really want to move in solely for the care aspect. I need somewhere to live aswell and I'm willing to pay whatever I have to. Would this be an issue.

Margot123

Aaronlm wrote: »

I don't really want to move in solely for the care aspect. I need somewhere to live aswell and I'm willing to pay whatever I have to. Would this be an issue.

I imagine the Council will ask all sorts of questions; it is their property after all.

If they didn't, then they would have a lot of properties where younger people were moving in with older ones for the reasons I have previously stated.

Ring the Council for clarification. Don't just move in with your Grandfather as he could be in trouble for subletting without consent. I know someone who did exactly that; they lost their right to social housing and so did the illegal tenant.

agrinnall

Margot123 wrote: »

I imagine the Council will ask all sorts of questions; it is their property after all.

If they didn't, then they would have a lot of properties where younger people were moving in with older ones for the reasons I have previously stated.

Ring the Council for clarification. Don't just move in with your Grandfather as he could be in trouble for subletting without consent. I know someone who did exactly that; they lost their right to social housing and so did the illegal tenant.

I think your imagination is running riot [STRIKE]right[/STRIKE]. It is in no way subletting, at most the OP would be a lodger, but I'm not sure that a family member would even be regarded as that. Unless you can back up your views with legislation I'd say they are unnecessary scaremongering.