Discretionary housing payment

flick24

We've been accepted as tenants with a guarantor and are getting sent contracts today. We were told by the council we would be granted a dhp to cover deposit and first month's rent. Nothing has been mentioned so far about how we are paying and now I'm worried they might pull out as its more hassle. Do we have to tell them, will the council inform them.

pmlindyloo

flick24 said:

We've been accepted as tenants with a guarantor and are getting sent contracts today. We were told by the council we would be granted a dhp to cover deposit and first month's rent. Nothing has been mentioned so far about how we are paying and now I'm worried they might pull out as its more hassle. Do we have to tell them, will the council inform them.

Have you actually applied for a DHP?

poppy12345

flick24 said:

 We were told by the council we would be granted a dhp

Did you receive a decision letter after applying?

flick24

Not yet, we went for another property before and our housing officer asked for the details and agents contact details then it fell through.

poppy12345

You need to apply by filling out a form. A decision can take a few weeks. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

pmlindyloo

You need to urgently ring the council/housing officer and update them about the property you have been offered.
Usually no money is actually given for the deposit - the council usually guarantees that they will cover any damages at the end of the tenancy.  The first month's rent should be sent to you to pass to the landlord.  As I say this is usually what happens - perhaps your case is different.
I am presuming this is a private rental rather than social housing.
When are you supposed to be moving into this property?

flick24

Yes it's private, I will call council on Monday, but will our application be confidential, do they have to inform the agents. 

poppy12345

flick24 said:

 do they have to inform the agents. 

Yes for the deposit because it's a guarantee not money. Do the agents know you're claiming benefits?

calcotti

poppy12345 said:

flick24 said:

 do they have to inform the agents. 

Yes for the deposit because it's a guarantee not money. 

I don't think that is necessarily the case. DHP can provide money for a deposit or rent in advance. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

Robbie64

It's up to the individual council whether they pay money or act as a guarantor for the deposit.

badromancer

flick24 said:

Yes it's private, I will call council on Monday, but will our application be confidential, do they have to inform the agents. 

I was awarded a DHP for a rent in advance and deposit yesterday. The Council did contact the agent, as they usually send the payment to them directly. You need to apply for the DHP ASAP. It took around 8 working days before I received a decision, which was just in time as I am due to move this weekend.