NO DSS Letting Agents and Landlords

GDB2222

David2710 said:

squizz11 said:

we also can afford the rent fairly easily as we are fairly frugal and don't drink, smoke or eat out alot,  my bank statements can prove that.   most UC credit tenants should manage fine especially if they have good rental history and manage their money correctly.    All tenants should be considered and references and history looked into 

Once again I find myself in complete agreement with you. After five years in my current address my LL has told me he needs to sell. That's five years of paying rent on time every time. Also the property is in much better condition than when I moved in. So LL references won't be a problem. I also have a much higher than average credit rating. Tick. I don't smoke or have pets, Tick, I can also pay 6 months rent in advance if the option were available. So on paper I'm the perfect tenant but because I'm claiming ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) and LHA my application is not worth the paper it's written on. The people most to blame for this and the current housing crisis are the previous Cameron administration who even today appear to have a vendetta against the sick, the disabled or those who are simply down on their luck. IDS and George Osborne in particular seemed to get much pleasure out it. I totally agree that all tenants should be judged on a case by case basis. Saying DSS considered is good start but is totally counterproductive if there's a caveat stating "with a guarantor". That's just taking the Mickey. 

I have a flat to let at the moment. North London. Want to take a look?

David2710

squizz11 said:

justworriedabit said:

squizz11 said:

justworriedabit said:

squizz11 said:

we also can afford the rent fairly easily as we are fairly frugal and don't drink, smoke or eat out alot,  my bank statements can prove that.   most UC credit tenants should manage fine especially if they have good rental history and manage their money correctly.    All tenants should be considered and references and history looked into 

Sure, all are "considered" and risk assessed. 
Why dod you think many LL's especially those with nice, newly decorated/etc property won't rent out to those on benefits or self employed.? Don't forget, not all LL's are rich as some are trying to create a pension, others circumstances like working overseas away from home etc are renting out their house etc - so who does the LL claim from when rent is not paid and you can't legally kick out the T for many, many months, the place is trashed, LL is paying the mortgage, possibly two and then legal fees, court and balif fees then repair fees, etc - who does the LL go after when it goes belly up as it does at times? 

You say you are a good T and I have no doubt, so why worry about LL's that dont want you and go for those that do?

its harder than a needle in a haystack,   you only need to mention UC that's it,  they don't look past it.   you make it sound so easy,   it really isn't,  especially when you need a largish house,  I rarely get to viewing stage.
I am reassessing how I approach LA now and now have an expenditure form and a upfront references and cover letter, so hopefully this will improve my chances

LL's are not charities but you know that.
I mean this, I honestly hope you get the type of property you want and very happy there.

I'm not asking for charity,  I'm asking for landlords to look at all tenants equally in the first place,   paying rent on time for 14 years,  having worked for the same company for 30 years and having excellent references has to count for something.

I think you were being trolled or patronised sqizz. Don't rise to the bait. I have written to my MP about this sorry state of affairs because only by changing the law will this practice stop. Landlords get away with this because the law allows it. Only certain protected groups such as BAME & LGBT communities and vulnerable people are protected under current legislation. There is legal precedent to warn LL's and agencies against this practice but it usually results a small fine. Maybe if it results in a lengthy custodial sentence and or a six figure lawsuit then it will no doubt concentrate minds. 

Have you contacted your MP as a matter of interest ? Also with excellent LL references and I presume a reasonably good credit rating you stand a good chance of finding a property in the private rented sector. Just don't reveal you're claiming Universal Credit or LHA because either they'll point to sign which reads "NO DSS" or you'll be shown the door poste haste. I know of a junior lawyer on UC but she's a 'professional' so no questions asked, nudge nudge, wink wink. I gave her excellent references btw. Also Citizens Advice should be able to help in regards to legal advice. If you are a carer for instance and have a vulnerable child I think you are already protected under current legislation. Worth checking out and the best of luck to you. 

SpiderLegs

David2710 said:

I think you were being trolled or patronised sqizz. Don't rise to the bait. I have written to my MP about this sorry state of affairs because only by changing the law will this practice stop. Landlords get away with this because the law allows it. Only certain protected groups such as BAME & LGBT communities and vulnerable people are protected under current legislation. There is legal precedent to warn LL's and agencies against this practice but it usually results a small fine. Maybe if it results in a lengthy custodial sentence and or a six figure lawsuit then it will no doubt concentrate minds. 

Have you contacted your MP as a matter of interest ? Also with excellent LL references and I presume a reasonably good credit rating you stand a good chance of finding a property in the private rented sector. Just don't reveal you're claiming Universal Credit or LHA because either they'll point to sign which reads "NO DSS" or you'll be shown the door poste haste. I know of a junior lawyer on UC but she's a 'professional' so no questions asked, nudge nudge, wink wink. I gave her excellent references btw. Also Citizens Advice should be able to help in regards to legal advice. If you are a carer for instance and have a vulnerable child I think you are already protected under current legislation. Worth checking out and the best of luck to you. 

Pretty much all you’ve done on this thread is complain about landlords (in some cases all landlords), providing no evidence of what it is you’re complaining about and called for some legal change that is already in law.

Now you want them jailed.
perhaps next it’ll be chemical castration?

teachfast

It's pure prejudice and I'm glad it is being stopped. 

David2710

SpiderLegs said:

David2710 said:

I think you were being trolled or patronised sqizz. Don't rise to the bait. I have written to my MP about this sorry state of affairs because only by changing the law will this practice stop. Landlords get away with this because the law allows it. Only certain protected groups such as BAME & LGBT communities and vulnerable people are protected under current legislation. There is legal precedent to warn LL's and agencies against this practice but it usually results a small fine. Maybe if it results in a lengthy custodial sentence and or a six figure lawsuit then it will no doubt concentrate minds. 

Have you contacted your MP as a matter of interest ? Also with excellent LL references and I presume a reasonably good credit rating you stand a good chance of finding a property in the private rented sector. Just don't reveal you're claiming Universal Credit or LHA because either they'll point to sign which reads "NO DSS" or you'll be shown the door poste haste. I know of a junior lawyer on UC but she's a 'professional' so no questions asked, nudge nudge, wink wink. I gave her excellent references btw. Also Citizens Advice should be able to help in regards to legal advice. If you are a carer for instance and have a vulnerable child I think you are already protected under current legislation. Worth checking out and the best of luck to you. 

Pretty much all you’ve done on this thread is complain about landlords (in some cases all landlords), providing no evidence of what it is you’re complaining about and called for some legal change that is already in law.

Now you want them jailed.
perhaps next it’ll be chemical castration?

Put yourself in my shoes and you'll be complaining. I and millions of others face homelessness because of poor legislation that allows LL's and letting agents to discriminate against certain groups. I intend to put an end to it with or without your blessing. This forum incase you haven't noticed is for topics relating to housing and renting. I think this is the right place to voice my legitimate concerns. No need for draconian measures sir, just punishment that fits the crime. And it is a crime but MP's especially on the Tory benches think its OK to ignore the plight of the poor and the homeless. Probably because many on those benches are themselves private landlords. It ends now. 

David2710

teachfast said:

It's pure prejudice and I'm glad it is being stopped. 

But it isn't being stopped teachfast and that's the problem. Currently it's not against the law to discriminate against people claiming benefits such as LHA, unemployment, sickness and disability benefits. There is legal precedent due to a recent court judgement but it only protects certain groups mentioned in a previous post. And even then it is only punishable with a fine and maybe an apology. Mentioned here for anyone interested. 

David2710

squizz11 said:

justworriedabit said:

squizz11 said:

justworriedabit said:

squizz11 said:

we also can afford the rent fairly easily as we are fairly frugal and don't drink, smoke or eat out alot,  my bank statements can prove that.   most UC credit tenants should manage fine especially if they have good rental history and manage their money correctly.    All tenants should be considered and references and history looked into 

Sure, all are "considered" and risk assessed. 
Why dod you think many LL's especially those with nice, newly decorated/etc property won't rent out to those on benefits or self employed.? Don't forget, not all LL's are rich as some are trying to create a pension, others circumstances like working overseas away from home etc are renting out their house etc - so who does the LL claim from when rent is not paid and you can't legally kick out the T for many, many months, the place is trashed, LL is paying the mortgage, possibly two and then legal fees, court and balif fees then repair fees, etc - who does the LL go after when it goes belly up as it does at times? 

You say you are a good T and I have no doubt, so why worry about LL's that dont want you and go for those that do?

its harder than a needle in a haystack,   you only need to mention UC that's it,  they don't look past it.   you make it sound so easy,   it really isn't,  especially when you need a largish house,  I rarely get to viewing stage.
I am reassessing how I approach LA now and now have an expenditure form and a upfront references and cover letter, so hopefully this will improve my chances

LL's are not charities but you know that.
I mean this, I honestly hope you get the type of property you want and very happy there.

I'm not asking for charity,  I'm asking for landlords to look at all tenants equally in the first place,   paying rent on time for 14 years,  having worked for the same company for 30 years and having excellent references has to count for something.

This is what I recommend squizz. First write to your MP and explain your situation. It might take longer than normal due to the Easter recess. Then contact Citizens Advice explain your situation and that you wish to seek legal representation. Once you know your legal rights search for a property that suits your needs (even those that say NO DSS, professionals only or minimum  income threshold) and make a viewing appointment, but don't at this stage reveal your intention to claim LHA or Universal Credit. If you want to proceed with a tenancy fill out the necessary forms (online preferably, not in the office as you will need this as evidence) and wait to see if your application is accepted. If it is not you will be given a reason. If you think the reason is invalid or unreasonable or based on the fact you are claiming benefits contact your lawyer of Citizens advice immediately and they'll take it from there. It is very important btw you keep a copy of all emails, electronic communications and correspondence. Hope this is helpful and good luck. 

David2710

GDB2222 said:

David2710 said:

squizz11 said:

we also can afford the rent fairly easily as we are fairly frugal and don't drink, smoke or eat out alot,  my bank statements can prove that.   most UC credit tenants should manage fine especially if they have good rental history and manage their money correctly.    All tenants should be considered and references and history looked into 

Once again I find myself in complete agreement with you. After five years in my current address my LL has told me he needs to sell. That's five years of paying rent on time every time. Also the property is in much better condition than when I moved in. So LL references won't be a problem. I also have a much higher than average credit rating. Tick. I don't smoke or have pets, Tick, I can also pay 6 months rent in advance if the option were available. So on paper I'm the perfect tenant but because I'm claiming ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) and LHA my application is not worth the paper it's written on. The people most to blame for this and the current housing crisis are the previous Cameron administration who even today appear to have a vendetta against the sick, the disabled or those who are simply down on their luck. IDS and George Osborne in particular seemed to get much pleasure out it. I totally agree that all tenants should be judged on a case by case basis. Saying DSS considered is good start but is totally counterproductive if there's a caveat stating "with a guarantor". That's just taking the Mickey. 

I have a flat to let at the moment. North London. Want to take a look?

London is my preferred destination so yes very interested but cannot view personally as up North. Any chance you can post a link or PM me with location and details? Must be self-contained and reasonably quiet. That's my starting point. If it's relatively new, has a balcony and I can see the London Shard that would be a nice bonus. Thanks.    

[Deleted User]

Here are 80 one-bed flats currently available in South West London for under £1200 a month (which should be within LHA rates or thereabouts).  And which have garden access too.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/find.html?locationIdentifier=REGION^92829&maxBedrooms=1&minBedrooms=1&maxPrice=1200&propertyTypes=&mustHave=garden&dontShow=houseShare,retirement,student&furnishTypes=&letType=longTerm&keywords=

Some are around Battersea, Clapham, Wandsworth, so close to parks. 

Surely now with flats sitting empty, landlords will look more favourably on LHA applicants.   

A sticking point will be whether you can pay the deposit and first month's rent from your own savings, while your Universal Credit claim is being processed.   If you're able to do this, then surely you'll find a property before long.

[Deleted User]

You'll find most flats are in period conversions.  There haven't been many modern flats built with balconies and views of the Shard which don't cost megabucks.

I'd say you'd be better off with somewhere that allows pets, anyway!