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Unable to find lodgers, is this a dead period?
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Several people (some even totally unemployed) asked me if I accept DSS/UC applicants.
I really don't know how those state benefits work, so I've always replied that if there's a guarantor that can countersign we can talk about it.
I'm very unsure though. How is it possible that the DWP pays a whole monthly rent? For how long? And to whom, to them or to me (if I decided to take one of them in)?
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They pay the rent to the lodger, who then pays you. It is down to the tenant to make up any shortfall.pieroabcd said:Several people (some even totally unemployed) asked me if I accept DSS/UC applicants.
I really don't know how those state benefits work, so I've always replied that if there's a guarantor that can countersign we can talk about it.
I'm very unsure though. How is it possible that the DWP pays a whole monthly rent? For how long? And to whom, to them or to me (if I decided to take one of them in)?
A guarantor is a good idea. Also consider if you want a tenant who isn't working and will potentially be home all day, using your heating etc more in Winter.I'm a Forum Ambassador on the housing, mortgages & student money saving boards. I volunteer to help get your forum questions answered and keep the forum running smoothly. Forum Ambassadors are not moderators and don't read every post. If you spot an illegal or inappropriate post then please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com (it's not part of my role to deal with this). Any views are mine and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.com.1 -
Do not take a lodger on who is not working and on UC. They will be around all day. Stay well clear.1
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38% of UC claimaints are working, so that may not be the problem. You ideally want to find one who is working though since with lodgers the presumption is they are out most of the time.0
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Good advice, working person or well behaved student is best.ChirpyChicken said:Do not take a lodger on who is not working and on UC. They will be around all day. Stay well clear.1 -
It's a numbers game. You just have to keep trying - again and again.
I found times when I would get no replies to an ad I put out and then suddenly I'd get a flood of interest. Hard to find a rhyme or reason.0 -
Check how much the local housing allowance now is for you area, for those renting a room and in shared accommodation. Check that your property price is within guidelines.pieroabcd said:Several people (some even totally unemployed) asked me if I accept DSS/UC applicants.
I really don't know how those state benefits work, so I've always replied that if there's a guarantor that can countersign we can talk about it.
I'm very unsure though. How is it possible that the DWP pays a whole monthly rent? For how long? And to whom, to them or to me (if I decided to take one of them in)?
UC is paid monthly but the first payment is 5 weeks after application. So unless a new claimant had savings, they can't pay rent in advance.
You may be advised to go over to the benefits forum here to learn how it works in detail. Particularly around what happens when a claimant moves properties.If you've have not made a mistake, you've made nothing0 -
UC house element is different from Housing Benefit. A single person aged 35 or over will get the 1 bedroom rate of LHA even if in share accommodation (up to the value of the rent). HB would just get the shared rate.RAS said:Check how much the local housing allowance now is for you area, for those renting a room and in shared accommodation. Check that your property price is within guidelines.
A person under 35 will get the shared rate but could get the 1 bed rate if they meet certain criteria.
Let's Be Careful Out There0 -
Well, having someone fixed at home all day is not really appealing to me, so thanks for the good advice.1
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Seems likely these rates could be cut in future though as the government try to cut spending?HillStreetBlues said:
UC house element is different from Housing Benefit. A single person aged 35 or over will get the 1 bedroom rate of LHA even if in share accommodation (up to the value of the rent). HB would just get the shared rate.RAS said:Check how much the local housing allowance now is for you area, for those renting a room and in shared accommodation. Check that your property price is within guidelines.
A person under 35 will get the shared rate but could get the 1 bed rate if they meet certain criteria.-1
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