Im homeless, disabled, I have the deposit money for a flat but the estate agents need a "worker"!?

Margret1994

Hi all

Whats the situation, the estate agents dont seem to even be considering someone on disability and housing benefit, they seem to be looking for professionals infact there's not even an option I can select for housing benefit. 

This wasnt the case a few years ago, has renting changed or is it me mind reading, and I should just keep applying often? 

Ive applied to about 20 flats, some get back to me ask if I work then dont have anything for me after asking. 

So is it next to impossible or am I getting negative too soon?

I cant share it has to be a studio flat. 

Do they accept part time workers, im not sure I could manage part time work but maybe if I worked for 1 day a week I could manage it (Im easy to tip over the edge into a very severe depression or a panic attack) I have a host of other problems too.

marcia_

Margret1994 said:

Hi all

Whats the situation, the estate agents dont seem to even be considering someone on disability and housing benefit, they seem to be looking for professionals infact there's not even an option I can select for housing benefit. 

This wasnt the case a few years ago, has renting changed or is it me mind reading, and I should just keep applying often? 

Ive applied to about 20 flats, some get back to me ask if I work then dont have anything for me after asking. 

So is it next to impossible or am I getting negative too soon?

I cant share it has to be a studio flat. 

Do they accept part time workers, im not sure I could manage part time work but maybe if I worked for 1 day a week I could manage it (Im easy to tip over the edge into a very severe depression or a panic attack) I have a host of other problems too.

 There are landlords who accept benefits but it takes time to find one. Apply anyway and see what they say. If you get pip they may be more accepting as your income is higher. Also speak to the council housing/homeless team. They often have contacts with private landlords who do accept. 

elsien

Depending on what benefits you are on, you may be looking at the housing element of universal credit rather than housing benefit.
doesn’t makes it any easier to find a place  but just so that you’re clearer on what you might be claiming.

WIAWSNB

Sounds like an awful situation, Margret. Are you getting the help you should, such as from your GP?
May I ask what can cause your panic attacks and depression? You suggest that this could make work difficult - would that be due to having to work with colleagues or with customers, for example? If so, are there any jobs that you could do remotely, from 'home'?
From what you imply, if you had a 'job' you'd be in a stronger position, but I don't have any knowledge of these situations.

ian1246

I'm fortunate enough to own my house (mortgaged) so haven't experienced it personally, but from what I gather the rental market has changed radically over the last few years, with far fewer rentals vs. applicants. This allows landlords to be incredibly selective. My ex-wife was able to secure a property for 12months, despite a large chunk of her income coming from universal credit, by offering 12months rent up front. Is that something you have the financial means to do? Might be enough to to offset the financial "risk" you probably represent in the eyes of the estate agents/landlords due to having no job.

Good luck. I would also 100% be contacting your council for support - both in terms of housing but also any other programmes available in your local area (I.e. food banks or mental-health support sessions)

KxMx

Have you tried Open Rent? 

https://www.openrent.co.uk/ 

You communicate directly with landlords, bypassing letting agents. 

Smalltownhypocrite

Well, I would be pointing out to them that discrimination of both disability and benefits is ILLEGAL.

They do it because the vulnerable usually lie down, roll over and take it... you have the legal high ground so use it.

user1977

Smalltownhypocrite said:

Well, I would be pointing out to them that discrimination of both disability and benefits is ILLEGAL.

Disability is a protected characteristic, being on benefits isn't.

In any event neither prohibits a landlord deciding that a prospective tenant isn't sufficiently creditworthy.

Smalltownhypocrite

user1977 said:

Smalltownhypocrite said:

Well, I would be pointing out to them that discrimination of both disability and benefits is ILLEGAL.

Disability is a protected characteristic, being on benefits isn't.

In any event neither prohibits a landlord deciding that a prospective tenant isn't sufficiently creditworthy.

It absolutely is illegal to ask if someone is on benefits or disabled and then say sorry we can't accept you to any of our houses. 

People often think they can get around discrimination by simply saying 'their was a more fitting candidate' but in this case they straight up shot themselves by asking questions and then rejecting based on the answer which they are NOT ALLOWED TO DO. 

While disability is protected, it is also illegal for landlords to discriminate against benefits btw under the 'Equality Act 2010'. As long as your income can cover the rent WHERE that money comes from (working or benefits) is not allowed to be a factor. Only 'soft' credit checks are allowed and only to see public debts owed, credit score is not meant to be counted.

Ignorance is not allowed as an excuse for breaking the law.

user1977

Smalltownhypocrite said:

user1977 said:

Smalltownhypocrite said:

Well, I would be pointing out to them that discrimination of both disability and benefits is ILLEGAL.

Disability is a protected characteristic, being on benefits isn't.

In any event neither prohibits a landlord deciding that a prospective tenant isn't sufficiently creditworthy.

While disability is protected, it is also illegal for landlords to discriminate against benefits btw under the 'Equality Act 2010'.

As I said, claiming benefits is not a protected characteristic under the Act. At most it may be indirect discrimination given that people with disabilities are more likely to be claiming benefits. You may wish to review the remainder of your advice.

RAS

OP

Have you checked whether there are any housing associations or charities with housing who have accommodation for people with disabilities?

Probably start local and then widen the search area, because priority may be given to people with local connections.