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

mta999

ian1246 said:

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)

Although your wife was able to do that and indeed the OP is still able to do that, part of the upcoming bill will make offering x months rent rent up front illegal (unless x=1 to be pedantic)

Catonthemoon

Smalltownhypocrite said:

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.

How on earth could someone prove that? These conversations would almost certainly be by telephone… it would just be your word against the agents! If they put in writing, then yes, however, unless they were extremely foolish would be highly unlikely to do.
Good luck Margret, hope you find something soon. Cotm

BungalowBel

Smalltownhypocrite said:

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.

But also the landlord can rent to whomever they chose, they don't have to give a reason.
Margret, would applying for social housing be possible?

General_Grant

user1977 said:

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.

@Smalltownhypocrite - I believe you are correct.

I suggest referring to https://tenant-rights.uk/england/benefit-discrimination-can-landlords-refuse-tenants-on-benefits

which includes
"Landlords and letting agents in England are not allowed to discriminate against tenants simply because they receive benefits. The term 'No DSS', 'No Universal Credit', or 'No Housing Benefit' policies may constitute unlawful discrimination, especially if this disproportionately affects women, disabled people, or others protected under the Equality Act 2010"

However proving that receipt of benefits is the reason may not be easy to prove.

user1977

General_Grant said:

user1977 said:

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.

However proving that receipt of benefits is the reason may not be easy to prove.

Indeed. Landlords are still permitted to prefer a tenant on the basis that they have a higher or more secure income.