Private renting on benefits

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81968055#Comment_81968055

I am a LL and I find some fear in the comments about letting to an individual "because we liked them better" or "judging someone". Any such assessment is on unquantifiable measures and the slippery road to discrimination, even if based on sub-conscious bias. Selecting a Tenant has to be on the basis of clear and quantifiable pre-defined criteria.

DaveKorda72

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81968145#Comment_81968145

Wow, first of all, I'm glad you made a recovery from your illness.

its a shame there are not more landlords like yourself around. i already had one yesterday point blank refuse applicants on benefits. when i messaged her to ask her to confirm this, what a shock, the property has just been let to someone! I couldn't even be bothered to report her.

Unfortunately there are too many bad landlords and tenants too. but the landlords seem to use the referencing as a way to filter out those on benefits simply by asking that the applicant has an income of £25-27,000 per year. Now if you think about it, the benefits cap for a single person outside of Greater London is £22,020. That automatically rules out anyone on benefits.

My only option now, and i am not keen on it, but as i don't have a guarantor i will have to approach a company that i can pay to be one. at the moment i am waiting for a response from them to clarify a few points. based on a rent of £900 it would cost me around £870 for them to be my guarantor. This can be payed to them monthly. i have also emailed the council to see if they can fund it. It will at least get me off their back. I don't want to use the DHP that i have been approved for to cover this. That is there to pay a deposit and rent advance.

I need a break, and soon. I have been searching since August last year and homeless since 28th February. I am physically and mentally exhausted now!

DaveKorda72

Sadly you are correct. They will still find ways around the rules.

My local MP brought this all up in The Houses Of Parliament. I received a very comprehensive email yesterday that i still need to pick apart, but it doesn't look like a great deal of difference will be made unfortunately.