DSS and Renting.

Dottles

Hi there,

My boyfriend and I are currently looking for a flat to rent out. We're both unemployed, but I am currently job hunting and applying for every job I see that pays a decent wage. (I'm not claiming any benefits.). My boyfriend however is on Disability Living Allowance and Income Support. I spoke to Housing Benefit and they said to me that because he is on Income Support they will pay something of the rent. We have managed to borrow money from friends/family to cover the deposit/first months rent in advance. I was wondering if anyone had any idea if a landlord would still say no to someone on DLA as it's not the Dole and he doesn't have to sign on every 2 weeks.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

frank.hopper

I was wondering if anyone had any idea if a landlord would still say no to someone on DLA as it's not the Dole and he doesn't have to sign on every 2 weeks.

Depends on the LL. Some LL's are now 'spooked' because the benefit is now paid direct to the tenant.

Dottles

So what are people to do? I think the LL should at least be willing to pick and choose who and who cannot rent from them if on DSS. I understand that some, if not a lot of people on DSS can be messy, disrespectful, etc. But not everybody is. Some people have a genuine need for it.

november

A bit of advice - if you find a landlord that doesn't specify no DSS or no benefits don't phone up and ask if they take benefits. Make an appointment to view then if you like the property and seem to get on well with the landlord explain your boyfriend's circumstances then - that he has a disability for which he gets DLA so would probably get some housing benefit. Then say something like 'I hope that is OK'. You are much more likely to get a yes in person.

If you do get a 'no sorry' bear in mind it isn't always up to the landlord - some insurers won't insure if a landlord lets to people on benefits or charge a premium rate. Ask if the landlord knows any other landlord who have anything available suitable for you - always worth a try.

The advice above though has worked for me in the distant past and for many of my previous clients in the last few years. The personal touch works wonders. Another bit of advice I used to give to first time renters was to think of a first viewing appointment as a bit like an interview. You are viewing to see if you want the property and the landlord or letting agent will be assessing what they think of you. What they want is a regular rent from a reliable tenant. If you look and are the part sometimes hurdles like being in receipt of benefits can be overcome.

SquatNow

I'm sorry I just need to Clarify something... you are intending to Sign a 6 month AST CONTRACT with absolutely no plan on how to pay the rent beyond the first month? you're planning to sign up, move in, and *HOPE* a job comes up?

Realistically, what if you don't manage to find a job? What if you do, but like most jobs, it's 6 weeks before you get your first wage?

You need to hold off renting your own place until you have got a stable job. You are not in a financial position to afford to rent your own place.

In the meantime you need to stop looking for one that pays a "decent wage" and take one that pays ANY wage. It's always easier to get a job when you already have one.

keelyjrs

disability living allowance is not a benefit and is not counted as disposable income. You are paid a rate for your care needs or mobility needs so it isn't expected to go toward rent or living costs.

I wouldn't adise you move until you are in a better financial position, otherwise you will have to get housing benefit sorted out but then you will need to notify the landlord and he might not be happy to wait for payment as first payment of hb usually takes ages from when you claim

JessicaF_2

If your boyfriend gets income support (regardless of how much) you will be passported to full housing benefit and CTB (or Local Housing Allowance).

You say that you are not claiming benefits, but presumably you are on the Income Support claim with your boyfriend as you have to make a joint claim as a couple if you are living together (or planning to).

If you start working then obviously this will impact on the HB/LHA and IS of your boyfriend.

Jessica

Dottles

JessicaF wrote: »

You say that you are not claiming benefits, but presumably you are on the Income Support claim with your boyfriend as you have to make a joint claim as a couple if you are living together (or planning to).

No, I am not on the Income Support claim. They know we are planning to live together but refuse to give me any money due to me being under the age of 18 for the next seven months.

Captain_Mainwaring_2

I personally wouldn't rent to you, but then I also wouldn't rent to students etc. Many landlords take the same view, but there were also a few that would take you on happily. Down to the individual LL.

silvercar

AFAIK you have to be 18 to have a tenancy agreement.