Claiming benefits and getting mum to pay rent?

[DollhouseBurglar]

I'm trying to move out of my exes place to somewhere near DD's school, with no success.

Buy to let landlords are not allowed to let to benefit claimants and some landlords are out of my budget with the housing allowance despite claiming to accept housing benefit.

Can I get my mother to loan me rent money which she will pay directly to the landlord, and i can pay her back using the housing benefit?

Most rentals in the area near DDs school are BLT so they can't accept me on benefits. I've worked out that I can't make up the shortfall on the more expensive rentals that do accept benefits.

It's unlawful discrimination for a landlord to state no benefits/no DSS, Shelter has some advice on this:

england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/how_to_rent_when_a_landlord_wont_accept_housing_benefit

This information is for England but they do have information for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales too.

Would your mum be willing to act as a guarantor?

Contact your local council too as you may be eligible for housing with them, not all areas have massive waiting lists especially if you are assessed to be priority due to a relationship breakdown - a friend of mine has just signed for a council house after splitting from her partner, she was only registered/bidding for six weeks. As well as council housing, many councils also have a list of accredited landlords who they can put you in contact with.

I live in London and I need to be near DDs school.

Those with but to let properties are not allowed to take on tenants who claim benefits, which many do in my area.

They may state that they accept benefit claimants, but they can still turn me down. They don't need to give a reason.

You can claim housing costs for rent paid up front, as it is the liability that matters. However it has to be done correctly as money from relatives can count as income and you can’t claim benefit to repay a relative, not in the way you are suggesting. Could your mother be guarantor instead? You need someone from welfare rights who understands the law and regulations of eligibility, claims and payments, otherwise you will end up in a right mess.

Right, so if I claim that money is paid to me instead of directly to the landlord then it's ok?

She could be a guarantor, but she's retired.

No that’s not ok, like I say you need proper advice, perhaps contact Shelter as choc suggested..

Guarantors can be retired.