Housing Benefit question please :)

[doley]

So ,we will looking for a home to rent when we arrive back in the UK later in the year :)

At this point we won't need a Landlord that accepts HB ,but ...if we do end up needing it what happens ?

Will the landlord be able to evict us ?

I don't want to raise this with the lettings agent in the first instance in case it causes us any problems KWIM ?

I am an upfront person ,but worried that we could just get turfed out ???

What does the law say ?

Thanks all :)

The landlord can give notice as per the contract if your circumstances change and you need to claim HB - not all landlords insurers or mortgages will allow them to let to people on benefits.

Be up front, if you lie it could have serious condequences and you obviously plan to be claiming it.

Thanks happymummy ...
Actually, at this point we are hoping we won't have to :)

I have read a lot about employment problems in the UK -just covering ALL bases at the mo :)

I guess (to be on the safe side ) I will only look for those that do ...that should be fun right ?

No no no, don't be up front, lots of landlords don't take it, you'll be very limited in choice. If you later need HB you can claim and use it to pay your LL without them knowing (although if the claim is delayed etc you may end up having to be honest, but you can explain it is a hopefully temporary situation ).

The one thing I would suggest is that you go on the website for the local authority area you'll be in to see what your maximum entitlement would be if you did have to claim and rent somewhere that is no more than that amount.

HB is now called local housing allowance. As an example here is Brighton and Hove's page; www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/index.cfm?request=c1120301

Thanks emskaboo .

I hear what you are saying ,its tough isn't it?... to know what to do ?

I know at the start of our return we won't/have to claim, as we will put down a massive deposit as we have been away for 6 years .(that will come from our savings .

I have checked where we are moving to ,at the foot of some of the properties it states if they don't ...I am wondering if it says nothing (about not accepting) ,it might be OK ?

Maybe I should also check with the local council ?after all, with 3 young kids I will need solid advice for what pertains in that neighborhood :)

Do you happen to know if longer tenancies can be used these days ?

My Dad is a LL , all his properties are full of lovely tenants who have been there ages ...could have asked him I guess -but I don't always share everything ? KWIM ?

Thanks again for your help &the link .