Trapped as Airbnb host as can't receive benefits

[iwanttoridemybicyle]

Hi there.

I am currently having to sublet the other room in my flat to short term Airbnb guests as both the DWP and the Council 'zero' awarded me ESA support group and HB due to the DWP and the Council counting the money my previous housemate paid for their portion of the rent (which I in turn paid to the landlord) as my own income.

I need a way out of this situation as I am doing this without permission from the landlord and I ended up in this property in the first place as there was no where affordable on benefits that would accept me in time (otherwise I would have been homeless).

Have things changed with universal credit?

My ex housemate was on the tenancy with me jointly.
I use short term guests as they pay more and the money covers my portion of the rent too and a small amount of sustenance.

I hate it and I want it to stop.
Single, 37 years old, private AST.

If the tenancy agreement is in joint names then you will only be entitled to half of the total rent up to the shared room rate (local housing allowance). Is there any way your landlord would be willing to take the ex flat mate’s name off the tenancy?

You would still have problems on UC I think as you would only get half your rent paid unless you could appeal it as an 'untidy tenancy' which is outside of your control. Can you speak to a charity such as shelter or CAB who could advise the best way forward ? Even if your landlord removed your ex flatmate from the tenancy it is still unlikely that HB or UC would cover your full rent as you would have more bedrooms than you require although at 37 you would be entitled to a one bedroom rate rather than just a room in a shared house rate. what benefits are you getting at the moment ? what benefits are you getting at the moment. If you are long term disabled have you considered PIP which is non means tested and therefore not affected by income.