Landlord not happy that I’m applying for Housing Benefit

[Worriedfortheroofovermyhead]

I told my Landlord that I had applied for Housing Benefit and they made it clear that they are not happy about, so I’m worried about my tenancy. They told me that they had not let to someone on Housing Benefit before and did not intend to going forward. I think I need to talk to someone at Shelter, but any further advice would be helpful as I’m feeling very anxious about the situation.

It was being honest with her that got me into trouble! Again she did not indicate that she had a problem with my rent being late, but she completely changed her tone when HB was later mentioned.

I’m not sure if it is relevant, but I do actually think my LL is a millionaire, or at least very well off.

It's not relevant.

I did say that I thought the LL’s financial situation was a moot point, as I will pay my rent asap regardless. I was responding to other comments that mentioned her own possible situation.

How can you still apply for HB OP? I thought it was all UC now for new claims? Just curious!

If you’re receiving {sever disability benefits} higher level disability benefit in some cases you can claim HB

Or in housing that is for people that have special needs

Not working age - OAP can claim HB

If it's not long term then tell her that and state you dont intend to be on housing benefit for long and it's simply due to the current situation.... your suggesting that's the case and if it is so she might find reassurance from this.

I don't understand how you managed to get a place if you were already financially struggling as every move ive had to provide so much information and this would obviously flag up... I.think maybe reassuring your landlord would be helpful and maybe put her at ease. She obviously feels that if on HB a tenant may be on low income and unable to afford the property.

What is concerning is that the op hadn’t had HB after one month...? Has the op given all her details? Bank statements, income etc

You’re renting a house you know you can’t afford. It’s crazy to rely on a friend to pay.

I feel very sorry for LLs in circumstances like this, especially because of how long it will take to evict.

Honestly the LL closed down any further discussion about HB. She was adamant that she doesn’t want a tenant on HB.

HB is taking a long time. I think it’s a combination of being short staffed, losing documentation I had sent in and the fact that they wanted additional information about my student status.

OP, are you in receipt of the Severe Disablement Premium? If so, you'll be in the support group of ESA.

I think your comments regarding your LL and their income are irrelevant and not yours or a forum's business.

When you applied for the tenancy, you would have had to provide evidence of your income. Surely that would have been made up of ESA and PIP if you are in receipt of PIP.

I'm struggling to grasp why you're now applying for housing benefit. Have you sought some support from CA to manage your welfare rights?

Because you've had a change in circumstances, that may well trigger you to apply for UC. Transitional protection is now in place for disabled claimants. As far as I can see, a new claim for housing benefit is only for people on SDP. If you are, then those entitlements would surely have formed part of your income?

You really do need to have a conversation with your LL and set down your position as they will be worried going forward. Under housing benefit, you will have been asked if you struggle with budgeting whether your like your HB award to be paid directly to the LL.

Any LL.cannot accept 'my friend' was going to help me out. Can you accept this?

As long as it's definitely Housing benefit and not UC, you should be paid two weeks after the Council have received all the relevant information.

Yes, I get SDP.

I made basic reference to my LL’s financial situation, whilst saying that I think it is a moot point, because of other people referred to it. I need to pay my rent regardless.

The LL did not ask for any evidence of income.

If I get HB I will not struggle to pay my rent.

I am not asking my LL to accept that my friend was going to help me out, hence why I’ve not mentioned it to her. I was responding to other people’s questions.

Are you a student, op?

Hi OP. Make sure you email the LL the list of repairs and keep a copy of all emails. Email weekly or daily if things remain outstanding, then should he try to evict you, and you can prove he failed to take account of the repairs they will get in a lot of trouble. I know you’ve said the issues or rent and repairs are separate but just in case they try any thing in the future. Would also recommend pictures or videos for your own records in case you need to prove there is a fault. Failure to see to the repairs means you’re unlikely to be evicted. Sadly a lot of tenants use this reason to halt evictions, even if it’s not true, so the onus is on you to prove the timeline and lack of response. So screen dumps or call logs and texts would also be valuable. Good luck with your application. I hope the LL is just anxious, as we all are, and is showing it in the wrong way rather than being all round horrid. X

Yes, I’m on an interruption.

That’s what I’m struggling to understand, how it goes from being able to afford it and passing the credit check etc to now needing to relay on housing benefit.

If it’s the current climate etc you lost your job, then fair enough but you keep mentioning the friend that was going to help you out financially. That would hold no clout with a LL and credit check.

Thank you, OP.

How did you rent this property? Were any other checks taken into consideration? You paid a deposit, right?

The LL didn’t do a credit check.

Dear, if you can try to pay something, it is much better than nothing at all... at least you'll show them you're trying... with holding payment puts you at risk of losing your place as soon as courts are opened to these matters...

Yes, a deposit was paid. The LL did not ask for any financial information, or even references.

There is a process, OP, called right to rent. You surely provided information to your LL and went through an application process?

I’m not withholding payment. I can’t pay anything until next week.

I’ve not heard of the right to rent process.

How did you find this property? Did you have a viewing prior to accepting? Do you have a tenancy agreement?

You say you're a student, yet say your income has gone down. You weren't classing your friend's contribution as income, were you? .
Do you have earned income or not?

Right to rent checks are the responsibility of a LL.

Set aside, the rent payments for a moment.