Can I keep housing benefit from a landord?

[MrsSnape]

I'm finding it extremely difficult to find a landlord that will accept housing benefit. Its vitally important that I move within the next two years however so I'm starting to panic.

Can I keep the fact that I receive housing benefit from a landlord?

I think so - as long as they get the money, there is no need to tell them it's source.

After all, you could lose a job 2 weeks after moving in, and they would be non the wiser

The housing people will tell them though surely? Plus they can throw you out and make your tenancy void if they find out.... I wouldn't want the worry, even knowing how hard it is to find somewhere who will take hb

Yes and no.
They will ask you all your details, then you will be credit checked.
You do not have to tell them where the money is coming from though, it can be paid direct to you and then you pay it to them.
As long as you don't lie about your finances it wouldn't be an issue.
Do you have someone who could be a guarantor?

When we claimed housing benefit the council wanted the landlord to sign an assessment form stating the size and details of the property etc.

It was to prove the rent we were claiming was in line with the type of property we were living in.

So even though the rent was paid directly to us there was no way we could have hidden the fact we were claiming from the landlord.

Not sure if this is common across councils though.

can you not apply for a council house?

i think the council investigate the property that they are paying benefit on to agree it is a fair rent..to mprevent fraud and profiteering

MrsSnape - I really understand how hard it is. When we were desperate to move out of MIL's house with 4 month old DS1 we just kept hitting a brick wall with the whole 'No DSS' crap.

We ended up lucky. DH went spoke to a really lovely lady in an estate agency and explained our situation. We were only ever going to be on HB for a short time (DH was on a training course), we were lucky enough to have relatives who acted as guarantors for us and we were able to provide good references.

Landlords tend to use 'no DSS' as a blanket rule to cover themselves, but just sometimes you may find one willing to give you a break.

Have you got any plus points you could put down in a letter, stuff to show them you won't be a risk? You could always get an agent to pass it on to potential landlords who may be willing to give you a chance.

Good luck

If you have a tenancy agreement then most councils will take that for your application and won't contact your landlord at all.

The only way that it differs is if you have a pre tenancy determination, or are on the cusp of occupancy issues with regards to the size of the house.

Mrs Snape I think its easier to claim housing benefit once you are already in a property than trying to claim it before you move in. Most landlords would want details of where you work and how much you earn to know that you can afford the property.

Also housing benefit forms may ask for your landlords name and number who they phone if they have any enquiries about the property.

Also be aware that all areas are moving to Local Housing allowance instead of Housing Benefit from 7th April 2008 (I think). This means you can find out how much will be paid for a certain size property before you apply. For example a certain council will pay £180 for any 2 bedroom property in that specified area (BMRA).

I would advise going in person rather than phoning if possible. Check Gumtree.com and loot sometimes private landlords are more willing to accpet poeple on housing benefit.

The problem is that mortgage companies don't allow Local Authority tenants if you are going to rent out your house. Mine is let out whilst I am abroad and C&G have a clause saying I can rent out my house, but not to people claiming HB. This was the same with Abbey as well. My mortgage is covered irrespective of rent received, but they won't change it.

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