Hypothetical house renting question

[Squitch]

I've recently posted about my mums house being used as an asset for care, and even though we havent reached that point yet, I'm trying to sort out all my options in case the worst should happen (not going to give up without a fight though).

So...if I had to rent a house I would be eligible for housing benefit. My ex-partner, who I have spoken to at length about all this has suggested that he may be able to afford to buy a house here in order that I could rent it from him. We get on really well and I would insist on it being done formally (just in case).

How would that effect my claiming housing benefit? He is my dd's father, would that make them very suspicious? It would be relatively easy to prove that he doesnt live with me (he lives 200 miles away) although he would obviously visit to see his daughter.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

not a good idea. Not sure if it is illegal for you rent property off a relative (and as your dd's father he would count as such) or just very suspcious/heavily checked. I would check with your local council before taking this any further.

When he visits does he stay over? If so I would think the answer would be a definate no.

Thats fair enough, tbh it wasnt the course of action I'd want to take, just wondered if i could

Thanks

its legal for you to rent a property from a relative. my father rented a flat to my grandparents for donkeys years whilst they were in receipt of housing benefit.

Years ago I had housing benefit paid to my mum when I was between jobs. I had been renting from her for years before and could prove she'd been paid all that time tho.
It's possible they'd take a dim view over it so definitely make enquiries first.

the issue is whether the tenancy has been created in order to take advantage of the HB system.

you rent a property from anyone you like, but HB will not pay if they think it is just a set up.

they will look at the relationship between landlord and tenant, whether he had advertised the property, whether he would have been willing and able to let it to anyone else, whether he needs the rent to pay for the mortgage, etc etc.
on the info you have given I think you could find it hard to convince them, but it's worth getting advice from CAB.

nope they won't let you - he's the father of your child (or as they put in a letter to me "responsible for a child of the landlord"

and they won't look any further than the relationship between you/your child and the landlord either.