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Original poster

I'm going to be homeless and can't find a landlord who accepts housing benefit

37 replies

xFlowerBeanx · 30/10/2022 03:11

I don't really know where to turn to.
Been living in my private home (beside where I grew up ) for past 12 years. So I've lived in this area my whole life (I'm 40) and now I face having to move away from my beloved area. My landlord is selling the home and I have searched extensively for a new rental property to no avail. There's barely anything on the market , i have searched within 30 miles and phoned different agencies, theres hardly anything available right now and the only ones that are available the rent is absolutely insane , almost double the rent in my area and everything is professional tenant only or no pet. I do have a pet and couldn't face giving him away . He's my only companion that gets me through daily life as I'm stuck in the house all day every day by myself most of the time. My partner does works full time , but we do get a percentage of housing benefit paid and then we have to pay the rest because I'm not in employment and weve no kids under 18. Like we don't get full housing benefit if you know what I mean , but we do get a contribution towards it.
I have quite poor health ( M.E. Diabetes. Endometriosis and arrhythmia i
and I really struggle with the day to day things and I just feel so discriminated and depressed that no landlord will rent us a home because I don't have a job. I'm a good tenant, ive never caused any hassle and we've never missed a rent payment ever. I'm so scared I don't want to be homeless. I don't have anywhere to go. I don't have any siblings or any living relatives I can stay with. I don't really have any friends either because my illness have prevented me from going out and meeting people .
I've spoken the council and they can place me on a list ( but there are not many local council houses, in this area of the adjoning towns. Majority have been bought ) but we won't be giving priority housing because we don't have enough points. This angers me so much, just because I don't have children means I don't deserve to have a roof over my head?
We can't afford to buy, he gets minimum wage and we just manage to get by as it is.
I'm literally feeling like my only options are either being homeless or killing myself . It's so unfair that governments allow landlords to refuse tenancy to someone who has an illness . I hate how people who claim housing benefit get categorised as terrible tenants. Don't landlords ever take into consideration that no everybody who dosent work isn't just sitting around being a bum by choice . I'm so stressed out my anxiety is so bad I can't sleep and I can't stop shaking in fear of what's going to happen.

OP posts:
DoubleBuggyDriver · 30/10/2022 03:39

I’m so sorry to hear what you’re doing going through and sorry to hear you’re currently suicidal because of all the stress and anxiety. There’s currently a thread which I’ve linked below with some helpful advice of what tenants that are in a similar position to you are doing.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/legal_matters/4665887-tenants-requesting-a-court-order?reply=121122036

It seems as if you’re best bet is claiming homelessness and getting your council to place you and your partner in temporary accommodation. I’m not sure where in the country you are but I’m in South London and when I was homeless I was put in temp accommodation. The council worked with many landlords who’d take those on low incomes/UC and matched me with a private landlord. The council paid my deposit and the landlord accepts the fact that I pay my rent via UC (currently on mat leave).

It’s practically impossible to find a place to rent privately via estate agents etc as most landlords don’t want to take anyone who’s getting a benefit top up or if one person doesn’t work etc. There’ll always be professional people who work full time who may be interested in the flat and that’s more reassuring for the landlord that the rent will be paid on time every month. It’s just a bit shit tbh but I recommend maybe read that thread and do the same? The council will have to help you once you’re homeless even if that means staying in temp accommodation whilst bidding for a council property. Sorry again you’re in this situation

Findingmypurposeinlife · 30/10/2022 04:07

Call Shelter. They are very good and will give you practical advice.

PritiPatelsMaker · 30/10/2022 04:24

Shelter are indeed excellent. If you haven't already, you should call them in the morning.

I'm not sure that the Council would give you temporary accommodation though as a PP suggests as you don't have any DC under 16.

I'm sorry that you're unable to work, are you claiming everything you can, like PIP?

DoubleBuggyDriver · 30/10/2022 04:28

I'm not sure that the Council would give you temporary accommodation though as a PP suggests as you don't have any DC under 16.

Even if you’re a single person with no DC, the council will still help you. There were many single people that were in temporary accommodation where I was, I was also there in the early stages of pregnancy. The only thing that I’m thinking is because you have a partner BUT no kids, that’s where it may become tricky. If you were just on your own and didn’t work, the council would have to help you.

As the comments above, speak with Shelter (completely forgot about them) as they’d have much better advice

PritiPatelsMaker · 30/10/2022 04:34

Totally agree that the Council will help but perhaps the level of help varies nationally as where I work, a couple with no DC under 16 wouldn't get temporary accommodation. She should definitely talk to her local housing department though about the situation and register with any local housing associations.

Hillrunning · 30/10/2022 04:46

As you have been a reliable tenant for so many years. Could you ask your landlord for support in making agents aware that you were a good tenant? Maybe in particular the agent they are selling the house through?

Its a horrible situation but try to insulate yourself from further upset by remembering that for landlords turning you down, it isn't personal to you. They just want the lowest financial risk sadly. I know it feels horrible though.

Hillrunning · 30/10/2022 04:48

Another route to explore, depending on where your husband works. Could he speak to his employer? A surprising number will do crisis loans.

CallieQ · 30/10/2022 04:55

Try Citizens Advice they should be able to help

Crazykatie · 30/10/2022 05:17

If one of you is working social housing seems appropriate, but you will have to get an eviction notice to get high up the list.
Sorry it sounds drastic but that’s the way it works

MightyOaks · 30/10/2022 05:20

Hillrunning · 30/10/2022 04:48

Another route to explore, depending on where your husband works. Could he speak to his employer? A surprising number will do crisis loans.

How would that help? Unless they'll loan him enough to buy a house outright, no amount of money will help. I've been in this lady's position and believe it or not, even offering 12 months rent in advance is usually turned down by landlords as they assume something dodgy is going on!! Yep, you read that right! One landlord told the letting agent I offered it to, that this is what Cannabis Farmers do! 😳

PritiPatelsMaker · 30/10/2022 05:23

Yes usually people offering lots of rent up front is a red flag. Lots of stories on here about people paying six months rent upfront then never paying another penny.

ivykaty44 · 30/10/2022 05:29

has your landlord served you a section 21?

have you taken this to the council and shown them?

it will be the case you’ll have to wait out at the property and be evicted, the council will offer you temporary accommodation- but don’t have ti house pets in temporary accommodation. Is there a temporary solution for the pet until you become rehoused?

im sorry you’re feeling suicidal this is an incredibly stressful time but please be assured there can be light at the end of the tunnel. As others have suggested CAB and shelter can help

Kissingfrogs25 · 30/10/2022 05:30

What is your dp doing to solve the problem? I would move back in with my family personally in your position.

ivykaty44 · 30/10/2022 05:31

Yes usually people offering lots of rent up front is a red flag.

it depends, in some areas if you don’t put down 12 months rent, then you’ll not get a look in for renting

PritiPatelsMaker · 30/10/2022 05:32

That's true too Ivy.

PritiPatelsMaker · 30/10/2022 05:34

What is your dp doing to solve the problem? I would move back in with my family personally in your position

I'm sure the OP states there are no living relatives.

Ylvamoon · 30/10/2022 05:36

has your landlord served you a section 21?
have you taken this to the council and shown them?
it will be the case you’ll have to wait out at the property and be evicted, the council will offer you temporary accommodation

I read this again and again.... no wonder landlords don't like tenants who receive housing benefits.

explain · 30/10/2022 05:42

Are you able to get a job maybe a work from home one? Just as proof that you are working and then once you're in the property you can reduce your hours or give the job up?

ReadyForPumpkins · 30/10/2022 05:53

I heard from colleagues that even those in professional jobs should writing a personal statement outlining why the landlord should choose them. There is a severe lack of private rental places available.

Thinkhappy2023 · 30/10/2022 05:53

Your options are:

  1. be made homeless and get the council to house you in temporary accommodation then wait for a council property.
  2. get a job (part time, WFH) or your husband get a better paid or second job
  3. move to a cheaper area
  4. move somewhere smaller (1 bed flat or studio) even if just temporary until you find somewhere better.

I would just lie about the pet for now or find someone to take the pet temporarily.

sashh · 30/10/2022 05:54

As you have disabilities you have a good case to say they are discrimination against you, that won't impress a new landlord however.

Can your present landlord give you a reference?

PritiPatelsMaker · 30/10/2022 05:56

As you have disabilities you have a good case to say they are discrimination against you, that won't impress a new landlord however

Not sure how this would help. The landlord wants to sell the property. Who would she complain to about discrimination and what would they do about it?

Deguster · 30/10/2022 06:02

Any disability is absolutely not relevant FGS. The LL isn’t selling because OP is disabled.

The advice on here sometimes… 🙄

OP - I’m a LL and my mortgagor prohibits tenants on HB. It’s usually the back’s decision and not the LL’s.

gogohmm · 30/10/2022 06:05

It is possible to rent with housing benefit/uc but you need to first view the property then ask the agent to check with the landlord. The lady who rented after us (before we bought) was on benefits and the landlord agreed - she needed a guarantor. Is there anyone, possibly the council can help?

gogohmm · 30/10/2022 06:09

Single property landlords sometimes are kind but having a pet as well is tricky. Exh has a pet friendly house but I had to be his guarantor for instance

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