FWB but not a couple but need someone to move in

Question

That is probably a common issue.

I rent privately, my ex is on the tenancy. I cant afford rent. (ex is gone back to his country).

Council told me to find something cheaper. They eventually helped me with the rent. Impossible - no saving, rent prices, DRO. I have only just been awarded LCWRA.

The new UC/LCWRA pretty much only covers the rent.

I was already under investigation as someone reported me for living with a bf ( a new one, or anyone - I was dating, one neighbour does not like me). I showed my credit card statements etc, and DWP had no issue with this at the end (maybe they gave up after reading my statements).

I have an active DRO, spent all my credit on rent and bills.

I thinking  (maybe not super keen) about having this FWB to move in (for a bit maybe, he cannot be around me and my mess, but he does not like his flatmates). Its a one bed flat.

I have read a lot (i think) about living as a couple rules. Potential flatmate insist he is not my bf (he wants me not to be me), (my ex just 'lend' me money for the rent).

How do I present it as a win win? He pays half the rent, council does not have to top up.

MorningOwl · Answer

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1157456#Comment_1157456

Thank you.

I was under impression that council and DWP communicate.

Council pays out of CRF the benefit cap and LHA difference. Now that I have LWCRA and benefit cap removed,  council says that I need to inform them to avoid overpayment.

Seems like the same payment but via different routes.

I guess it affects different departments budgets for stats.

A flatmate would remove LHA top up. If I cannot find anyone, and it is a one bed, thin walls etc, not really suitable for 2 strangers, I will rely on DHP and councils homelessness duty.

OverlyAnxious · Answer

Hi,

It's not the council you have to persuade here, if they're helping with rent then that's just done at a local level.

It's UC that you need to persuade to prevent having to make a couples UC claim.  I think it will be very difficult to prove that you live separate lives in a one bedroom flat.

The best option would be to take them in as a lodger/sofa surfer on a short term basis.  Keep all bills and food shopping etc separate on bank statements.