Private rentals on benefits

KobiJo

I am physically disabled and have mental health problem. My living situation at my parents' home has become untenable and I have been asked to leave. The housing executive did a homeless assessment but said I did not have priority need. I am fighting this decision though the Housing Rights organisation and am hopeful for a resolution.

However I have also been trying to rent privately but I am pretty certain I have not been accepted for any properties I have enquired about due to my being on benefits. An estate agent even told me yesterday that I couldn't view a property because of it. Is there any way past this glass ceiling? I feel completely trapped and suffocated. I desperately need help to be rehomed, I can't take it here anymore.

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

It is a hard situation to be in . Some landlords will take tenants on benefits if they pay 6 months rent in advance and have a guarantor 

Gumtree has ads on for private rents which accept benefits 

poppy123456

As the years go on it gets more and more difficult to find a landlord that accepts DSS tenants. There maybe some out there that accepts us but they put further barriers by asking for guarantors. 

For social housing, if you’re single without children then there’s less chance of finding a property. Being disabled doesn’t always give highest priority.

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @kobijo  

I'm sorry to hear about this. As the others have said, it can unfortunately be really difficult to rent privately as a benefits claimant. 

Would offering more money up front be an option for you? 

Shelter have a page on how to find landlords who'll accept tenants who claim benefits, which I'd encourage you to read.

Have you had a look to see whether there are any housing associations in your area that might offer suitable housing?

KobiJo

Thank you so much for the support and links. I neglected to mention that I am in Northern Ireland. I can offer rent in advance because I was recently backpaid two years of ESA. It's just incredibly difficult to even open a dialogue with a landlord. I will continue to try though, thank you all again.

tink13

I just want to tell you there is light at the end of the tunnel, I found somewhere eventually that has accepted my benefits. It might help if you have a guarantor? 

Harp

I am in the same kind of situation but I want to move county as I am not happy the lack of support from the council.

Landlords/agencies have gave many excuses without saying no benefits. I also been told by a few landlords/agencies you need to earn £25,000.