I'm being forced to Rent My home to Survive

spindelspi
spindelspi Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in Housing and independent living

I'm considering this because I'm struggling financially and can no longer afford to remain living in my flat and renting it out temporarily would help me get back on my feet, and my intention is to move back in once the tenancy ends.

I currently receive UC with LCWRA and I do not receive any housing costs element because I own my home and pay a mortgage.

I want to rent it out for 6 months while i temporarily live elsewhere, and I intend to move back into the flat at the end of the tenancy.

I've been told that once I move out, the property's value becomes capital for UC but is there any exception?
I'm trying to understand how the capital UC rules apply in this situation. again, I'm considering this because I can no longer afford to stay in my flat right now.

Also, if one of the prospective tenants receives (or is applying for) Universal Credit. Does that have any impact on my own UC claim?

Tagged:

Comments

  • Kimi87
    Kimi87 Community Member Posts: 8,941 Championing

    I would recommend speaking to a trained benefits advisor locally, I think it unlikely though that there is any grounds for UC to disregard the value of your home once you move out.

    The local organisation might be able to help you find another way forwards financially.

    https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

    Someone you don't live with has no bearing on your own personal UC claim.

  • Stellar
    Stellar Community Member Posts: 554 Trailblazing

    you're not gonna be able to do this unfortunately.

    you can rent one of the rooms out to a lodger though. are you able to do that?

  • Lauren29
    Lauren29 Community Member Posts: 264 Empowering

    I would strongly advise you to seek advice from a benefits adviser as this is complex issue. An adviser should be able to look at whether there are any circumstances under which the value of the property can be temporarily disregarded. The suggestion of taking in a lodger would be worth considering. It would be also worth discussing with an adviser whether you could receive any support with your mortgage from UC or from your mortgage provider.

  • spindelspi
    spindelspi Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1141449#Comment_1141449

    its a studio flat, thats the thing. no other separate room

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 5,321 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @spindelspi and a warm welcome to the community from me!

    It is best to speak qualified benefits adviser about this as this is a really complex topic and they should be able to advise your correcty.

    It's lovely to have you here and I look forward to seeing you around the community😊

Categories