Private Renting on Benefits Recently?

OverlyAnxious · February 2021

Just a quick one,

Have any of you been accepted for a private rental property on benefit income alone recently?

Regulars will know I've been desperate to move somewhere more suitable for over 6 months since my PIP win. I've even started enquiring about places that would be a huge compromise compared to my needs but getting refused for those as well. I have more than enough income to cover the rent & bills since my PIP win last year. I have an excellent credit score, never missed a rent payment and never been in debt. One of conditions is OCD (including contamination and perfectionism) so I keep everything spotless and in perfect working order. I don't have any kids or pets or visitors to cause trouble. But none of that seems to matter purely because I can't work and rely on benefit income. I'm getting various excuses in reply but it seems the law around benefits discrimination hasn't made any difference at all in the real world.

I've even suggested large deposits of 3-6 months upfront but they're still not interested. I honestly don't know what more I can do now and need to move within the next month. The only potential offer I've had so far is a place that's basically equal to where I currently am, just without all the maintenance faults of my place.

janer1967 · February 2021

Hi sorry you are having trouble finding somewhere

I was going to suggest 6 month rent up front but seems you have tried that

Have you been in touch with shelter at all

I hope you get something sorted soon

woodbine · February 2021

Although I have never rented I do understand that people on benefits find it difficult in the private sector, but it's not impossible, some landlords insurance policies do not allow them to rent to people with benefits income only. Can I suggest that you forget about your credit "score" its just a number made up by the credit reference agencies and no-one except you ever see it. Never having been in debt also doesn't help as you have maybe little credit "history" the bit that others can see.
I'm sorry to sound so negative, I seem to remember that there are websites that specialise in renting to benefit income persons, one avenue might be sites like gumtree where the private landlords who are not using an agent and might be more open to benefit claimants?

OverlyAnxious · February 2021

I haven't contacted Shelter as I'm not actually homeless. I don't think there's anything they can do for someone in my position and wouldn't want to take time away from people that are homeless.

There are various barriers/excuses given, landlord insurance won't allow it, landlord mortgage company won't allow it, lettings agency 'landlord guarantee' won't allow it, etc. Very occasionally I have found one or two who will only allow it but only with a guarantor - and that guarantor needs to be earning triple the monthly rent. (I don't know anyone earning that much). With all that, plus the fact that there are many people wanting each property, I just don't seem to have any chance myself.

There is the DSSMove website but I'm not sure it's even updated any more. It's just had the same 2 places on it for the 6 months I've been looking, and both are over 30 miles away. Gumtree is a good idea though, I haven't looked there recently so will have another look now.

janer1967 · February 2021

I feel for you it's very difficult situation seems unless you are about to be homeless you dont get a look in

Keep going you will find somewhere

Tori_Scope · February 2021

Apologies that I'm also not completely sure what else to suggest @OverlyAnxious. Different landlords have different criteria, so it could be a waiting game for the right combination of landlord and property to come up, although I know you've already been waiting a while and I appreciate that you need to move quite quickly.

I've never experienced the criteria of a guarantor having to earn three times the rent, but I don't doubt that some landlords would ask for that. I'm sure it depends on the type of property too. I've heard that it can help if the guarantor owns their own place, do you know anyone who does?

Are you considering moving to the place with fewer faults?

OverlyAnxious · February 2021

My guarantor does own their own home and has savings as well. Doesn't seem to make any difference though, they're only interested in the income.

Turned out the place with fewer faults wasn't suitable after all so that's off the cards and I've basically been told there won't be anything suitable any time soon with my current agent now.

MarkM88 · February 2021

Quick question, but are you only looking at private or will you be exploring the council housing register and housing associations too?

OverlyAnxious · February 2021

MarkN88 said:

Quick question, but are you only looking at private or will you be exploring the council housing register and housing associations too?

Tried a couple of local HA's but they won't accept anyone under 55. And I'm a youngish single guy so have no chance at council housing. Private is my only option unfortunately.

MarkM88 · February 2021

OverlyAnxious said:

MarkN88 said:

Quick question, but are you only looking at private or will you be exploring the council housing register and housing associations too?

Tried a couple of local HA's but they won't accept anyone under 55. And I'm a youngish single guy so have no chance at council housing. Private is my only option unfortunately.

Very surprised to heat that.

I was going to say because I got offered and subsequently accepted a HA flat about 3 years ago now and im still here now, but instead of doing it through all the home finders, I contacted the HA directly and my viewing and signing of the tenancy took about 2 weeks.

I suppose it goes to show how each area, council, HA are all different.

Private Renting on Benefits Recently?

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