Private rentals on benefits

KobiJo
KobiJo Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in Housing and independent living
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.

Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community Member Posts: 21,921 Championing
    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
    poppy123456 Community Member Posts: 64,375 Championing
    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
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,471 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
    KobiJo Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
    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
    tink13 Community Member Posts: 19 Contributor
    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
    Harp Community Member Posts: 83 Empowering
    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.
  • Stacey1984
    Stacey1984 Community Member Posts: 1 Listener

    I’m try to get a one bedroom apartment and I’m trying to get a way from my ex boyfriend

  • Mary_Scope
    Mary_Scope Posts: 5,539 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @Stacey1984 and a warm welcome to the comment from me!

    I just wanted to check if you're currently safe and if everything is okay with your situation with your ex? If you need emergency resources or more so practical advice on finding a place, please let us know😊

  • SheffieldMan1976
    SheffieldMan1976 Posts: 3,744 Connected

    As I recall, 20 years yesterday ago I moved into a property with the local HA, back then they had what was originally known as the "Cluster" project which was specific to people with disabilities, after nearly 19 years I had to leave last April, there was a ton of problems with the support, or rather lack thereof, from the HA, especially after the Cluster project lost its funding in 2011, and I was going through a painful time with my support company.

  • worried33
    worried33 Community Member Posts: 1,101 Championing

    The council are unlikely to find you homeless, whilst you still living there. Also given they your parents, even if they kick you out, the council might treat it as contrived.

    Private renting is viable on benefits, just more difficult than social housing. Just bear in mind quite often LHA rate is lower than market rates for rent, so rent may not be fully covered, but the good news is, no fault evictions are now banned, so unless the owner is selling up you less likely to have to move frequently now.

    I am speaking as someone who got kicked out at 20, and has never had the fortune of a council home, so combination of living with my sister in earlier years and private rental.

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