I’m a first-time landlord currently living abroad and letting out my own flat in the UK while living abroad. I’ve received an application from a tenant on housing benefits, who says they’ll cover the shortfall from their earnings. The rent is £1,600/month, which just about covers my mortgage and service charge, so I’m quite cautious about ensuring consistent payments.
Could anyone advise please, what the risks are of accepting a tenant on housing benefits? Am I legally allowed to decline the application, and if so, what would be an appropriate a non-discriminatory way to do so?
Thanks in advance for your help—keen to do the right thing as a new landlord.
work out that they need to bring in about 3 times the rent as an income to be “safe” as well as no ccj iva s and so on How many in family . Need a guarantor defo.
The lady is employed as a SEN teaching assistant, which is unlikely to generate an income 3x the rent, in my opinion. I struggle to see how she could afford to pay the rent (I don’t think it’s cheap), considering she has mentioned she would be living there with her son only. I appreciate that she may find it difficult to secure a rental property, but I am not a seasoned landlord and currently live abroad, so I wouldn’t be able to handle any issues or complications that might arise easily.
You also need to bear in mind that the associated costs of evicting a tenant on HB are likely to be higher than a tenant not receiving HB. This is due to local authorities advising tenants to stay in place until the bailiffs arrive. Private tenants may well vacate before it reaches that stage.
I’m a tenant but… It is against the law to blanket refuse because someone is on benefits and is clearly evidenced in case law as indirect discrimination under the equalities act-someone on benefits is more likely to suffer mental health problems and so declining on that basis is discrimination on the basis of a protected characteristic
Rejection is always on the basis of affordability . If ANYONE cannot cover the rent then that is the end for them ,certain limits have to be reached . End of story. Saying “I can afford it” is not enough.
suggest you Google “is being on benefits a protected characteristic” Whoever comes to me I ask for proof on income, wherever it comes from. If they cannot meet the “3 times” income /rent guideline then I say . “sorry I cannot help you”
Yeh, not saying that but given the amateur nature the ll has to be sure they don’t imy it’s because of the benefits, what you say about income is spot on
You’re also not a charity and need to be assured of covering your expenses.
Get a guarantor or turn her away, the council will not guarantee her rent. HB can be withdrawn for many reasons without notice if the beneficiary does not dot the i’s and cross the t’s in a timely fashion.
Tread carefully and obtain proof of income at the very least, bank statements, previous landlords references etc.
Consider getting an agent to manage it, if you can find a good one. I live overseas and would not consider managing remotely unless you make regular visits to UK.
In this case as the rent is £1600 per month 2 years rent would equate to £38,400.00 which wouldnt qualify them for HB as anytjing above £16,000.00 except in exceptional circumstances where anything above £10,000.00 £1 is deducted for every £500
And if the tenant hasnt declared the “savings” do you really want a dishonest tenant
