Why cant i privately rent a house on dissability living alowance,?

Question

Every time i contact a letting agency they show me the house and then when i want to except it they tell me i cant! they dont accept housing benefits, thats fair enough but what about people like me, im not on the 'dole' im dissabled and claim DLA, i have to live on a council estate because no one else will except housing benefit, surely thats descrimination??

Answer 1

you could well be right check with the equality and human rights commission.

What's wrong with living on a council estate? Rents are generally MUCH cheaper and the council has obligations to carry out adaptations etc - people are waiting years to get into council accomodation

Answer 2

ask the agency beforehand if they accept housing benefit

Answer 3

Its more than likely to do with the cost. council rents are cheaper, private are expensive.

Answer 4

I think things may be changing a bit because since April Housing Benefit for private tenants has been replaced by Local Housing Allowance.  This is a flat rate allowance based on size of property, average rents for the area etc, it is paid directly to the tenant so it shouldn't involve any paperwork for the landlord.  I suspect that the culture hasn't caught up with it yet.  In theory if you have your money and can pay it shouldn't make any difference to a landlord where it is coming from and it shouldn't be their concern now whether you are on benefits or not.  It's still early days yet to see if this is going to help change the attitudes of landlords, but I just thought I'd point it out to you in case it is going to have some effect in the near future.  I think there is an increasing trend of councils and government wanting to see private landlords more willing to let to people on benefits, if only to ease the housing problem, Lynne Featherstone for one, a Lib Dem MP in North London, wants it to happen more in her area, so things may be getting easier for people who want to go into private rented.  I personally still think you are better with the council, and I'm wondering, if you are having problems where you are living now, if there is any chance you could pester them for a transfer rather then giving up your tenancy for something less secure.

Answer 5

i've had the same problem. I think it is classed as discrimination. What i did was phone around different estate agents and ask if they have any properties that take housing benefit, quite a few of them do now, and also, go to your local council and ask them if they have any landlords registered with them, the council should be able to help you get sorted. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I tell lots of lies about my income to rent houses. You don't have to tell your landlord.

EDIT

I don't know why I get a thumbs down?? Why should anyone be discriminated against because they have to claim a benefit?

Try renting privately. Look for private ads in the paper rather than going through an association.

Answer 7

Have you tried disabled housing.  I am 23 and was disabled in the military.  My rent is 30% of my income and my medical expences are also taken in to account.  I currently pay around $100 for a one bedroom.  It is very quite and peaceful because most of your neighbors will be elderly.  My town has a population of 3,200 and has four or five housing complexs similar to mine so there should be one near you.  The only down side you will have to but your name on several lists until a place opens up but it is worth it.