Forums > Social Discussion > Estate Agents and people on Disability Allowance
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Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Posted:
I am very angry.
Myself and the lovely Sym are trying to rent a flat in Newbury. We've found some really great flats and houses which are perfect and that we can afford.
However as soon as I even mention that I am receiving benefits for depression and anxiety they say "nope nope nope!" and they're not interested at all.
This is driving me nuts. How on earth do people on disability manage to get somewhere to live?! I've been on the council house register for about 2 years, but because I'm not pregnant, and I am living with my parents, I'm not a priority.
What are your views? Are Estate Agents' policies fair? Why won't they let us rent?
And will I eventually get a flat with Sym
it's not fair, I tell you
I am very angry.
Myself and the lovely Sym are trying to rent a flat in Newbury. We've found some really great flats and houses which are perfect and that we can afford.
However as soon as I even mention that I am receiving benefits for depression and anxiety they say "nope nope nope!" and they're not interested at all.
This is driving me nuts. How on earth do people on disability manage to get somewhere to live?! I've been on the council house register for about 2 years, but because I'm not pregnant, and I am living with my parents, I'm not a priority.
What are your views? Are Estate Agents' policies fair? Why won't they let us rent?
And will I eventually get a flat with Sym
it's not fair, I tell you Hoppers are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
4,191 posts
Location: Sihanoukville, cambodia
Carpal \'Tunnel
4,191 posts
Location: Sihanoukville, cambodia
Posted:
Its tough but its true babe.
Unfortunately, a lot of people think that if you are on benefits of any kind, you will be unreliable in paying rent, if only they realised that a lot of the time some of the people on benefits would be more reliable than some with a full time job...its not on really.
Unfortunately though, as with most things, a few people ruin it for everyone else. I used to waitress with a girl, who would only work 4 hours a week, due to the fact that she claimed benefits.
She has most of her rent paid for her, still hardly ever paid what she had to because she spent half her time on the piss.
She went out a hell of a lot more than i did, and i worked one full time and one part time job, and its sadly people like that, that give benefits a bad name.
You'll find something though hun! Have you tried renting privately?
Its tough but its true babe.
Unfortunately, a lot of people think that if you are on benefits of any kind, you will be unreliable in paying rent, if only they realised that a lot of the time some of the people on benefits would be more reliable than some with a full time job...its not on really.
Unfortunately though, as with most things, a few people ruin it for everyone else. I used to waitress with a girl, who would only work 4 hours a week, due to the fact that she claimed benefits.
She has most of her rent paid for her, still hardly ever paid what she had to because she spent half her time on the piss.
She went out a hell of a lot more than i did, and i worked one full time and one part time job, and its sadly people like that, that give benefits a bad name.
You'll find something though hun! Have you tried renting privately?
SILVER Member
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
it sucks but that's the deal with letting agents - in their opinion, if your benefits end for whatever reason and you don't get a job to replace the income, they don't get their rent.
to avoid disappointment, the best thing to do is ask first thing if they will let a property to you if one of you is on benefits.
if they say yes, then you can start looking at the properties they have on offer.
better than that, if you can (on paper) afford the place on just sym's wage, then don't even mention your income through benefits - say that you are currently unemployed and just leave it at that.
the other option is to get your parents to write you a letter saying that they're chucking you out of the house in a month's time.
you forward this to the council and as far as the they are concerned, when the eviction date comes, you will be officially homeless and you should shoot the list
cole. x
it sucks but that's the deal with letting agents - in their opinion, if your benefits end for whatever reason and you don't get a job to replace the income, they don't get their rent.
to avoid disappointment, the best thing to do is ask first thing if they will let a property to you if one of you is on benefits.
if they say yes, then you can start looking at the properties they have on offer.
better than that, if you can (on paper) afford the place on just sym's wage, then don't even mention your income through benefits - say that you are currently unemployed and just leave it at that.
the other option is to get your parents to write you a letter saying that they're chucking you out of the house in a month's time.
you forward this to the council and as far as the they are concerned, when the eviction date comes, you will be officially homeless and you should shoot the list
cole. x
"i see you at 'dis cafe.
i come to 'dis cafe quite a lot myself.
they do porridge."
- tim westwood
BRONZE Member
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Posted:
Good luck Jo
My landlady didn't even ask me about benefits, so maybe you'll be more lucky with a private landlord.
Don't know if you've tried that yet, but there are lots of online agencies where you can click on a field saying you get benefits and they show you places that you can still get. I've only used Scottish ones so they won't be of much help, but maybe you can find some
Good luck Jo
My landlady didn't even ask me about benefits, so maybe you'll be more lucky with a private landlord.
Don't know if you've tried that yet, but there are lots of online agencies where you can click on a field saying you get benefits and they show you places that you can still get. I've only used Scottish ones so they won't be of much help, but maybe you can find some
"vices are like genitals - most are ugly to behold, and yet we find that our own are dear to us."
(G.W. Dahlquist)
Owner of Dragosani's left half
GOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Posted:
Firstly, there is being honest and open and then there is giving people too much information. Do the estate agents really need to know the nature of your disability? Sadly there are people out there that are prejudice about mental illnesses like depression. It's totally unfair if that is the reason they are not allowing you to rent, but it happens.
Is it not right that you can have a job and be on incapacity benefit, as long as you work less than 16 hours a week and get less pay than a certain amount? If that is the case I've told you before that I can employ you as a sales researcher for Skulduggery Clothing or Hyperloop_Hoops then all you need is a ref from me that you are working for me and you don't have to tell the agents anything other than you work for me and you won't get in trouble with the benefits agency as long as you keep them informed. Yes ok I can't afford to pay you, but the agents don't need to know that.
The Council housing situation is crazy and getting worse the more of them that get sold off. It all comes down to the policy that the money made by the councils in the sale of the houses doesn't have to be re-invested in building new ones, so there aren't enough to go around. You'll find this everywhere I'm afraid.
I have heard that in Cardiff the council is allowing people to move in to the run down un-letable houses if the person is willing to do the re-build work. I think you get shares in the property for doing it. I'll check that out though because I might have got that all wrong.
Don't give up hun. there are ways of getting you and Sym a nice place to rent.
Firstly, there is being honest and open and then there is giving people too much information. Do the estate agents really need to know the nature of your disability? Sadly there are people out there that are prejudice about mental illnesses like depression. It's totally unfair if that is the reason they are not allowing you to rent, but it happens.
Is it not right that you can have a job and be on incapacity benefit, as long as you work less than 16 hours a week and get less pay than a certain amount? If that is the case I've told you before that I can employ you as a sales researcher for Skulduggery Clothing or Hyperloop_Hoops then all you need is a ref from me that you are working for me and you don't have to tell the agents anything other than you work for me and you won't get in trouble with the benefits agency as long as you keep them informed. Yes ok I can't afford to pay you, but the agents don't need to know that.
The Council housing situation is crazy and getting worse the more of them that get sold off. It all comes down to the policy that the money made by the councils in the sale of the houses doesn't have to be re-invested in building new ones, so there aren't enough to go around. You'll find this everywhere I'm afraid.
I have heard that in Cardiff the council is allowing people to move in to the run down un-letable houses if the person is willing to do the re-build work. I think you get shares in the property for doing it. I'll check that out though because I might have got that all wrong.
Don't give up hun. there are ways of getting you and Sym a nice place to rent.
Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
SILVER Member
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Posted:
well if you even mention the fact that i receive benefits, it's a no straight away.
It's such a pain in the arse.
we looked for private lettings and found one nice landlord who would take us, but the property was tiny.
well if you even mention the fact that i receive benefits, it's a no straight away.
It's such a pain in the arse.
we looked for private lettings and found one nice landlord who would take us, but the property was tiny.
Hoppers are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
SILVER Member
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Posted:
Spanner. I bloody love you!!! 
Spanner. I bloody love you!!!
Hoppers are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
SILVER Member
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
true indeed.
but (and i'm trying to think like a letting agent now so please don't take this as my actual view) in the same vein, its considerably easier to find another job just after you've lost one than it is to get put back onto benefits when you've just been taken off.
letting agents do not like to accept that benefits are a viable source of income - like maus said, its probably because they've been left out-of-pocket too many times by people committing benefit fraud
spanner has given the best advice here by far
good luck jo and sym
cole. x
Written by: Spanner
It's far more common to suddenly lose a job than to suddenly lose benefits.
true indeed.
but (and i'm trying to think like a letting agent now so please don't take this as my actual view) in the same vein, its considerably easier to find another job just after you've lost one than it is to get put back onto benefits when you've just been taken off.
letting agents do not like to accept that benefits are a viable source of income - like maus said, its probably because they've been left out-of-pocket too many times by people committing benefit fraud
spanner has given the best advice here by far
good luck jo and sym
cole. x
"i see you at 'dis cafe.
i come to 'dis cafe quite a lot myself.
they do porridge."
- tim westwood
SILVER Member
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Posted:
a bit off topic, but i just cooked lunch for me and my mum, I thought we were discussing this topic rationally when all of a sudden she says "for god's sake jo, its not just you. Nurses, Firemen, you know hardworking people with jobs cant get anywhere to live either. its not just you"
i was baffled.
It gets worse, "it's the government, if they didnt let immigrants in, there'd be more houses."
I said, "true, i guess they should stop bombing their countries then".
I think my mum imploded, then she said "Poland dont get bombed. Polish people are hardworking"
I added "there's no oil in Poland" and walked off.
Bloody hell, mothers, aye?!!
a bit off topic, but i just cooked lunch for me and my mum, I thought we were discussing this topic rationally when all of a sudden she says "for god's sake jo, its not just you. Nurses, Firemen, you know hardworking people with jobs cant get anywhere to live either. its not just you"
i was baffled.
It gets worse, "it's the government, if they didnt let immigrants in, there'd be more houses."
I said, "true, i guess they should stop bombing their countries then".
I think my mum imploded, then she said "Poland dont get bombed. Polish people are hardworking"
I added "there's no oil in Poland" and walked off.
Bloody hell, mothers, aye?!!
Hoppers are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
BRONZE Member
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Posted:
hmmmm... I don't really know your situation and how much you're affected by your depression and anxiety, Jo, so this is not meant in any way criticising!!
Do you have a job, or could you get one, so that you could do without the allowance for a while?
hmmmm... I don't really know your situation and how much you're affected by your depression and anxiety, Jo, so this is not meant in any way criticising!!
Do you have a job, or could you get one, so that you could do without the allowance for a while?
"vices are like genitals - most are ugly to behold, and yet we find that our own are dear to us."
(G.W. Dahlquist)
Owner of Dragosani's left half
SILVER Member
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
Posted:
Another thought...
Depending on relations with your parents, could you get them to sign a form that allows them to act as guarantors? Means that if for any reason you do not pay the rent your parents are liable for the costs. had to do this in first house i rented at uni because we were all students, but i don't think it's just for students so might be worth asking about.
Good luck, I have lots of friends who've been in the same sort of pickle with benefits so I know it's really frustrating.
Another thought...
Depending on relations with your parents, could you get them to sign a form that allows them to act as guarantors? Means that if for any reason you do not pay the rent your parents are liable for the costs. had to do this in first house i rented at uni because we were all students, but i don't think it's just for students so might be worth asking about.
Good luck, I have lots of friends who've been in the same sort of pickle with benefits so I know it's really frustrating.
Idolized by Aurinoko
Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind....
Bob Dylan
BRONZE Member
Geek-enviro-hippy priest
1,858 posts
Location: Diss, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Geek-enviro-hippy priest
1,858 posts
Location: Diss, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Posted:
We saw a house that we really liked, and they tuened us down even though we both had guarentors.
We saw a house that we really liked, and they tuened us down even though we both had guarentors.
There's too many home fires burning and not enough trees
SILVER Member
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
Posted:
This makes me feel
The benefits system in this country is so bizarre! I mean, I'm glad we do have a benefits system, but still, the organisation and beaurocracy surrounding it is so, so frustrating!
Had a friend who was on disabled living allowance, she was anorexic but she was trying to recover. She got a job in a pub a few nights a week, was really enjoying it and getting used to meeting people, which was good for her as she was really introvert. Then she had to quit, because they wanted to stop her disabled living allowance and the few shifts she did weren't enough for her to live off without the DLA.
Have another friend with mental illness, he can work and has done in the past, again refuses to get back to work at present because he'd lose out on DLA that came to more than his wages would and he'd have to pay his own rent. Which is annoying, since he's told me he can work but 'this way is soo much easier'.
I have a lot of sympathy for people suffering from mental illness because it's something I've dealt with myself as well as having many friends that have gone through it in various forms. But the system we have seems to put barriers up for some people who want to get back to work whilst letting some who are perfectly capable of work get away with doing nothing!
Sorry, end of rant. Back to more cuddly, useful things...
This makes me feel
The benefits system in this country is so bizarre! I mean, I'm glad we do have a benefits system, but still, the organisation and beaurocracy surrounding it is so, so frustrating!
Had a friend who was on disabled living allowance, she was anorexic but she was trying to recover. She got a job in a pub a few nights a week, was really enjoying it and getting used to meeting people, which was good for her as she was really introvert. Then she had to quit, because they wanted to stop her disabled living allowance and the few shifts she did weren't enough for her to live off without the DLA.
Have another friend with mental illness, he can work and has done in the past, again refuses to get back to work at present because he'd lose out on DLA that came to more than his wages would and he'd have to pay his own rent. Which is annoying, since he's told me he can work but 'this way is soo much easier'.
I have a lot of sympathy for people suffering from mental illness because it's something I've dealt with myself as well as having many friends that have gone through it in various forms. But the system we have seems to put barriers up for some people who want to get back to work whilst letting some who are perfectly capable of work get away with doing nothing!
Sorry, end of rant. Back to more cuddly, useful things...
Idolized by Aurinoko
Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind....
Bob Dylan
BRONZE Member
Geek-enviro-hippy priest
1,858 posts
Location: Diss, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Geek-enviro-hippy priest
1,858 posts
Location: Diss, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Posted:
erm, pot calling the kettle black?
Written by: 87wt2gxq7
well, that'll teach you to look like a blimmin hippy!
erm, pot calling the kettle black?
There's too many home fires burning and not enough trees
SILVER Member
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Posted:
Tea Fairy, exactly!
I would like to do a few hours a week, just to get me started back to work, without too much pressure but that takes away benefit.
I worked as a volunteer at a Primary School, but they won't accept that because they then think "well you CAN work!"
but it's without pressure. If i felt like crap i could phone in and say "i wont be able to do today". Grrr
Tea Fairy, exactly!
I would like to do a few hours a week, just to get me started back to work, without too much pressure but that takes away benefit.
I worked as a volunteer at a Primary School, but they won't accept that because they then think "well you CAN work!"
but it's without pressure. If i felt like crap i could phone in and say "i wont be able to do today". Grrr
Hoppers are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
activist for HoPper liberation.
1,643 posts
Location: ffidrac
1,643 posts
Location: ffidrac
Posted:
looks to me like they might have given up on that and knocked them all down in order to build new houses and student flats... at least that's what's happening throughout most of grangetown. After all why keep run-down houses when you can build new flats then sell 'em to young trendy loaded professionals for a quarter of a million... However i think it is something that did happen and might well also still be happening in other places.
Unfortunately guys i don't have much helpful advice, but best of luck, i hope you find somewhere
Written by: Skulduggery
I have heard that in Cardiff the council is allowing people to move in to the run down un-letable houses if the person is willing to do the re-build work. I think you get shares in the property for doing it. I'll check that out though because I might have got that all wrong.
looks to me like they might have given up on that and knocked them all down in order to build new houses and student flats... at least that's what's happening throughout most of grangetown. After all why keep run-down houses when you can build new flats then sell 'em to young trendy loaded professionals for a quarter of a million... However i think it is something that did happen and might well also still be happening in other places.Unfortunately guys i don't have much helpful advice, but best of luck, i hope you find somewhere
Aurinko freedom agreement reached 10th Sept 2006
if it makes no sense that's because it's NOn-sense.
BRONZE Member
grumpy poorly froggy
3,999 posts
Location: Nuneaton, United Kingdom
grumpy poorly froggy
3,999 posts
Location: Nuneaton, United Kingdom
Posted:
when people talk about the polish people coming over here for work etc i just metion that we did it in the 80's...
Auf Wiedersehen Pet.
and back onto the original subject and from what i have learnt... don't tell them your exact disability, unless they have to ask and can prove its in their policy of letting.... infact if you try asking for their letting polices first it may give you enough amo back. Have you tried D.I.A.L ? They may be able to help.
Written by: jo_rhymes
a bit off topic, but i just cooked lunch for me and my mum, I thought we were discussing this topic rationally when all of a sudden she says "for god's sake jo, its not just you. Nurses, Firemen, you know hardworking people with jobs cant get anywhere to live either. its not just you"
i was baffled.
It gets worse, "it's the government, if they didnt let immigrants in, there'd be more houses."
I said, "true, i guess they should stop bombing their countries then".
I think my mum imploded, then she said "Poland dont get bombed. Polish people are hardworking"
I added "there's no oil in Poland" and walked off.
Bloody hell, mothers, aye?!!
when people talk about the polish people coming over here for work etc i just metion that we did it in the 80's...
Auf Wiedersehen Pet.
and back onto the original subject and from what i have learnt... don't tell them your exact disability, unless they have to ask and can prove its in their policy of letting.... infact if you try asking for their letting polices first it may give you enough amo back. Have you tried D.I.A.L ? They may be able to help.
Life's too short to worry about where you put your marshmallows
SILVER Member
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Posted:
thanks Frogglette
strangely enough, my hypnotherapist's friend is a letting agent and he's going to phone me today!
fingers and toes crossed!
thanks Frogglette
strangely enough, my hypnotherapist's friend is a letting agent and he's going to phone me today!
fingers and toes crossed! Hoppers are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
SILVER Member
member
175 posts
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall, England (UK)
member
175 posts
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall, England (UK)
Posted:
Jo I'm in the same boat as you... it's bloody hard....alas people would rather not rent the likes of us.
I'm hoping to sign onto the coucil housing list as last resort, as my problems are due to my living conditions and environment. Which means I'm priority for housing. Even then I think it'd still have to wait a while.
Have you considered being a traveller? Or living in caravan park? Or something...
Jo I'm in the same boat as you... it's bloody hard....alas people would rather not rent the likes of us.
I'm hoping to sign onto the coucil housing list as last resort, as my problems are due to my living conditions and environment. Which means I'm priority for housing. Even then I think it'd still have to wait a while.
Have you considered being a traveller? Or living in caravan park? Or something...
SILVER Member
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
old hand
853 posts
Location: Behind you...
Posted:
How's it going Jo? Any luck yet?
How's it going Jo? Any luck yet?
Idolized by Aurinoko
Take me disappearing through the smoke rings of my mind....
Bob Dylan
SILVER Member
Destroyer of kitchen appliances
180 posts
Location: Liverpool, UK
Destroyer of kitchen appliances
180 posts
Location: Liverpool, UK
Posted:
You have my sympathy - I'm also on benefits at the moment and I'm desperate to find full-time work asap or I'll have to move back in with my parents. It's either that, or stay living in a house with my ex which is NOT fun. :-(
Let us know how your search goes.
You have my sympathy - I'm also on benefits at the moment and I'm desperate to find full-time work asap or I'll have to move back in with my parents. It's either that, or stay living in a house with my ex which is NOT fun. :-(
Let us know how your search goes.
My brain is about as useful as a chocolate teapot, but unfortunately not as tasty.
Squueee!
SILVER Member
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Momma Bear
4,525 posts
Location: Telford, Shrops, United Kingdom
Posted:
well strangely enough I started having hypnotherapy for my depression, I told my hypnotherapist about our troubles, it turns out her friend is a Director for a small estate agents. We now have a flat and our waiting to move in.
Claire, good luck hun
well strangely enough I started having hypnotherapy for my depression, I told my hypnotherapist about our troubles, it turns out her friend is a Director for a small estate agents. We now have a flat and our waiting to move in.
Claire, good luck hun
Hoppers are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,009 posts
Location: Bristol, UK
Posted:
Glad you did find a place to live
For anyone else: how's your credit rating?
I've rented a flat when I was self/unemployed because my credit rating was good. So if you get your credit score and then speak to landlords maybe that'll go in your favour. And estate agents and management companies are going to be tighter, and often more expensive, than going direct to landlords advertised in the local paper.
I can see why landlords won't let places to people on benefits, or where only one person has got a job. There are many incidences of tenants ceasing to pay rent and then remaining in the property; or benefits agencies freezing benefit or being slow to pay, all costing the landlord.
As a child I spent a few months living in a crowded little flat while the tenants of my mother's house we were meant to be living in refused to move out and then trashed the place. So, I guess I'm just trying to say that I can see if from both sides: regardless of whether you own a flat or are trying to rent a flat, it sucks to be
over so it's only logical to try and protect yourself.
Glad you did find a place to live
For anyone else: how's your credit rating?
I've rented a flat when I was self/unemployed because my credit rating was good. So if you get your credit score and then speak to landlords maybe that'll go in your favour. And estate agents and management companies are going to be tighter, and often more expensive, than going direct to landlords advertised in the local paper.
I can see why landlords won't let places to people on benefits, or where only one person has got a job. There are many incidences of tenants ceasing to pay rent and then remaining in the property; or benefits agencies freezing benefit or being slow to pay, all costing the landlord.
As a child I spent a few months living in a crowded little flat while the tenants of my mother's house we were meant to be living in refused to move out and then trashed the place. So, I guess I'm just trying to say that I can see if from both sides: regardless of whether you own a flat or are trying to rent a flat, it sucks to be
over so it's only logical to try and protect yourself. Similar Topics
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