UK Landlord Forum / Life

Can anyone advise me. My daughter and her family have lived in a part of my house for several years. My daughter recently applied for housing benefit. When the council came out they told her that she would have to pay council tax as they were treating the part of the house they live in as a separate dwelling. A bedroom in the part of the house where she lives is situated over what they consider a separate dwelling (where I live ). Although you cannot currently use any adjoining door it would take very little to re-open .

They have now re-numbered my house and  now charging over £900 per annum for that part of the house whilst my part of house is still on the same rate of council tax as it was as one house.

They still haven't made a decision as to whether she is entitled the housing benefit.

We all lost our jobs when the family business was put into administration .

Any advise can I insist they put my house back as one house ? Do we need to re-open the dividing door access ? Will this affect my daughters chances of claiming housing benefit ?


Thank you

Hi,
I think the council will consider if there are seperate utilites such as water/electricity/gas when it comes to being a seperate dwelling. If they are seperate to those on your property then that will likely affect why it is a seperate dwelling. in reference to the benefits in my local area you cannot claim benefits if your landlord is a member of your family.
I hope this helps