UK Landlord Forum / Life

Ok so my current tenant has handed in their notice. Gutted cos he was an ideal tenant - paid 6 months rent cash in advance and has phoned me only once with a problem in 14 months, which was quickly solved.

Advertised property on gumtree and had a fair bit of interest, but not enough really. Especially as im getting married in 3 weeks and really dont need the extra stress of looking for another tenant.

Saying that, one of the most promising enquiries so far is a mum of one (with one on the way) on housing benefit. As soon as she said in her enquiry "housing benefit" i immediately thought "ah shit, no way". But having exchanged emails and talked on the phone she sounds great. She isnt some slacker, she cant work cos she's pregnant but she would if she could, other half is in military and away a lot (she is ex military herself) etc... So i'm arranging to give her a viewing and seriously considering accepting her application if she makes one.

Just wondering if there are other considerations i should take into account when taking on a dss tenant. She said she has deposit saved up already. The rent can be paid monthly in advance and she is adamant that utility bills will be no problem, so it all sounds cushty, but what should i be wary of? Are there things i should be doing to protect myself in every eventually if i let to her (insurances etc...). Appreciate any advice!

Hey Graham,

I've housed DSS tenants before and i've had both good and bad experiences. I'm also hesitant when it comes to DSS tenants.

Here are a few tips:
1) is she renting currently? If so, find out why she's moving.
2) get references from her previous landlords. Find out if she pays on time..etc.
3) find out how much in housing benefits she receives, and if there's a shortfall she'll have to cover. There usually is a shortfall.

Here are some more useful links:

Tips For Taking On DSS Tenants
DSS Tenants And The Shitty Council

Dont do it, well ok do it, but make sure you kit the whole place out with stuff from the range, you wont be t pissed then if it get broke or knicked.

i would say don't touch them - we've recently rented to HB tenant and they have failed to make first 3 payments even though they were getting the money from HB and with a rubbish agency to add to the situation we only got direct payments set up in month 4 and tenant is making no effort to pay what they owe so we are trying to evict now
major headache which i wouldn't wish on anyone

well she turned out to be a bit of a joke. Asked if she could pay deposit in installments and after several phonecalls she said she might be able to get family help with loan for depoist but THEN dropped in the fact that her 16 year old brother would be moving in with her too. Errr no thanks then love.

so i have had to call in emergency measures and go via an agent as I havent had the time to commit properly to a private search for a tenant due to recent wedding etc...

Agent found tenants within a week.