UK Landlord Forum / Life

Where can you find decent landlords who will rent to someone on housing allowance and not think that they are losers and troublemakers? They are not willing to look at YOU as a person, just the words housing benefit. And that apparently means single mums, smokers, pit bulls, 50 screaming kids and more convictions than Fagin. Thats not me - I am ill and have no choice and hate the attitude. Can anyone tell me the name of a decent landlord or their agent?

I do not have the luxury of a guarantor - I do not know my parents and the criteria of being a UK property owner is not met by any of my friends.

I do not want to be like this but I have been ill over half my life. But I have the right to reside in a home. Letting agents should be made to change their policies for those who are disabled. The DDA 1995 would class this as indirect discrimination and I am already taking legal action against one agent. The agents may not like to be challanged in this way but by their own doing they leave me no choice. They do not let property for charity, but I will not be generous and let this go time and again.

Will anyone rent to me as a person who will and does currently pay their rent in full on time - or will I be judged on the behaviour of those who have gone before me?

Prejudices are not easily got rid of as an old coat which is no longer thought of.

Life has a certain flavour for those who have fought and risked all that the sheltered and protected can never experience.

Hey there,

Yeah, you're in a tricky position. I think a lot of landlords have had bad experiences with DSS tenants, and that unfortunately has made it tough for the decent DSS tenants out there.

Just out of curiosity, what are your current living arrangements?

Nick,

As I put in response to your other post, there are many reasons why Landlords and Agents take a blanket approach to not accepting DSS.

I, however am not one of them.  I really do look at a person's circumstances and make a decision based on the person.  I've had working tenants who've been a nightmare (one turned out to be dealing drugs, not working in a call centre as he appeared to be from his payslips etc)

I think you will find agents worse than landlords as these days everyone is so worried about being sued by their clients.

If I were you, I would respond to as many adverts in your area as you can, arrange a viewing - ideally with the Landlord, then explain your situation.  Remember to play up the benefits of having a tenant like you - you will stay in a property for a long time (I assume you will), you are home during the day so the property will be safer.  Many landlords need help with admin, odd jobs etc.  Maybe there is something you can offer to do for them (as long as you don't put your benefits at risk or make your illness any worse)

This may sound a bit 'hippy' but I am a very spiritual person and I firmly believe in the Law of Attraction, which is that what you focus on, what you put out there, you get in your life.  So, why not try shifting your thinking.  Focus on there being good Landlords out there who will look beyond the Benefits label and see the person underneath.  If you are convinced that you can't find a landlord or agent to help you then that is what you will keep finding. 

Tell me what area you are looking in - I run an online community for ethical investors, many of whom are very happy to provide homes to deserving tenants on benefits - maybe there is someone I know in your neighbourhood!

Good luck in your search.