On Housing Benefit and Have Bad Credit

[Leo112012]

Hi I'm currently unemployed and am claiming housing benefit and I need to move from my current location for so many reasons that I'd be here all day, however, one of them does include that I want to move to a different part of the country to increase my chances of finding work.

 

My problem is I've found a couple of letting agents that accept housing benefit but want to do a credit check first plus require a guarantor. The first problem is the credit check. I have just had a credit report done by Experian and it is very bad, mainly due to missed payments and also I'm overdrawn with my ex-bank and they are now going to pass the debt onto a third party.

 

The thing is I knew this already and know my credit situation won't change unless I get a job. Secondly, the guarantor situation. I am estranged from my family so have no one to provide a guarantor for me.

 

I have tried Gumtree but the problem is because I don't drive I can't afford to keep travelling to the area to look at flats plus even private landlords seem to want guarantors these days.

 

 

It is so frustrating as I have the deposit, plus I will be able to get a reference from my current landlord and I have been trying to move from my current accommodation for well over 6 months now but because of the above situation I am stuck. I apologise for this being so long and hope somebody out there can give me some advice. Many thanks.

Edited August 31, 2012 by citizenB
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[mariner51]

I sympathise with your situation, Leo.

What type of accom are you in currently?

I assume you only qualify for single person current LHA (HB) rate?

 

I doubt you will find a LLprepared to offer you a Tenancy without an employed house-owner G to offset your poor personal credit record, esp if they use a LA for T checks. Whilst there may be some, the T should be wary of the quality of LL and property on offer.

 

Other option may be to find an owner-occupier looking to rent-a-room in their house or some T with LL permission to sublet. With rent a room you would only be a lodger, (excluded occupier) with few rights. In the latter case, the other T is your LL, and not his LL.

 

After some internet research by you, would be to move to preferred area for a week, staying in cheap B&B or budget hotel and look for work & suitable accom - local ads, newsagents windows, pub contacts etc.

 

Sorry if this sounds a bit like Norman Tebbit saying 'Get on your bike', but once you know the area's potential, you can arrange a move at a time to suit and give Notice on your current accom.

Edited August 31, 2012 by citizenB
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[citizenB]

You might also try having a word with shelter They have all kinds of advice for situation such as this. they dont just deal with homeless issues.

 

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice

[The Carpet Cleaners]

Most local councils also have a list of LL's who will take benefit Tenants on....

[Lea_HTH]

You might also want to speak to your local authority housing department (in the new area you want to move to if necessary) about the possibility of using their deposit/rent guarantee scheme. You'll need to meet certain criteria, so will need to speak to them directly to see if you qualify.