Legal Obligation With Housing Benefit?

[bloodbinds]

Do i have a legal obligation to tell my landlord that i'm on housing benefits?

I read over his contract, and it's says nothing on there about telling him about benefits, and it doesn't say i'm not allowed to. Also i read through my Housing Benefit application form, and whereas it does say they would like the landlord details to get in touch with him just in case, i don't actually need to supply these details if i don't want to.

So do i have to inform him? I mean, the benefit will go straight to my bank account so don't see why i would need to tell him anything, and i can't find anywhere (even in the small print!) telling me i need to tell him, but i always thought you did need to tell them?

 

[RainbowMum]

Sorry, don't have the answer...but was wondering about that too.

 

[Marleysgirl]

We've been claiming HB for about six months now, it's paid direct into my bank, and I've never told my landlord that we're claiming, nor has the council.

Like you, I read through my tenancy agreement and could see nothing about informing him, so I didn't!

 

[kirst1805]

I haven't told my landlord i'm claiming benefit, there was nothing in the contract and the council didn't demand his details so have kept it to myself.

Way i see it, the council pay it straight to me then i pass it on, as long as he gets the rent surely it doesn't matter where the money comes from.

xx

 

[ineedaseed]

since the local housing allowance came in, there is no legal obligation to tell your landlord you are claiming benefits if this is not in your tenancy agreement xx

 

[purpledahlia]

ah im so glad i found this, great to know! means i have more options now for flats!

 

[Katieeeee]

My god this has pretty much solved EVERYTHING for me. I had no idea! DOH! Thanks ladies! And thanks for asking this question! xxxxx

 

[Katieeeee]

What do they ACTUALLY mean then when they put "no dss" in the ads? x

 

[bloodbinds]

It pretty much means 'no benefits' - so i try to avoid them ones, though i have found out now that we don't need to tell landlords and they are not allowed to discrimnate against us because we're on benefits, so they shouldn't be putting NO DSS in the ads really - as nothing they can do! But if they find out we are on benefits you most likely wont get the place - so try to keep that fact to yourself if possible!

 

[FierceAngel]

no you dont have to tell them

however most agencies and some private landlords will want to refernce you with an reference agency.. most of these agencies such as homelet provide the landlord with a rental insurance providing you have a clean credit file and earn enough... therefor if you dont work/earn enough you require a guarontor to cover you,...