With high rents and low wages, there has been a huge increase in the number of people who need to claim benefits to cover their rent.
More tenants on housing benefits are finding it increasingly difficult to find privately rented accommodation. You will see a number of "To Let" posts in your local newsagent window, on rental listings or on letting websites stating "No DSS" alongside bans on children and pets. DSS stands for Department of Social Security, an old phrase which simply means anyone receiving government benefits.
It is now known as Department for Work and Pensions. The use of this phrase means that the landlord is unwilling to accept tenants that claim housing benefits. Most people renting out property do not want DSS tenants. Landlords and letting agents have the power to pick and choose who they wish to rent to. With benefit caps and a shortage of homes, tenants are finding themselves in a predicament to find privately rented accommodation due to landlords shutting them out if they are on benefits.
There seems to be a stigma attached to those who claim benefits and housing benefits. The main question to ask here is: Why do Landlords refuse to rent their property to those tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit? A government survey of landlords from 2011 found that the most common reasons applied by landlords for rejecting tenants on benefits were disturbances or anti-social behaviour (19%), expected payment delays (17%), unpaid rent (16%) and damage (16%).
Another reason provided is that a number of landlords who have a mortgage to pay fear that they will not be paid rent on time if the tenant is on benefits. This will then result in landlords having to evict tenants due to rent arrears and this can be a very complicated procedure, particularly if the landlord has a mortgage to pay. In addition to this, some mortgage lenders are reluctant to provide mortgages to landlords who rent their property to tenants on benefits.
The condemnation of tenants on housing benefits has resulted in more tenants becoming homeless as they are struggling to find accommodation themselves.
If you have fell victim to a housing matter, from unlawful eviction to disrepair, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors can guide clients in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership and repairs. With a niche expertise in Possession and Unlawful Eviction cases the Department holds a significant presence in County Court Possession Duty Schemes throughout London including the Central London County Court. The Housing Department also offers representation in all proceedings including reviews, appeals and judicial review proceedings relating to homelessness, disrepair and succession for tenants. If you have any housing related queries or require representation please do not hesitate to contact our team of expert solicitors on 03337720409.
Author, Saniya Taqi, is a caseworker in the Housing Law Department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors; she assists on a variety of landlord and tenant housing related matters such as disrepair matters, homelessness and possession proceedings.
