Comments on: Day 9 – How do you find lodgers?

By: Tessa

Tessa — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:06:46 +0000

Thanks for that Simon, I don’t do housing benefit work so was not aware of that.

I suppose the only alternative therefore, if you need an income from the room, is to ask her to go, so you can rent the room to someone who will pay.

By: Simon

Simon — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:36:03 +0000

Hello,

Just to follow on what Stephen asked about now claiming Housing Benefit for a family member who as live with him for 5 years. In my experience it’s a very clear no, they would not pay anything in this situation. And if you try and manipulate facts, like saying you would ask them to leave if rent wasn’t received, you are committing an act of fraud which is a big no no.

It’s just not worth the risk. You may get away with it for a few years but if you then get caught the council are likely to prosecute. Sentencing for fraud of £12,000 usually involves a 6 month sentence.

Good lucky anyway,

Simon Macbeth

By: Tessa

Tessa — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:51:13 +0000

I am not an expert on benefit but I know that they are not keen to pay in family situations. One thought that comes to me is that they might agree to pay housing benefit if you say that she will have to leave unless she pays rent. For example if you say that you will need her room so you can let it out to someone able to pay rent.

Perhaps if you do a formal notice to quit asking her to vacate, then she could take this to the benefit office.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:31:01 +0000

Dear Tessa

My Sister-in-Law (wife’s sister) has been living with us for over 5 years – she is 56 years of age.

She is on;

Income Support and
Disability Living Allowance (middle rate care component & higher rate mobility component).

She doesn’t pay rent to us – there is no rent book (she is not claiming rent via Income Support).

Like many, we are starting to feel the financial pinch now (fixed rate mortgage has ended, etc).

Is it legal to now change her status to a lodger?

She has access to all the property, along with her own bathroom, bedroom and living room.

Or could the local council refuse this on the grounds that they would think we are profiting
from this new arrangement?

If it is possible to change her status, we would of course comply with all the necessary requirements.

Many thanks in advance.

Regards, Stephen