DSS housing websites?

[siouxie]

Does any body know any good web sites or places to search for properties that acept DSS. I have known a few people in my area that have really been struggeling i dont know if its like that in all areas. Can any one point me in the right direction pls.

 

[MrsR]

I know that housing associations accept DSS. Other than that it should say on the estate agents details for private letting whether they'll consider DSS or not. You could look at what the housing associations are in your area and contact them?

 

[siouxie]

I've written to all the housing associations near me and they have all told me the council need to refure me. I've asked at a few agencies n they all said they don't accept dss :/

 

[xMrsxCx]

It shouldn't really be down to the agent to decide.. It's up to the landlord really.. I know our policy is whether the landlord accepts or not and if so we would normally ask for a guarantor x

 

[MrsR]

I've written to all the housing associations near me and they have all told me the council need to refure me. I've asked at a few agencies n they all said they don't accept dss :/

Have you spoken to the council about a referral? X

 

[siouxie]

No I've only just been moved to a band c really. I haven't actually spoken to anyone tho as its all done online. do I just ring up and ask them to. I know my cousin asked someone before and they told her to do it her self as they don't do it. Think they was fobbin her off. When I bid they have a section of housing association properties you can bid for sometimes. I dont know if that's it now. The agency's I've spoken to have defiantly said they don't deal with dSs.

 

[MrsR]

Honestly, I don't know because the housing associations I've dealt with I've had to fill in applications myself for them, not wait for the council to do a referral x you could phone the council and ask? Xx

 

[xMrsxCx]

U can get away without telling an agent that ur in receipt of housing benefit.. They wouldn't know.. You can only apply for it once ur tenancy is in place anyway so just don't tell them..

And if I'm honest, when people ring us up and ask if u accept DSS it makes u think of people that receive all types of benefits and don't want to work so it's best not to say anything.. And it's nothing to do with them.. HB is there for working people as it is for people who don't and it's wrong that they say they don't accept..x

 

[Jaxx01]

I had the same problem. I had to declare DSS. In with Haart, not sure whether you have one near??? They said they would accept DSS if I had a guarantor. Which I have. Otherwise I would have been stuffed!

You do have to declare DSS and it is their business really as they are renting the property on behalf of the landlord! And you have to go through a credit check etc and they need to make sure you have enough money coming in.

Good luck Hun x

 

[siouxie]

What's haart? I know the credit check would come back fine I've never been in any debt or paid anything late and I've had lots of contract phones and stuff. And I've also enough for the deposit saved so that wouldnt be a problem either. The agency's I've contacted I've explained I'm working but would need dss to top it up a bit as I'm not earning enough to afford it all by my self.:/

 

[Jaxx01]

Hasty residential lettings x

 

[siouxie]

I just googled haart and theres properties in my area but there all 500 a week for a 2 bed up keep an eye on there tho and going to send them an email and check. Will have a look that that one now x

 

[Jaxx01]

I know they accept DSS because I get full HB and I'm with them x

 

[siouxie]

Thanks I will email them just to check it's the same in all areas x

 

[MiniVoid]

When you contact your local council, ask for homesearch get a referral and chat to the housing associations in the area. I know in my area from April on HB will be based on a band A property so I can imagine if your local council is up for the same kind of plans it's worth looking for a band A property if possible. I personally think it's unfair due to working people going out of work too and they don't have any intention to stay out of work and maybe put in a tight situation even though that is/was only going to be temporary.
As for guarantors on tenancies, they are the ones that will be the primary person on your council tax bill which can cause a lot of stress on your benefits too which HAS to be taken in to consideration! A guarantor will have to be able that he or she is a resident in another property paying their counciltax. Also there's a big difference to furnished and unfurnished tenancies and if you ever leave a property during a tenancy period always get a termination proof on paper so you don't end up paying double!
I'd be wary for privates tho, but word by mouth is best! Ask around everywhere, having a chat with a landlord whose looking for a tenant might not bother you being DSS if he seen and got to speak to you face to face and he knows he'll get his rent! Which saves the landlord going through an agency and paying them fees! You'll never find those on the websites unfortunately, I happen to live in a decent band A property which really is word by mouth and believe me it is so much more chilled out

 

[siouxie]

I dont really know what you mean by band a properties. I think you area must be done differently. Where I live the council have 4 bands a b c and d. Band d if for people who are legally allowed to join the housing register but have no priority and will never get a place. Band c for over crowding even if you very overcrowded. Band b for homeless and asylum seekers ect, and band a for medical problems and other stuff. I havent asked the council for a list il give it ago my friend was homeless about a year ago and asked and was told they don't do it. And got no help what so ever.

 

[MiniVoid]

Its valued by vao it sets your council tax rates! That type of banding is called scaling in our area i think..