DSS To Let Properties Are Rare To Find
DSS properties have always been available on the property market and landlords have always cashed in on people on social security benefits.
This article serves to explore the options available to tenants looking for flats and houses when they are on housing benefit in the UK.
Anyone who is looking for a home to rent and claiming social security benefits will need to find a DSS to let property.
This has always been a difficult scenario but has become increasingly difficult over the last few years as many landlords are refusing to let their property to families and individuals who are claiming benefits.
The dip in property sales also means that rental prices have managed to rise with more tenants been available while the government is cutting costs everywhere it can find.
This situation has made it more difficult for landlords to accept DSS tenants while at the same time, DSS tenants now have a harder time finding a suitable property while been on the dole.
In most regions the housing benefit agency will not agree to make payments directly to private landlords, believing that tenants should be responsible for their own financial affairs.
Tenants can arrange for payments to be made into the landlord's bank account but will still remain in control of claims and payments.
In the current economic climate, with some regions finding it very difficult to attract working tenants, landlords will now be considering changing their letting criteria baring all the factors above.
If you are a landlord considering a tenant who is dependent upon the DSS to let your property make sure that you are able to agree a payment directly into your own bank account.
In fact it is often the case that if you can find a tenant who is claiming benefits then you will have a guaranteed monthly income. If your tenant is claiming income support or disability allowance then they have no obligation to find employment and can continue to claim full housing benefit whilst they are eligible for these benefits.
On the other hand if you approve a tenant who is currently employed it is always possible that they may be made redundant or otherwise lose their job at any time.
Anyone searching on the internet for DSS to let will be amazed at the number of landlords who do not understand the benefit system, obviously landlords are not going to provide luxury furnishings and decorations at this level of accommodation provision but it can still be an attractive option for many property owners to have a secure income from a lower priced investment.
Properties that are available for DSS to let customers will usually be in areas that have other affordable housing and letting options, but certain areas have such high unemployment that landlords will usually have a provision for taking on a dss tenant.
Credit checks and bank statements may not be a viable method of assessing these applicants. However tenants on social security may be able to supply references from previous landlords alongside letters of support from GP's, community support workers or members of their community that are supporting and helping them.
In rare cases, you may request the tenant to present a guarantor which will certainly help to ease your fear of financial calamity.
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