The Basic Guide To DSS Tenants
28 May 2007With so many properties available to rent these days, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for landlords to fill vacancies, consequently landlords are having to be more flexible than ever.
A lot of landlords, especially when looking for tenancy through an agent, get offered to house a DSS tenant. There’s a lot of controversy when it comes to DSS tenants; a lot of landlords just simply refuse to house them. In my opinion, a few bad apples have given all DSS tenants a bad reputation.
What is a DSS tenant?
DSS stands for Department of Social Security. It’s basically people that are receiving housing benefits from the council for either being unemployed, single parent etc. Essentially, the local council will give DSS tenants a monthly allowance for living expenses, which should contribute towards rent.
The DSS set-up process:
A DSS tenant will usually have a slightly different process to that of a private rental. The viewing process is as normal, if the DSS tenant likes the property and wants to take the property then a Pre Tenancy Determination form needs to be filled in with the agents details or landlord details (as applicable). The tenant completes their details into the form and then presents this to their housing officer. The council will then determine the house value and then access the situation of the person requiring the rent and make a rental offer. Once this has been received and accepted on both sides then the usual tenancy agreement is drawn up and the contract with the council who will then arrange the payment set-up.
Why landlords don’t want DSS tenants:
There are a lot of reasons why landlords refuse to house DSS tenants, but here are a few of the most common reasons why:
- Some local authorities have a claw-back clause, which the landlord must agree to if the landlord accepts housing-benefit tenants. This basically enables the local authority to claim back from landlord if any over-payments that may have been made to the tenant. i.e. if the authorities discover that the tenant has for example, been falsely/under declaring income or has taken black economy work etc. It will be the landlord’s responsibility to repay money the tenant may have falsely claimed.
- DSS tenants are entitled to a certain amount of allowance per month, which is dependent on individual circumstances. Some DSS tenants rent a property that actually costs more than their monthly allowance, so then there the tenant is required to pay the shortfall. So basically, the landlord could be looking to claim rent from two different sources per month, the council and the tenant. It can get a little confusing some times.
- DSS tenants generally have a bad reputation and that throws a lot of landlords off. A lot of landlords assume that because DSS tenants claim benefits, they must be doing something wrong.
- The landlord is not getting the rent paid by the tenant, the housing benefit are paying (unless there is a shortfall- then both parties are paying). In a lot of situations, it’s not even the DSS tenant that is causing the problems; it is in fact the council. It’s not unheard of for the money transfer to the landlord to go without teething problems to start with. Dealing with the local authorities can be rather tedious to say the least.
- Payments from the council are made in 4-week cycles. A lot of landlords prefer payment on a pcm (per calendar month basis).
- Common problems that landlords experience from DSS tenants are late payments or complete lack payments (if they’re paying a shortfall), and mistreatment of property.
Advantages of housing DSS tenants:
- The council guarantees their tenants allowance payment. Private tenants don’t guarantee payment.
- Letting agents charge a lot of money to find landlords tenants. Going direct to the council for DSS tenants is completely free.
Things to remember:
- Landlord insurance for DSS tenants is available. This can cover any late or lack of payments, plus a lot more.
- It’s entirely up to the landlord who stays in his/her property. Often, a lot of letting agents will only offer DSS tenants; landlords shouldn’t feel pressured by the letting agent. A landlord has the right to stipulate that they only want private tenants.
- If a letting agent finds a DSS tenant, the landlord is entitled to meet the tenant before agreement to providing tenancy. It’s often a good idea to meet the tenant, so the landlord can make some decision based on instincts.
- it’s always better to get a DSS tenant with rental history, so you can check whether they’re good with payments.
- The landlord should always find out how much allowance the DSS is entitled to, so they’re fully aware if the tenant has to cover a shortfall.
- Landlords have the option of going full-management with a letting agent. Full-management involves the letting agent handling everything- there is no need for the landlord to make any contact with the tenant. This can be costly, but the letting agent will collect payments and chase up any problems. If the tenant has any problems, they will contact the agent directly, and then the agent will contact the landlord.
- It’s always better to have an occupied property than an empty property, so being extremely picky isn’t always the best option.
My personal experience and opinion:
I’ve personally given tenancy to DSS tenants in the past, and still am housing one. I’ve had one nightmare and one success story (my current DSS tenant).
I’m not promoting DSS tenants, and I’m definitely not saying that DSS tenants are perfect, but I’m saying DSS tenants are essentially no different than private tenants, besides from the payment set-up. There seems to be an awful myth that implies that private tenant can do no-wrong. At the end of the day, you can get bad private tenants and bad DSS tenants just as easily as you can get good.
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Talk / 41 Comments left so far
NicolaTrim wrote this on 2008-08-25 11:11:01
I am a DSS tenant - what a label. I have been ill for half my life and so cannot work. I have no choice but to claim a local housing allowance as it now is. But I am now trying to find a new property. This is because one of the tenants at the house I now share is leaving as they can't afford it - and they are working. I cannot live safely alone and so wish to share with my close friend who works. Because of that, the council will not house us together. But trying to find a private rental in the area I need to live is impossible. " properties have come up but as soon as I mention housing benefit, the agents tone changes and I get excuses from "blanket policy no dss" or "landlords insurance is invalid for DSS tenants". I hate the fact that because I am ill I am denied a basic right to live where I would like to. They judge me on scroungers and criminals who choose to live off the state as many do. I am ill and have no choice - no employer would pay me a regular income because I am ill. I have endured this treatment all my adult life - being housed with those who are violent or addicts or worse. I was given no choice and am lucky to be alive as no one cared - I was a number. I won't except that anymore. I am taking legal steps to change agents policy. They will have to, by law, change that "blanket policy" in the case of somene disabled. I will also be taking it to the European court of human rights as I am intelligent enought o read that and understand it. I should not be discriminated against because of who I am. I just want a quiet house where I can pay my rent and live as best I can. Agents and landlords should not make snap judgements - wake up as there are people like me out there who need housing and you turn us away.
2
NicolaTrim wrote this on 2008-08-25 11:25:05
Where can you find decent landlords who will rent to someone on housing allowance and not think that they are losers and troublemakers? They are not willing to look at YOU as a person, just the words housing benefit. And that apparently means single mums, smokers, pit bulls, 50 screaming kids and more convictions than Fagin. Thats not me - I am ill and have no choice and hate the attitude. Can anyone tell me the name of a decent landlord?
3
marie wrote this on 2009-01-05 20:44:14
The CAB will have a list of all the landlords and agants that will except dss!
4
nicola wrote this on 2009-01-06 14:45:29
The CAB i wemnt to had no lists and said just phone round. I got the same pesponse - no DSS or you must have a guarantor rich enough to say they will pay the rent for you if theres any problem. No one I know would do that especially at the moment so theres no way I can rent from all the agents called.
5
breenz wrote this on 2009-01-31 12:21:31
What a good read, I myself am currently receiving housing benefit. I was renting privately and in full time work as a careers adviser,but after having my first child who is now one I decided it would be right to spend time with him and raising him. I am now working three days a week and have found I now fall into the DSS bracket. I find it discriminatory that we somehow have to validate our pure existence and need for housing. Surely this should be a social policy issue for the local authority anD goverment because alot of the time the decision to rent privately is a result of the council themselves not being able to provide enough housing in the first place. I am finding the search for properties accepting DSS to be very difficult and am disguted that in this day and age such practice can be legal and wide spread. What happened to equal opportunities??
6
Caz wrote this on 2009-02-16 14:51:04
I am currently in receipt of housing benefit as a single mum ,but yes i do work and I am in full time education studying to be a teacher.The landlord I have does except this but of course he does the house was a dump I have decorated and layed wooden flooring throughout and the place is literally a shoe box and he charges £750 a month.He has hired cowboys to come and fit a new boiler. When I had it checked for a gas safety certificate turned out I had a gas leak with two children in the house.I really want to find a better property and landlord and council has been no help please message back I would be really grateful for any help and advice.
7
l wrote this on 2009-03-07 02:05:32
i am a single parent and i am also no criminal nicola just because i do not work and want to spend time with my baby doesnt mean im bad you yourself in one of your comments was being discriminating i would love to work when my baby is a bit older,, not all single mums have brought it on themselves and should not be talked about like that,, i think that is really an unfair comment to add as i am looking to go private, but people who put bad names against single mums put me down as if to say were not worth it,, we all shoud be given the oppertunity to go private, doesnt matter who you are.
8
lilo wrote this on 2009-03-25 13:20:53
i would like to know as a "criminal mum " gone straight
ie rent arrears
can i go private
im sick if the housing meat market
ie rent arrears
can i go private
im sick if the housing meat market
9
lizzy lamb wrote this on 2009-04-19 12:47:01
i am 20 got 2 kids pregnant with my 3 got 2 weeks to go would like to know how much dss i am entiled to i am a single mum
10
Jools wrote this on 2009-04-20 13:58:47
Caz,
sorry to hear about your circumstances. Where are you based? There are some councils in England and Wales that are running Landlord Accreditation Schemes to try to root out the 'Rigsby' sytle landlord. I am in the process of joining the Cardiff scheme as we speak. Problem is, with the change in policy for paying landlords who accept DSS many of us are not willing to take on the additional (and I use the word advisedly with no disrespect intended) hassle. Unfortunately, everyone - irrespective of their status/willingness to work/etc who is on benefits is stereotyped and the councils have not helped the matter with their stupid policies. I really feel for you and hope you get something soon.
sorry to hear about your circumstances. Where are you based? There are some councils in England and Wales that are running Landlord Accreditation Schemes to try to root out the 'Rigsby' sytle landlord. I am in the process of joining the Cardiff scheme as we speak. Problem is, with the change in policy for paying landlords who accept DSS many of us are not willing to take on the additional (and I use the word advisedly with no disrespect intended) hassle. Unfortunately, everyone - irrespective of their status/willingness to work/etc who is on benefits is stereotyped and the councils have not helped the matter with their stupid policies. I really feel for you and hope you get something soon.
11
Jools wrote this on 2009-04-20 14:22:46
I've been reading this link with great interest.
The problem is in order to facilitate change the councils have to listen and act but as we all know, councils work on a completely different plant to the normal person and normally have systems that dont talk to each other.
Somehow, soneone has to change the perception of the benefit claiming tenant. When I see DSS I immediately see CHAV. Completely wrong I know but there seems to be more of them than the honest hard working claimant. This recession will see more and more families breaking up and losing their homes and we have to find a way of ensuring that the landlord who looks after his properties and tenants is not left at the end of the month with no rent and a mortgage to pay. I know that there are terrible landlords out there who deserve to be shafted but in the same way all benefits claimants should not be stereo typed, the landlord needs the same respect.
How do you find a decent landlord? Word of mouth or recommendation is the best way I suppose.
Will I accept DSS - not until the councils pay me directly and I am indemnified from any overpayment clawback because the claimant's circumstances have changed. If you want to be different and impress me - write out a CV or give me reasons why I, as a private landlord, should accept you. I won't discriminate on the grounds of race, age, gender etc - I just want to know how, at the end of the month, I am going to feed my own family. If I have paid £100k for a property - I am not going to put just anyone in there. I need to know that my investment is safe and is not going to be turned into a grow house or appear on youtube!
Maybe we can't change the attitude of the government or the councils but at least we may be able to understand where both sides are coming from!The old saying that you never get a second chance at making a first impression is as valid now as is was when the saying was first coined!
Jools
Jools
The problem is in order to facilitate change the councils have to listen and act but as we all know, councils work on a completely different plant to the normal person and normally have systems that dont talk to each other.
Somehow, soneone has to change the perception of the benefit claiming tenant. When I see DSS I immediately see CHAV. Completely wrong I know but there seems to be more of them than the honest hard working claimant. This recession will see more and more families breaking up and losing their homes and we have to find a way of ensuring that the landlord who looks after his properties and tenants is not left at the end of the month with no rent and a mortgage to pay. I know that there are terrible landlords out there who deserve to be shafted but in the same way all benefits claimants should not be stereo typed, the landlord needs the same respect.
How do you find a decent landlord? Word of mouth or recommendation is the best way I suppose.
Will I accept DSS - not until the councils pay me directly and I am indemnified from any overpayment clawback because the claimant's circumstances have changed. If you want to be different and impress me - write out a CV or give me reasons why I, as a private landlord, should accept you. I won't discriminate on the grounds of race, age, gender etc - I just want to know how, at the end of the month, I am going to feed my own family. If I have paid £100k for a property - I am not going to put just anyone in there. I need to know that my investment is safe and is not going to be turned into a grow house or appear on youtube!
Maybe we can't change the attitude of the government or the councils but at least we may be able to understand where both sides are coming from!The old saying that you never get a second chance at making a first impression is as valid now as is was when the saying was first coined!
Jools
Jools
12
jessica h wrote this on 2009-07-17 15:10:07
I'am a single mum of one child and am workin part time and and also studyin,im a currentley in a council property which is in a poor state of repair i have not been offered any other house by the council and am only on priority,i am wantin to private rent but cant afford the months rent up front and also a bond do's anyone no any landlords what would be willin to accept housin benefit and be willin to come to a arrangement with the bond..
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Michelle wrote this on 2009-10-20 08:25:44
Hi everyone,
Myself and my partner have two children, we are currently in a council property in a really bad area. Been here for 4 years this month and it is unbareable. I have had no help what so ever from the council with reguards to a move, they are not interested and i am at my wits end. I have never rented a property privately before and don't really know hoe to go about it? I am currently in reciept of housing benefit as myself and my partner are finding it really hard to get decent job to support our kids. I have been searching online for 3 bedroom properties in my area (renfrewshire) but it's no use, most adverts for private lets are "NO DSS". I feel trapped with nowhere to turn. I'm desperate to get out of here. I am not a "chav/ned", "junkie/druggie", "alcoholic", etc. I am a mother who just wants a quiet life away from the riff raff, i do not belong here with the "undesireables". Please, if anyone knows of or is a landlord with a 3 bedroom house/flat in the Renfrewshire/Glasgow area and is letting at £500 pcm please let me know. Thank you. x
Myself and my partner have two children, we are currently in a council property in a really bad area. Been here for 4 years this month and it is unbareable. I have had no help what so ever from the council with reguards to a move, they are not interested and i am at my wits end. I have never rented a property privately before and don't really know hoe to go about it? I am currently in reciept of housing benefit as myself and my partner are finding it really hard to get decent job to support our kids. I have been searching online for 3 bedroom properties in my area (renfrewshire) but it's no use, most adverts for private lets are "NO DSS". I feel trapped with nowhere to turn. I'm desperate to get out of here. I am not a "chav/ned", "junkie/druggie", "alcoholic", etc. I am a mother who just wants a quiet life away from the riff raff, i do not belong here with the "undesireables". Please, if anyone knows of or is a landlord with a 3 bedroom house/flat in the Renfrewshire/Glasgow area and is letting at £500 pcm please let me know. Thank you. x
14
shaza wrote this on 2009-11-25 10:28:38
i am single parent with 3 children and want to know if i move into a privet let how much the dss will pay for a 3 bedroom flat or house for me..
15
kris-hargreaves wrote this on 2009-12-04 11:09:19
could anybody tell me what i would be entitled to from dss as a single person?
16
aaron.L wrote this on 2010-01-07 04:00:58
Dose anyone know how much dss I would be intitled to as a single 21 year old ??? Please help
17
Twattybollcoks wrote this on 2010-01-07 08:52:49
For fucks sake - don't be so damn lazy. Call your local councils housing benefit office and ask them!
If you have a serious question please ask it otherwise get off your fat lazy arses and find out yourself - no wonder DSS get such bad press!
Twatty
If you have a serious question please ask it otherwise get off your fat lazy arses and find out yourself - no wonder DSS get such bad press!
Twatty
18
Khalid wrote this on 2010-01-08 10:43:21
Hi,
I am a DSS tenants from 3 years ago and I am living in Edinburgh, now I want to move to London, somebody can tell me if my DSS can be transfer to London as a change of circumstance? or have I to do a new claim?
Thanks a lot.
I am a DSS tenants from 3 years ago and I am living in Edinburgh, now I want to move to London, somebody can tell me if my DSS can be transfer to London as a change of circumstance? or have I to do a new claim?
Thanks a lot.
19
Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-01-08 11:35:12
Khalid,
Once again, pick up the phone and contact the London borough you wish to move too. They will be able to let you know. Given that Scotland has it's own parliament I doubt it though.
If you found this site then its not too much of stretch to actually find the telephone numbers you want.
TB
Once again, pick up the phone and contact the London borough you wish to move too. They will be able to let you know. Given that Scotland has it's own parliament I doubt it though.
If you found this site then its not too much of stretch to actually find the telephone numbers you want.
TB
20
9999 wrote this on 2010-02-16 19:43:47
hi im 21 and woundering ho much dss i would get with non dependants??
21
Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-02-17 08:13:35
@9999.
Read the above, pick up the phone and call your local housing benefits office at the council you lazy fuck!
TB
Read the above, pick up the phone and call your local housing benefits office at the council you lazy fuck!
TB
22
Mdog wrote this on 2010-02-24 20:14:02
Hi,
Ive recently seperated from my partner. I have moved out but there is no mortgage on the property as it is owned by a family member who purchased the property short term, whilst we were arranging a mortgage.
My question is, will the DSS pay the rent to the family member ?? Or will my partner have to sell ??
Ive recently seperated from my partner. I have moved out but there is no mortgage on the property as it is owned by a family member who purchased the property short term, whilst we were arranging a mortgage.
My question is, will the DSS pay the rent to the family member ?? Or will my partner have to sell ??
23
miss E wrote this on 2010-04-05 13:10:33
hello how do i find out how much dss im entitled to for a property to rent im a mother of two my partner is disabled in a wheel chair and needs constant caring, council will not rhouse me so considering private renting.
24
Natalie wrote this on 2010-04-06 16:20:33
at the very most, how much is one person entitled to DSS a month?
25
Nikki wrote this on 2010-04-21 19:47:18
Its no wonder landlords see many DSS tenants as a bad thing when they can't even take the simple advice of picking up a phone and making their own enquieries!
Peeing them off even more by continuing to ask the same question is just childish and will never change peoples opinions! If ever there is going to be changes to bad attitudes against DSS tenants, it is on sites like this where opinions can be voiced by both sides!
Pick up the phone and ask!
Peeing them off even more by continuing to ask the same question is just childish and will never change peoples opinions! If ever there is going to be changes to bad attitudes against DSS tenants, it is on sites like this where opinions can be voiced by both sides!
Pick up the phone and ask!
26
lisaq wrote this on 2010-04-22 14:40:49
@ twatty your name says everything you silly cow grow up these people are asking for help and all you can do is talk shit get a fucking job you fat horrible cunt :)
27
Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-04-22 15:12:07
@Lisaq,
OooooooooH - potty mouth!
If they can use a computer and the internet they can find the number of their local authority who will know exactly what they are entitled to. Not rocket science. We will do our best to help people but, for fucks sake, lets get them of their lazy arses first and at least TRY to find out themselves what their beneift entitlements are. Why the fuck should I try to help someone like 9999 or Natalie when they obviously can't be arsed trying to find out the most basic of questions themselves first.The government calls it 'Empowerment'!
So, before you start having a go why don't YOU answer their questions? Could it be because you are as thick as they are? If you are going to try to insult me do try to make it more interesting and expresive than "you fat horrible cunt", cos it really does not bother me! Be expansive in your insults - use the wonderful language available to you - be like Shakspere and set yourself free.
Heres one for you: May you develop a yeast infection in your secret lady garden and lose the use of your arms so you can't scratch it! See what I mean? Or "may maggots of a dead cockroach infest your arsehole" I do like this - beats having a go at the munters.
Now, off you go little girl and YOU try to help the fuckwits above.
Love Twatty.
PS - You on DSS too?
OooooooooH - potty mouth!
If they can use a computer and the internet they can find the number of their local authority who will know exactly what they are entitled to. Not rocket science. We will do our best to help people but, for fucks sake, lets get them of their lazy arses first and at least TRY to find out themselves what their beneift entitlements are. Why the fuck should I try to help someone like 9999 or Natalie when they obviously can't be arsed trying to find out the most basic of questions themselves first.The government calls it 'Empowerment'!
So, before you start having a go why don't YOU answer their questions? Could it be because you are as thick as they are? If you are going to try to insult me do try to make it more interesting and expresive than "you fat horrible cunt", cos it really does not bother me! Be expansive in your insults - use the wonderful language available to you - be like Shakspere and set yourself free.
Heres one for you: May you develop a yeast infection in your secret lady garden and lose the use of your arms so you can't scratch it! See what I mean? Or "may maggots of a dead cockroach infest your arsehole" I do like this - beats having a go at the munters.
Now, off you go little girl and YOU try to help the fuckwits above.
Love Twatty.
PS - You on DSS too?
28
Nikki wrote this on 2010-04-22 17:20:34
fao twattybollocks
Why are you wasting time renting out houses...your talents are wasted! There are politicians who can't come up with witty comeback like the lady garden statement etc.
They would probably pay loads for someone who with that sort of mentality...although you would probably have to tone it down a bit....can't see Gordon Brown telling David Cameron he hopes maggots of a dead cockroach infest his arsehole... well not in public anyway!
I find it difficult to agree with many of the landlords statements on here, but I know that it can be frustrating from your point of view too, especially if people can't even take a bit of advice... all I ask is don't tar all of us who are in need of help from the DSS with the same brush!
I have nothing but contempt for many of my past landlords, as I have been the one who ended up taking them to court for their failures...so the reality is, even tenants can get peed off at times and with just as good a reasons as landlords seem to think they have for slagging off all DSS tenants!
Remember, just because a person owns some property, it doesn't always make them the ones with the better morals...hence the reasons why legislations were and still are being introduced to protect tenants from rogue landlords!
Hopefully one day someone will see sense somewhere in the government and make Housing Benefit more simplified and then life can be made easier for everyone, but until then maybe its time to get something sorted to highlight the problems from both sides in order to show the morons who run the benefits departments just how poor their systems can be!
Why are you wasting time renting out houses...your talents are wasted! There are politicians who can't come up with witty comeback like the lady garden statement etc.
They would probably pay loads for someone who with that sort of mentality...although you would probably have to tone it down a bit....can't see Gordon Brown telling David Cameron he hopes maggots of a dead cockroach infest his arsehole... well not in public anyway!
I find it difficult to agree with many of the landlords statements on here, but I know that it can be frustrating from your point of view too, especially if people can't even take a bit of advice... all I ask is don't tar all of us who are in need of help from the DSS with the same brush!
I have nothing but contempt for many of my past landlords, as I have been the one who ended up taking them to court for their failures...so the reality is, even tenants can get peed off at times and with just as good a reasons as landlords seem to think they have for slagging off all DSS tenants!
Remember, just because a person owns some property, it doesn't always make them the ones with the better morals...hence the reasons why legislations were and still are being introduced to protect tenants from rogue landlords!
Hopefully one day someone will see sense somewhere in the government and make Housing Benefit more simplified and then life can be made easier for everyone, but until then maybe its time to get something sorted to highlight the problems from both sides in order to show the morons who run the benefits departments just how poor their systems can be!
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Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-04-22 17:49:05
Nikki,
You my friend seem to be the one who should be an elected official. Eloquent, to the point and you like my musings. I'd vote for you!!
Seriously, if people like you and I could get together and talk then I am sure there would be a way forward. I totally agree, believe it or not, that the tenancy should be based upon fact and not fiction, and that every case should be treated on it's own merits. Unfortunately the genuine cases get lumped in with the detritus (thats general crap and rubbish Lisaq, just to save you putting down your bottle of white lightning to find out - what am I talking about - you wont have a dictionary and you won't have understood the irony!).
I agree about the morals comment however the tables have turned somewhat and the legislation is now protecting the rogue tenants! I too agree that if the Landlord is an idiot he/she deserves everything they get. I spend a lot of money and time on Landlord Accreditation and Development yet the councils still insist on legislating across the board which costs even more money whilst the rouges get away with it. The new HMO licensing scheme is so expensive because the landlords who undertake the renovations to improve their accomodation are funding the finding and so called prosecution of the rogues! Barmy!
So, what should we do? How do we get the interested parties talking and I mean those deserved parties. How do we screen them out from the rest and cherry pick the good ones? Someone is bound to say they are being discriminated against!
TB
PS that last post really took it out of me! I myself was impressed with the secret ladygarden comment!
PPS Don't get me started on politicians..............
You my friend seem to be the one who should be an elected official. Eloquent, to the point and you like my musings. I'd vote for you!!
Seriously, if people like you and I could get together and talk then I am sure there would be a way forward. I totally agree, believe it or not, that the tenancy should be based upon fact and not fiction, and that every case should be treated on it's own merits. Unfortunately the genuine cases get lumped in with the detritus (thats general crap and rubbish Lisaq, just to save you putting down your bottle of white lightning to find out - what am I talking about - you wont have a dictionary and you won't have understood the irony!).
I agree about the morals comment however the tables have turned somewhat and the legislation is now protecting the rogue tenants! I too agree that if the Landlord is an idiot he/she deserves everything they get. I spend a lot of money and time on Landlord Accreditation and Development yet the councils still insist on legislating across the board which costs even more money whilst the rouges get away with it. The new HMO licensing scheme is so expensive because the landlords who undertake the renovations to improve their accomodation are funding the finding and so called prosecution of the rogues! Barmy!
So, what should we do? How do we get the interested parties talking and I mean those deserved parties. How do we screen them out from the rest and cherry pick the good ones? Someone is bound to say they are being discriminated against!
TB
PS that last post really took it out of me! I myself was impressed with the secret ladygarden comment!
PPS Don't get me started on politicians..............
30
Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-04-22 17:52:07
Actually, I should have used the insult "May you develop a yeast infection that would bake a thousand loafs in your secret lady garden and lose the use of your arms so you can't scratch it!
That's much more Shakspereian wit!
TB ;-)
That's much more Shakspereian wit!
TB ;-)
31
Nikki wrote this on 2010-04-22 18:47:36
Hi Twatty,
Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I would be awful as an elected official! I am the type of person who avoids political wranglings if I can help it, although I do end up being pulled into many discussions where I struggle to avoid them.
When I have a little bit more time I will sit and write a full response to your reply, but at the moment, I have a lot of studying I should be doing and my intention to take an hour out to relax for a while has drawn me onto here, only to get involved in more discussions!
This is part of the problems of being unemployed...
not enough to keep my mind occupied, so I end up trying to find things to do, but nearly always end up finding it hard to switch off! After all, there is only so much time you can spend watching the Simpsons on tv, before you start thinking like Homer! Doh!
It will be interesting to see if we can come up with something practical in order to sort out some of the issues we have mentioned. I certainly think it is something which needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Unfortunately it is time for me to go and do something productive again and get some more studying done.
Nikki
Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I would be awful as an elected official! I am the type of person who avoids political wranglings if I can help it, although I do end up being pulled into many discussions where I struggle to avoid them.
When I have a little bit more time I will sit and write a full response to your reply, but at the moment, I have a lot of studying I should be doing and my intention to take an hour out to relax for a while has drawn me onto here, only to get involved in more discussions!
This is part of the problems of being unemployed...
not enough to keep my mind occupied, so I end up trying to find things to do, but nearly always end up finding it hard to switch off! After all, there is only so much time you can spend watching the Simpsons on tv, before you start thinking like Homer! Doh!
It will be interesting to see if we can come up with something practical in order to sort out some of the issues we have mentioned. I certainly think it is something which needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Unfortunately it is time for me to go and do something productive again and get some more studying done.
Nikki
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Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-04-23 16:38:22
Today is the great Bard William Shakspere's Birthday (and some would say death day) and I have had a brain storm.
I've decided to run a competition to find whoever comes upwith the most original insult. I don't care what you call me as long as it's original, expressive and descriptive. Don't want to be called a cunt - been called it too many times and it's a bit boring now. Same with twat, knob, dickhead, arsehole, doe eyed limpwristed donut puncher and cocksucker.
Will make a donation to 'Shelter' for the most original! Go on Lisaq - you know you want to......................Go ahead punk, make my day.
Twattybollocks. ;-)xx
I've decided to run a competition to find whoever comes upwith the most original insult. I don't care what you call me as long as it's original, expressive and descriptive. Don't want to be called a cunt - been called it too many times and it's a bit boring now. Same with twat, knob, dickhead, arsehole, doe eyed limpwristed donut puncher and cocksucker.
Will make a donation to 'Shelter' for the most original! Go on Lisaq - you know you want to......................Go ahead punk, make my day.
Twattybollocks. ;-)xx
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Nikki wrote this on 2010-04-23 17:59:13
Official insult a landlord day...wow! Such an opportunity for anyone with built up frustrations to scream and shout at someone and it has a positive result, with a donation to Shelter!
I really wish I could think of something to put on here, but alas, I am just not that type of person. I am sure that given time though, there are many people who will oblige and hopefully your efforts to relieve peoples frustrations will be recognised.
Good luck!
Nikki
I really wish I could think of something to put on here, but alas, I am just not that type of person. I am sure that given time though, there are many people who will oblige and hopefully your efforts to relieve peoples frustrations will be recognised.
Good luck!
Nikki
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Twattybollocks wrote this on 2010-04-24 15:25:55
Wot no one up for it?
Go on Nikki - just a little one to start off! It wont bother me - honest.
Bet if I was a politician you could do it!!
TB ;-)
Go on Nikki - just a little one to start off! It wont bother me - honest.
Bet if I was a politician you could do it!!
TB ;-)
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Nikki wrote this on 2010-04-24 15:56:36
If you were a politician, it wouldn't be insults I was wanting to throw at you...it would be a brick! Politicians are the scum of the Earth and should all be slowly tortured to the point of death, healed till well again, then tortured again...just to give them a taste of what I think of these Power hungry morons deserve! Most of them couldn't even manage their way into a pack of crisps, let alone manage to run a country!
Its really strange, because I know you are asking for someone to come up with an insult and at this point in time, I genuinely cannot come up with anything original to throw at you. I guess I am not used to being given the option so freely and it has caught me off guard! And considering I am usually quite good in an environment where I have to think quickly and come up with fast answers, I am a little worried I am losing my touch!
Its really strange, because I know you are asking for someone to come up with an insult and at this point in time, I genuinely cannot come up with anything original to throw at you. I guess I am not used to being given the option so freely and it has caught me off guard! And considering I am usually quite good in an environment where I have to think quickly and come up with fast answers, I am a little worried I am losing my touch!
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tracey wrote this on 2010-05-19 21:30:25
omg reading all this made me laf people are asking for help and all some of you are doin is calling them and pulling them down for god sake grow up the lot of u if u want to know how much rent u will get from the dhss go on this site and it will tell u https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Secure/LHARateSearch.aspx?SearchType=PostCode theres no need for all the NASTY ness grown bloody up all of u !!!!!!!!!!
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El Barto wrote this on 2010-06-10 17:16:39
Here's the trouble with the label of being a DSS tenant - I live in a street of privately owned flats. It's a first-time-buyers' street though, so that must mean low on the private let scale, and so target for DSS placement. I have four neighbours dropped on me who are benefit claimants, and three of them are better described as tax thieves. Air thieves in fact. Not working, unemployable, foul mouthed trash, real underbelly of society. And of course they attract their beastfriends from the scummy now-torn-down housing estate from where they dragged themselves. 13 Year old girls barfing in the street, cars with apparently no exhausts, people doing the Methodone Stagger on Boots Handout Day. And for some reason they think it's OK to sit at their front windows gawping at everything outside. Jesus Christ.
And of course, the now rusted and weed-overgrown baby-swing in the front garden. Do these losers get a fucking manual on Stereotypical Loser Householding?
Uh oh, I've dropped the F-bomb. Should I edit it out... Nah, I'll keep it. It was well placed I felt.
These are my experience of what happens when benefit recipients move in. Did you hear that thump? Yep, that was our property values falling on their arse around here.
Reading down this thread, there's a few of exactly the same mold have posted here. People who write this kind of way: "How much iz I guna get fuh muh numerous kidz lol and me roflmao to livez in a streetz fo free wif doze ppl who iz wurkin for a mortgage thoze foolz why wd anywun work? lolololz hahahah" I thank Sweatybollocks for saying a lot of what needed to be said about those ones.
But now we come to Neighbour #4. A single middle-aged guy, a great fellow and a good neighbour. Of the old school where you actually give a shit about keeping your building and grounds in good shape. He's been here for many years, and he's been a perfect neighbour. He's had a few jobs over the years, and had a few periods of benefits. I welcome him to our building. I'd be sad if he left. I see plenty of folks posting who are polite and perfectly literate, and these must be the people like my Neighbour #4. There's those others who I'm actualy a bit surprised are able to use a computer at all going by their failure at basic English. Ah, maybe you can post on forums from the X-Box now. That would explain them.
Anyway, there you go. Three out of four nearby neighbours I'd love to see the 20p for a police-issue bullet spent on, one who's a brilliant, considerate and well mannered neighbour. This is what I see around me, so this is how my opinion is formed of private letting to DSS claimants.
OK, I'm done.
El B.
And of course, the now rusted and weed-overgrown baby-swing in the front garden. Do these losers get a fucking manual on Stereotypical Loser Householding?
Uh oh, I've dropped the F-bomb. Should I edit it out... Nah, I'll keep it. It was well placed I felt.
These are my experience of what happens when benefit recipients move in. Did you hear that thump? Yep, that was our property values falling on their arse around here.
Reading down this thread, there's a few of exactly the same mold have posted here. People who write this kind of way: "How much iz I guna get fuh muh numerous kidz lol and me roflmao to livez in a streetz fo free wif doze ppl who iz wurkin for a mortgage thoze foolz why wd anywun work? lolololz hahahah" I thank Sweatybollocks for saying a lot of what needed to be said about those ones.
But now we come to Neighbour #4. A single middle-aged guy, a great fellow and a good neighbour. Of the old school where you actually give a shit about keeping your building and grounds in good shape. He's been here for many years, and he's been a perfect neighbour. He's had a few jobs over the years, and had a few periods of benefits. I welcome him to our building. I'd be sad if he left. I see plenty of folks posting who are polite and perfectly literate, and these must be the people like my Neighbour #4. There's those others who I'm actualy a bit surprised are able to use a computer at all going by their failure at basic English. Ah, maybe you can post on forums from the X-Box now. That would explain them.
Anyway, there you go. Three out of four nearby neighbours I'd love to see the 20p for a police-issue bullet spent on, one who's a brilliant, considerate and well mannered neighbour. This is what I see around me, so this is how my opinion is formed of private letting to DSS claimants.
OK, I'm done.
El B.
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gaz wrote this on 2010-07-07 06:30:16
lol i had to laugh at the retard at the top sayin hes ill and can work wonder how far hes go changing the law pmsl
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Jaime Marie Lawrie wrote this on 2010-08-05 11:34:15
Looking for a property to rent in Edinburgh and will be claiming housing benefit due to long term illness. I am an extremely clean and tidy female who will look after the property and maintain it to a high standard if required. Can anyone point me in the right direction to let a property that isn't a dump. Max. £500 pcm. Must be in good decorative order. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
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rennie wrote this on 2010-08-31 10:11:48
mmmm very interesting. I think what you all have to remember is there are all kinds of people who claim dss. Myself a single working mum who has worked her whole life. but due to the fact ive i had to move 200 miles with my 5 yr old. has had to give up my job. so will have to claim dss till i find a job n have settled my little girl into school etc !!!! omg yes a single mum who puts her child first and her well being before hitting the grind of 9 till 5.
you all disgust me with your attitudes towards single mums ........ just because we arnt part of a couple dosnt mean we are the scum of the earth!! Iam hating not being able to work , but that what i have to do till i find a job, And a private let is our only option of housing as the council would put us in a bnb for god knows how long till the house us .....and this is just not good enough for a child ...myself yes i could cope but not a child! but again with landlords hating dss, wont have much luck i can see. oh and have been in a private let for 2 yrs in fife with no problems ..and a landylady who is an angel.
you all disgust me with your attitudes towards single mums ........ just because we arnt part of a couple dosnt mean we are the scum of the earth!! Iam hating not being able to work , but that what i have to do till i find a job, And a private let is our only option of housing as the council would put us in a bnb for god knows how long till the house us .....and this is just not good enough for a child ...myself yes i could cope but not a child! but again with landlords hating dss, wont have much luck i can see. oh and have been in a private let for 2 yrs in fife with no problems ..and a landylady who is an angel.
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Please leave a comment
I initially started this website because I wanted to document my every step from property idiot to property landlord,
in hope that people would find my site and help me along the way. I literally didn't have a clue about being a landlord
when I started this website.
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