Rental Income and DSS

[james]

Hi
It looks like I may be able to assist my daughter by buying-to-let (to her) Does anyone know the position whereby if my daughter becomes unemployed will the DSS pay her rent, which obviously comes to me or are there some different rules because I am her Father, rather than a "conventional" landlord?
 

[John]

I wonder if you have found the answer out?

Sounds like something that an MP would do - so I expect it is not allowed.

[james]

I have sort of found out, it seems the DSS will pay if they feel that it has not been set up deliberately. You would have to have had some prior "proper" rental arrangement and if it deems everthing to be in order then they will pay. For my part it seems (as are many things in life) something of a gamble.

[John]

Thanks for the early reply.

I would not trust DSS views prior to the event.

From what I have read about these matters - your idea would fail
because it was set up to take advantage of Housing Benefit.

There is also the lack of previously commercial letting to back this up.

The scope of 'living in the home of a close relative' may also apply
- as it does not state 'with'.

As a gamble it would a poor one...

[james]

As you say John it would fail if it was set up to take advantage of Housing Benefit - Yes indeed. But my point is that in her position this would not be the case primarily. She is in full-time work at the moment, however technology being what it is her position WILL be obsolete at some stage, sooner or later. There would be some commercial prior let I.E Herself for we hope some considerable time.

"I would not trust DSS views prior to the event" you say. Well I couldn't agree more with that view!!

Despite what many people say/think the DSS is there to NOT pay out if they can help it.

 

[John]

There must be many relatives of those in need who could due to
interest rates - put their money in property for an income.

At the same time they are providing a need.

It is the system that is inflexible - based on making rules prior
to the execution of that system.

DSS would say they are protecting public money - then go
on to spend huge amounts on campaigns to 'claim what you
are entitled to'. Very popular around GE times...