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Getting a flat to rent on benefits by New year

NAS96550

Reaching out because I'm not really sure what to do.
I'm autistic and in my late 30's, I live with my brother and he's evicted me (mental health/possible substance abuse).
He told me I need to be out by the end of the year and he doesn't appear to care what happens to me. I have a lovely sister but she has limited time to help and can't do this for me. I have no other family.
I have some savings but I can't work and have no guarantor. 
I'm over 35 so I think I'll be eligible for enough to rent a flat, I don't currently get rent money because I live with my brother - I pay it out of the Universal credit I get because I am unable to work. 
I've applied for PIP but only sent it off on Monday.

I don't know how to approach this. I will have the rent money but I don't know how to get the flat. If I become homeless I can temporarily stay with friends but I don't know how I will cope with this because of my autism. I also don't want to be a burden to anyone. 
Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks. 

  • Have you spoken to local letting agents to see if they have landlords who accept tenants on benefits? They usually like a reference too, so do you have a friend who could give you a personal reference? You could also think about renting a room in a shared house. If that doesn't work out, speak to you local council's housing department (they have a responsibility to prevent local people becoming homeless) and also contact the Shelter charity for advice.

    I hope things work out ok.

  • I had to get myself a flat ten years ago on an emergency basis, and found that unless I had a solid history as a tenant it was hard. 

    I had sufficent money for 3 months rent up front, plus my deposit. I found that cash is king. I Got a flat over a shop, because they are almost always huge. It had FOUR bedrooms plus my living room and kitchen for what was the base line rent at the time 450 PCM.

    FOOD then is never far away...

    PRo tip. If you do unexpected maintenance tasks that genuinely improve the look of the place, at low cost to yourself (tin of paint, bit of elbow grease) and consult with landlord before radically changing the colour of something, they will LOVE you.

    When my windows started to leak (or I found the damp forming)  I told them straight away, said "I'm not complaing but this looks like something you need to get looked at" and they loved me enough to fit new windows! All because I did a bit of cleaning and painting after moving in and kept it clean.

  • Hi , I am sorry you are going though such a difficult time. I'm aware you mentioned the Universal Credit and applying for PIP, but you might find it useful to look at our page on the Benefits you can get: www.autism.org.uk/.../benefits-you-can-get.

    Best wishes,

    Anna Mod