Rent allowance above limit possible?

the deftone

Hey guys,

My friend is currently trying to get rent allowance. She has found a place for her and her son. The landlord has accepted rent allowance. However the rent is 750 and the limit for the area is 650. To be honest though 750 is the absolute cheapest place possible in this area. Most are above 1000. So my question is will they application be refused automatically because its over the limit or might they use their discretion to decide?

Thanks for any info

mrsbyrne

Maybe for 5 or 10 Euro but not 100. No chance I'm afraid.
How was she going to find an extra 100 euro per week?

the deftone

No not per week, an extra 100 per month, she would be able to save 25 a week. Are you sure there is no chance? If so how do you know? Not doubting you, just wondering.

Snake

the deftone wrote: »

No not per week, an extra 100 per month, she would be able to save 25 a week. Are you sure there is no chance? If so how do you know? Not doubting you, just wondering.

Because they won't. In certain cases, when you're on a fixed term lease the HSE might pay above the limit, and when the lease ends you'll be expected to renegotiate rent or move elsewhere.

Cases where rent is over the relevant limit
In some cases Rent Supplement can be paid at the discretion of the DSP staff administering the scheme where the rent is over the relevant limit:

If you or a member of your household has special housing needs (for example, a disabled person in specially adapted accommodation).
If you will be able to pay the rent yourself within a short period, if, for example, if you are taking up employment. In this case Rent Supplement at a higher rate can be paid for a short period of 6-8 weeks.
If you have additional income to pay the balance yourself (Rent Supplement is still based on the maximum rent limit)
If there are other exceptional circumstances. (Special provisions apply if you are at risk of becoming homeless.)
Rent Supplement and lease agreements
If, when your Rent Supplement claim is reviewed, the rent you pay is above the relevant limit and your lease is not due for renewal, you will be expected to re-negotiate your rent with your landlord. If the landlord insists that the terms of the current lease are not negotiable and does not reduce the rent to the new limits the DSP representative will discuss your options with you. These may include seeking other accommodation. If this happens you will continue to be paid Rent Supplement for a reasonable period of time while you secure new accommodation.

see here for more details

myshirt

Not a hope will they do it.

And I believe it is unfair, lumping the negotiating responsibility onto a rent allowance tenant, but that's another conversation.

So you can understand, the state are a large purchaser in the rental market. 750 is maybe market rent, but the state try use buying power to push rents down.

the deftone

Ok thanks guys, but there is no pushing the rents down to half of what they currently are. Never gonna happen. I think its kind of silly they wont let her do it. Its at no extra cost to them, she will pay the difference. She is only asking for the 650 limit, she will make up the extra 25 a week....

Is it worth trying or you think it has to be below the limit?

Even if the landlord agreed to drop the rent to 650 would they believe it considering the price should be at least 800?

Or will they approve it as long as it falls within the limits?

Snake

the deftone wrote: »

Ok thanks guys, but there is no pushing the rents down to half of what they currently are. Never gonna happen. I think its kind of silly they wont let her do it. Its at no extra cost to them, she will pay the difference. She is only asking for the 650 limit, she will make up the extra 25 a week....

Is it worth trying or you think it has to be below the limit?

Even if the landlord agreed to drop the rent to 650 would they believe it considering the price should be at least 800?

Or will they approve it as long as it falls within the limits?

As long as the landlord drops the limit they don't care. No they won't allow it. There's no point trying.

mrsbyrne

Sorry I meant to say €100 per month. That's still €25 per week. That means that the rent cost to her is at least €60 per week. If she is in receipt of €217 per week OpFP only then that is a big chunk .
If she gets maintenance or wages then her rent contribution will be even more.
Why would they have limits if they don't stick to them?
You seem to be confident that the CWO will accede to her application.
If she is relying on you for advice, don't let her sign a lease or give s deposit until she meets with the CWO first, as the landlord won't want to either return her deposit or let her out of the lease.
Finally pointing out the unfairness, as you see it, of the system or otherwise arguing with the CWO will not result in s different outcome.

the deftone

Ok thanks for all the advice guys

stateofflux

local TD then newspapers

mrsbyrne

stateofflux wrote: »

local TD then newspapers

What does this mean? Do you think the law of the land can be changed over an article in the paper?

stateofflux

mrsbyrne wrote: »

What does this mean? Do you think the law of the land can be changed over an article in the paper?

nope. but it can help your cause. ask the couple from carpenterstown..seem to be working for them

mrsbyrne

stateofflux wrote: »

nope. but it can help your cause. ask the couple from carpenterstown..seem to be working for them

How has it worked for them? Lots of pics of them in their PJs but still evicted.And proper order too.