Renting...

[~max~]

Hi, I'm asking this here because I want opinions rather than strict "legal" advice...I might be able to move to a much better flat next month as one of my mates is moving out. The problem is, I'm off sick with work (have been for about 2.5 months). I'm not getting any benefits though (as in housing benefits). So....should I tell the prospective landlord, or should I just tell him I'm "employed" and he doesn't need to know I'm actually not currently working? Paying the rent will not be a problem, so I don't see why he should know?
Any thoughts?

[helliebobs]

Hi maxie, can't really give you any advice but just wanted to say hello to my favourite redhead french lady :) x

[B00]

Hey Max :-)

I don't see why you can't tell him you're employed? Even though you're off sick, you're still employed by your company and receiving sickness benefit aren't you?

[funnygirl]

As you say, it is not his business!!!

As long as he gets his rent, that should be good enough.

Even if he asks for a reference, there is no need to mention the fact you're off sick!

[~max~]

Aw thanks Hellie!xxx How are you today? Still grinning I hope?

Boo and Funnygirl, thanks! I was just a bit worried that he would ask me for a letter from work or something....do you think they would send me one even if I'm off sick, saying I'm employed there?

[helliebobs]

I'm good thanks max!
Yes as B00 said, you are still employed so yes your employer should state that in a letter no problem.

[~max~]

Thanks pet! I think I might give it a go...My mate is sending me his number later, so we'll see! Wish me luck! lol

[helliebobs]

And can there be shenanigans at this new place then Maxie? ;)

[dot.hawkes]

Hi Max, hi all, I think the new landlord will ask for an employer reference, so depending on who your employer is, and bearing in mind they are not allowed to give any personal info to him, they should be able to confirm you are employed by them.

Dotty

[~max~]

We'll see about that, Hellie! I have to be the first to christen the new flat though.....;O)

[helliebobs]

Maxie, I'm 4 months into my new place and it still needs to be christened, no shenanigans here :(

[Richie1976]

Not yet!

[~max~]

Ooooo err!!! Richie and Hellie sitting in a treeeeeeeeeee....

[helliebobs]

Oi you sssshhhhhhh, get back to work!!!! :)

[sairejayne]

I know when I was renting, before we moved in we had to have an employers reference and a reference from our previous landlords, bank & personal reference. If you are friendly with your manager or HR (Whoever will do the reference) explain the situation to them and maybe write the letter yourself and get them to sign it or get them to write it and just leave out that you are off sick. From what i remember, they just want to know that you are reliable, employed and can pay the rent. Didn't directly ask about benefits or if off work. I think they used an external checking company to do all the checks/searches etc, so they may have access to databases that show you are in receipt of sickness benefits.... : (
Hope it all works out for you!!

[~max~]

Thanks, I don't think he's the type to do checks, really. My mate moved in on the recommendation of one of his friends, no questons asked...Anyway, we'll see how it turns out after I've called him! Thanks for your answers!