Gillian's Blog
Jun 14, 2024
Housing Blog – July 2024
In this edition I wanted to focus on protecting your home. Most of us who work in the rural sector such as Gamekeepers, Ghillies, Stalkers etc are lucky enough to be provided with tied accommodation which is normally rent free. Here at The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust one of our goals is to publicise as much information and advice so that you never need to make that phone call to us in the first place.
Renting Privately
For those who are considering leaving employment with tied accommodation, it is worth noting that the rental requirements that some Estate Agents ask for when applying for a property is your annual income should be 30 times the monthly rent. For example, if the monthly rent was £500, then you would need an annual income of £15,000 to pass the affordability check.
You may be able to find a private landlord who doesn’t ask for an affordability check and is happy to rent to you providing references etc are adequate.
If do you find yourself being in a position that you might have to start renting privately, depending on your personal circumstances, you may be entitled to receiving a monthly housing payment from Universal credits, which will help towards paying your rent.
Council Housing
There is a small number of council housing available to those who require them. To be able to apply for a council house there is certain criteria’s you must meet, then if you are accepted onto the housing list you will need to bid for properties each week. Your personal circumstances will all depend if you are classed a priority and this will then determine your place on the list.
Tenancy Agreements
When you are in rented accommodation you should be provided with a written tenancy agreement. This unfortunately isn’t a legal requirement however it is seen as good practice to be provided with one. For example, when you are in tied accommodation, you may not be provided with a written tenancy, but it may stipulate in your employment contract the grounds of your tenancy, for example your notice period, what repairs you are responsible for at the property, bills that you may need to pay etc.
It is obviously a lot more difficult to prove what was agreed if it isn’t in writing as there is no proof. However, you may still be able to provide evidence of what was initially agreed if it was in a text or email.
There are obligations in place that you and your landlord have which may not have been covered in your agreement whether verbally or in writing, but these are given by law and are implied into all tenancies. These are:
- Your landlord must carry out basic repairs to the structure of the property
- Supplying water, gas, electric, sanitation
- Provide heating and hot water
- You have the right to live peacefully in your accommodation without nuisance from your landlord
- You must provide access for any repair work that needs to be done
- You must not cause damage to the property and use any fixtures and fittings in the correct way
In King Charles’ Speech on the 17th of July 2024, he acknowledged those in rented accommodation stating,
“Legislation will be introduced to give greater rights and protections to people renting their homes, including ending no fault evictions and reforming grounds for possession”
Slowly but surely, more protection is being enforced for those in rented properties.
Gillian