Social Housing Assured Tenancy and Inheritance

[PoppySong]

I have an assured tenancy in a housing association flat. I first moved into the complex in January, 1994. Due to my disability stairs were a real problem, so in February 2001 I transferred down to this flat which is on the ground floor.

 

If I came into some money would I have to leave my flat?

 

The amount wouldn't be enough for me to buy my own place and I wouldn't get a mortgage as I am not working due to disability. This flat has been adapted for me and can be adapted further should I need to use a wheelchair in the future.

 

I would stop my means tested benefits and would then be paying my own rent direct to the HA.

 

I'd welcome any info/advice. Thanks

[silverfox1961]

Hi and welcome to CAG.

 

Unless the flay was purely for housing benefit claimants then I would say no!!

 

In reality, so long as the rent is paid, the housing association won't care one jot about an inheritance. Just don't forget to declare it to the benefits department and once any inheritance has been reduced to a certain level, reclaim the benefit but don't go spending wildly as they could see that as an attempt to reduce your income deliberately to get benefit.

[PoppySong]

The flats are for everyone. I thought the same, as long as the rent is paid I can't see they'd mind.

 

As soon as the money is in my bank account I will go straight into the offices and let the benefits people know.

 

I will live off it carefully and like you say reapply for benefits when i get below the threshold.

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[caro]

Agree entirely with silverfox. Please don't worry yourself.

[PoppySong]

Thanks Caro. Not sure whether to ask the HA. Wouldn't want in future them to say I should have told them.

[caro]

It won't hurt to ask but plenty of people pay rent to HA's without claiming benefits. What makes you think there might be a problem?

[PoppySong]

Just thought they might say I have to either buy my own place, but as i said in my initial post that won't happen, or even go to a private landlord.

[silverfox1961]

You are an assured tenant. They can't just kick you out. Isn't gonna happen anyway but if you feel that a conversation with your HA will help, go for it.

[PoppySong]

Thanks Silverfox. I know I am not doing anything wrong by not telling them, but at the same time don't want to rock the boat by asking a probable unnecessary question if you know what I mean.

[caro]

All it can do by asking is to put your mind at rest. If you've got your tenancy agreement handy you could check in there.

[PoppySong]

I did look in the Tenancy Agreement and there's nothing about coming into money.

[caro]

I did look in the Tenancy Agreement and there's nothing about coming into money.

 

 

 

Then nothing to worry about. I hope you allow yourself the odd little treat.

[PoppySong]

Caro, As I will lose my means tested benefits, I will have to live off the money I get, so no real treats, but it will be nice to feel I am not taking money from the state.

 

Thanks for your help.