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Landlord Insurance, Building Insurance, Buy To Let Insurance

by Liton Biswas Landlord Insurance
The bedroom tax was introduced in April 2013 in an attempt to free up accommodation. It relates to housing association tenants in receipt of housing benefit who are deemed to have more rooms than required. The policy critiques current tenants living arrangements ensuring they are meeting a strict list of requirements. Where appropriate, those seen to have more rooms that necessary have their benefits reduced, unless they agree to seek alternative, smaller accommodation.

If you have more bedrooms than people in your household, than people then your housing benefit will not pay all of your rent. You will be judged as under-occupying the property

Ten questions you might have about the bedroom tax…

Q: I have two children, a boy and a girl aged 13 & 15 respectively. Are they entitled to their own rooms?

A: No, the rules demand that siblings between 10 and 16 must share regardless of gender. 

Q: I require an overnight carer, where do I stand?

A: Overnight carers are entitled to a room and so this will not affect your benefit.  

Q: My Son is studying away at university, but comes back during non-term time and uses a room. Is this allowed? 

A: Providing he is not away for more than 52 weeks this is acceptable. 

Q: Our 17 year old son is part of the armed forces and so can not guarantee his location. As a result his bedroom may not be used for long periods. Will this affect our benefits? 

A: As long as there intention is to return at some point, your benefits will not be affected.

Q: I have a spare bedroom unused, but don’t want to move elsewhere, how will my benefits be reduced? 

A: Your eligible rent – i.e. how much housing benefit contributes to your rent – will be reduced by 14%. This increases to 25% for two or more extra bedrooms. 

Q: I am aged 65, what does this mean to me? 

A: Nothing, those over the state pension age are not liable for the bedroom tax.

Q: I’ve heard the bedroom tax being referred to as different things, can you clear this up?

A: Other terms for the bedroom tax include but are not limited to ‘Under Occupancy tax’ and ‘Size Limit tax’ 

Q: I am separated from my partner, however we have a child who visits me every other weekend, are they entitled to a room?

A: No, unfortunately the child is counted as living with the parent who receives the child benefit.

Q: I know that I receive deductions for the number of spare rooms, what other factors are considered? 

A: Your income, savings and contributions from other members of the household will all be considered when your housing benefits are re-calculated. 

Q: My situation is rather complex and I need more information, who should I contact about my specific situation?

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About Liton Biswas Junior   Landlord Insurance

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Joined APSense since, July 25th, 2013, From Hove, United Kingdom.

Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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