Sitting tenant looking to use HAP

[Warren]

Hi,

I have a sitting tenant that is indicating that they will be applying for HAP. It appears from what I can see on the HAP website this isn't something that I have a say in and if they are eligible I will have to support it? Or is it the case that a new tenancy cant be refused due to a prospective tenant requiring HAP and the situation is different for an existing tenancy?
The HAP website indicates that I need to get a tax clearance certificate which should be fine as I've paid income tax each year. Is there anything else I will need to consider or be aware of?

Thanks,
Warren

 

[Persia]

They will inspect the property and likely find something or other. Roll with it and push back if it seems ridiculous....something likely will.

Have had HAP/RAS for years and it's a 100% reliable way of getting paid on time every time. No chasing tenants for rent...had it during the housing crash and it was a Godsend.

Be clear on whether rent is paid in advance or in arrears.

You dont have any choice in this iirc.

 

[landlord]

Have had HAP/RAS for years and it's a 100% reliable way of getting paid on time every time. No chasing tenants for rent...had it during the housing crash and it was a Godsend.

Unfortunately this is not correct and one of the reasons landlords sometimes avoid HAP.

HAP tenants pay a varying amount of money to HAP each month to make up the shortfall between the rent and what HAP are prepared to pay. Depending on the tenant’s circumstances.

If the tenant fails to pay some or all of this amount, they get a warning letter….as does the landlord. (I as a landlord have had a few of these letters).
If the tenant still doesn’t pay up as mentioned in the letter, HAP STOP PAYING THE LANDLORD 100% of the rent.
This is disgraceful. Tenant at fault and landlord gets penalised!!!!

Fortunately most HAP tenants in my experience eventually pay up.

 

[Persia]

HAP tenants pay a varying amount of money to HAP each month to make up the shortfall between the rent and what HAP are prepared to pay. Depending on the tenant’s circumstances.

Good point, I sometimes forget that some Landlords don't put in the time to properly meet & vet tenants- get it right here avoids getting tenants who won't even pay the small shortfall...regardless of HAP these types would probably default with or without RAS.

 

[Leo]

If the tenant fails to pay some or all of this amount, they get a warning letter….as does the landlord. (I as a landlord have had a few of these letters).
If the tenant still doesn’t pay up as mentioned in the letter, HAP STOP PAYING THE LANDLORD 100% of the rent.
This is disgraceful. Tenant at fault and landlord gets penalised!!!!

We have a HAP tenant in our place but I don't feel the setup is in any way disgraceful. Most tenants on HAP will realise they're on a very good thing and not rock the boat, but if they do stop paying rent, it's the tenant who should face the consequence of eviction. The taxpayer should not have to carry that burden too.

 

[lff12]

We have a HAP tenant in our place but I don't feel the setup is in any way disgraceful. Most tenants on HAP will realise they're on a very good thing and not rock the boat, but if they do stop paying rent, it's the tenant who should face the consequence of eviction. The taxpayer should not have to carry that burden too.

Its not like 10 or 15 years ago where such a tenant might have their pick of alternative places to go to if the tenancy falls through. Those days are gone and it will be a long hard wait in a homeless shelter before they get anything else.