Should I accept a retired tenant on benefits?
Hi everyone,
I’d appreciate some advice from landlords with experience renting to benefit claimants, especially older tenants.
I’ve been offered a prospective tenant who is pension-age, receiving a mix of benefits — mainly Local Housing Allowance (LHA), Pension, and PIP. To summarise the situation:
• LHA covers about 70% of the rent
• They have Pension income and PIP which covers the rest comfortably
• After paying my rent, they’d still have around £1,600 a month left over for other expenses
• They’ve offered a guarantor on top of that for extra security
On paper, it seems reasonable — especially given I’ve had working tenants before on decent salaries who’ve still ended up defaulting or damaging the property, so I know no tenant type is “risk-free.”
That said, my estate agent is sceptical. They’re concerned the tenant could lose some or all of their benefits in future, leaving them unable to cover rent. I know benefits can sometimes change, but from what I understand, Pension and PIP are fairly stable, especially for someone older.
The tenant seems nice enough, and I don’t want to be the kind of landlord who unfairly discriminates against an older person just because they claim benefits. But obviously, I still need to protect myself financially.
Has anyone had similar tenants? How stable do you find these types of tenancies? Have you had issues with benefits being stopped unexpectedly? Or are the risks no worse than with employed tenants?
Many thanks
Rina
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Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 226
9:55 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Definitely accept. Providing they are acceptable as a person you have an ideal probably long term tenant. Of course your agent knows that too but will miss the new tenancy fees on future lets.
If in doubt go for the guarantor plus rent insurance.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3237 - Articles: 81
9:59 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
I’ve got loads of over 65’s with me, admittedly been with me over 17 years 20 years 22 years etc.
I do find the older they get, the more reliable they become.
And if you didn’t know, when they go on state pension, they switch from UC back to Housing Benefit which tends to be more controllable if you have a contact within the Council.
Those on PIP are the best, although I don’t think it’s nice them having to use PIP for top up, but that’s Govt’s fault, not ours.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 13
9:59 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
I assess like any other tenant. I’ve had mostly good experiences with tenants that match your description. For me they tend to be long term – until the inevitable happens – and the death of a tenant, plus dealing with their executor can mean a longer than normal void . Its true any tenant can die at any time but I’d suggest factoring that into your assessment. Sorry to be grim.
Member Since February 2021 - Comments: 6
10:05 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
The only thing that may change as the person gets older is pip and that would then move to attendance. I would ho for it personally
Member Since August 2015 - Comments: 226
10:18 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
I agree with Mick it is disappointing they have to top up using PIP but my numerous older tenants often do. If you regularly deal with this sector of the market the one challenge is having to try and call on Social Services when they become incapable of caring for themselves. But generally they are far less trouble than many working age tenants. (May be I can relate to them better!)
Regarding death, I suggest you keep the details of any relatives to hand, they can be helpful, especially if the tenant is prepared to share those details with you.
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 1
10:32 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Yes. We have pensionable age tenants. State, 4 private (retired professionals who prefer the freedom of renting), PIP, Attendance Allowance and HB. We prefer them to other applicants. Rent has always been paid, no disputes or unhappiness and we allow one dog or cat. Never had a bad experience. In fact, they are excellent tenants, great gardeners and they contribute to the local community enormously, because they have the time to do so.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 3237 - Articles: 81
10:37 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by at 27/06/2025 – 10:18
Yes I’d forgot that, if they have no family & we the ones to ask Social Services for help, Ooh u say u a Landlord to Nottingham Council & the scourge of the earth.
Yes but Council, she’s collapsed in hospital now, someone needs to go in & feed cat.
No, she will have to ring us.
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 762
10:52 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Unfortunately nearly 1 in 5 of us will now get dementia, usually families are able to support with bills, forms etc.
Without a family to support them things can become very difficult as a landlord friend has discovered recently.
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
11:14 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Even better if they have a Motability car. (And remember state pension, benefits and PIP are all inflation linked).
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 9
11:37 AM, 27th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by at 27/06/2025 – 09:55
Thanks a lot for your comment, I do like this tenant but couldn’t understand why the estate agent wasn’t so keen 🙂