Not really sure if this is the appropriate forum as it is a contract law issue relating to co-op schemes which are not ruled by private rental law.
I am a working single mum who is currently a tenant in a voluntary co-op scheme. My rent is based on a means test. Before I moved in I explained I was dating someone but we were not cohabiting but if this changed I would notify them immediately. I explained he often stayed 1-2 nights as he lived some distance away and it made more sense than getting a B&B. They said that was fine. I recently got notification from them that they were increasing the rent as they had not been apprised of all people residing at the property. I replied reminding them that I had been transparent and had told them my boyfriend would be visiting. I explained I was financially independent and that they could recheck all my finances to prove this,including household bills and statements etc. I also said if necessary my boyfriend would supply them with evidence of his own rented property.I pointed out even the Dept of social and family affairs have flexibility relating to guests. In the one parent familys a guest can visit for a maximum of 3 nights, and in the living alone allowance a person can have individuals to stay with no limit as long as an independent address can be proved for the guest.I wanted them to consider policies in place and research the issue. There is no reference to prohibiting guests in the lease.
They have said this is irrelevant as they are not social welfare and have now decided they are going to only allow guests to stay 1 night, if they stay 2 nights or more the rent will be increased based on a means test of the guest.
This seems crazy to me as if I work nights I can't have a sitter mind my child in my home but will have to move my child to theirs. My sister or mum or friends will not be able to stay a weekend to visit or I will incur a rent increase. Worse still the guest would be expected to reveal their finacial status for means testing.
I feel it was to target single parents but they have not thought it through. Really it is probably trying to stop single parents having boyfriends over but it would effect everyone even the elderly if they need a home carer at night etc.
The underlying assumption is that a guest staying somehow increases your finances which is insulting as I only know of one profession where this would be the case.
It would be so embarassing asking a guest to bring their bank statements when visiting. If you don't co-operate it would probably result in the maximum rent amount being incurred which is ridiculous.It would mean the most finacially vulnerable and most socially isolated for example an unemployed parent with very young children who cant get out to in the evenings etc or afford a babysitter couldn't even have a sister or friend visit. I also raised with them the fact the the single parent would want to retain independence and control of their own home until they decide a person is of good enough character to move in. they stated that as the guest would not be going on the lease it wouldn't affect this issue, yet they expect them to submit their financial details.I am convinced they knew full well I was never co-habiting and that this is really a case of getting more money.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, its horrible to feel that the rules can be changed without recourse at any stage and it has really upset me.
I am a working single mum who is currently a tenant in a voluntary co-op scheme. My rent is based on a means test. Before I moved in I explained I was dating someone but we were not cohabiting but if this changed I would notify them immediately. I explained he often stayed 1-2 nights as he lived some distance away and it made more sense than getting a B&B. They said that was fine. I recently got notification from them that they were increasing the rent as they had not been apprised of all people residing at the property. I replied reminding them that I had been transparent and had told them my boyfriend would be visiting. I explained I was financially independent and that they could recheck all my finances to prove this,including household bills and statements etc. I also said if necessary my boyfriend would supply them with evidence of his own rented property.I pointed out even the Dept of social and family affairs have flexibility relating to guests. In the one parent familys a guest can visit for a maximum of 3 nights, and in the living alone allowance a person can have individuals to stay with no limit as long as an independent address can be proved for the guest.I wanted them to consider policies in place and research the issue. There is no reference to prohibiting guests in the lease.
They have said this is irrelevant as they are not social welfare and have now decided they are going to only allow guests to stay 1 night, if they stay 2 nights or more the rent will be increased based on a means test of the guest.
This seems crazy to me as if I work nights I can't have a sitter mind my child in my home but will have to move my child to theirs. My sister or mum or friends will not be able to stay a weekend to visit or I will incur a rent increase. Worse still the guest would be expected to reveal their finacial status for means testing.
I feel it was to target single parents but they have not thought it through. Really it is probably trying to stop single parents having boyfriends over but it would effect everyone even the elderly if they need a home carer at night etc.
The underlying assumption is that a guest staying somehow increases your finances which is insulting as I only know of one profession where this would be the case.
It would be so embarassing asking a guest to bring their bank statements when visiting. If you don't co-operate it would probably result in the maximum rent amount being incurred which is ridiculous.It would mean the most finacially vulnerable and most socially isolated for example an unemployed parent with very young children who cant get out to in the evenings etc or afford a babysitter couldn't even have a sister or friend visit. I also raised with them the fact the the single parent would want to retain independence and control of their own home until they decide a person is of good enough character to move in. they stated that as the guest would not be going on the lease it wouldn't affect this issue, yet they expect them to submit their financial details.I am convinced they knew full well I was never co-habiting and that this is really a case of getting more money.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, its horrible to feel that the rules can be changed without recourse at any stage and it has really upset me.