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19
Aug 2021
Woman says it's 'impossible' to move to Harrogate whilst on Universal Credit
A woman wanting to rent a property in Harrogate says "it seems impossible" to find an estate agent that will accept her because she receives Universal Credit.
Karen Andrew was born and brought up in Harrogate but has lived in Essex for the last 20 years.
After splitting up with her partner she wants to return to be closer to her family but said she feels discriminated against by estate agents and landlords because of her situation.
She also owns a three-year-old Staffy-cross dog which has posed another obstacle in her search for somewhere to live.
She told the Stray Ferret:
Ms Andrew, who works part-time at a school and hopes to find a new job in Harrogate, said estate agents need to "look at the bigger picture".
Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people on low incomes or out of work. It can include a housing element at a rate that is set by the local authority. Ms Andrew is looking for a one-bedroom property in Harrogate at the Local Housing Allowance rate of £523.55.
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Ms Andrew said one estate agent, Linley & Simpson, would only recommend her as a tenant to their landlords if she provided six months' rent upfront which she said she does not have.
She is currently in limbo in Essex whilst she searches for a property in Harrogate that accepts her.
She added:
A spokesperson for Linley & Simpson told the Stray Ferret that all tenants have to pass a credit check from Goodlord that assesses their financial situation.
They said any decision to allow pets is up to the landlord but that they would be happy to speak to Ms Andrew again to discuss her situation.
They added:
Earlier this year, the National Residential Landlords Association called on the government to improve the Universal Credit administration system so the benefit can better support tenants.
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