Rent to buy

MSD must check whether the client qualifies for Accommodation Supplement. If the client is entitled to an Accommodation Supplement this must be granted before assessing whether the client qualifies for Temporary Additional Support.

Rent to buy costs may still be included in Temporary Additional Support if the client does not qualify for Accommodation Supplement.

A person may enter into a rent to buy contract (also called a deferred payment disposition). In such a case the client is considered as a home owner.

The client must supply a copy of the contract. All payments stated in the rental contract as mortgage repayments and payments made towards a deposit can be included as accommodation costs.

The contract will also state whether the client has responsibility for costs such as rates, insurance and maintenance.

If the client has responsibility for things like rates, insurance and maintenance these may be included as accommodation costs. If the client does not have responsibility for these things they cannot claim them as accommodation costs.