Information for landlords and agents about Housing Benefit

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If you have a tenant that wishes to claim Housing Benefit please be aware that we do not ‘pre-approve’ claims and we do not provide deposits. We will only assess a tenant’s eligibility for Housing Benefit after they submit a completed application form that is accompanied by all the necessary documentation including a signed tenancy agreement.

Once approved, we pay any Housing Benefit for privately let properties directly to the tenant. It is paid 4 weeks in arrears. It is then up to you as landlord to collect the rent from your tenant in the normal way. The only exception to this is if your tenant is more than 8 weeks in arrears with their rent. If this is the case, please write to us with details of the arrears so that we can decide what action to take. We will always check with your tenant first as to what the situation is and why the rent has not been paid. As this process can take some time, we encourage you to contact us as soon as your tenant is 8 weeks in arrears.

Please be aware that Housing Benefit may not cover the full rent you charge. Your tenant will have to pay you any amount not covered by their benefit.

Tenants are not required by law to inform you that they are in receipt of Housing Benefit.

Tenants cannot usually get Housing Benefit if they:

• live with and pay rent to a close relative
• used to live with their landlord as a member of their family
• are responsible for their landlord’s child
• used to own the property which they now rent
• live in the home as part of their job
• live in a care home
• are a full-time student

If you have any further questions or wish to discuss a particular tenant, please contact your local council office for help.

Please be aware that if your tenant has not given us permission to speak to you, we will not be able to discuss specific details of any case due to Data Protection legislation.

For more information please download the information for landlords and agents leaflet at www.benefits-leaftlets.org

Please note: There are important changes to Housing Benefit from April 2011. Please see the LHA Direct website for more information on how the changes will reduce Housing Benefit from April 2011.

Last updated: 23 January 2012