What Is A Private Tenant?
A private tenant is anyone who has to pay rent to a private
landlord (not the Local Council). Private tenants could be renting
a flat or house, bed & breakfast accommodation. Housing
Association tenants are treated differently and this page does not
apply to them.
How Do I Claim Help With My Rent?
You need to complete a Housing Benefit Claim
form (PDF). It is very important that this form is
completed either shortly before or soon after you move into your
property.
Which Information Do I Need To Send In?
Along with the claim form, you need to send in full details of
your income, savings and rent liability (e.g. tenancy agreement,
Landlord's Confirmation of Rent
form) The exact type of evidence needed is detailed on the form
itself.
How Much Of My Rent Will Housing Benefit
Pay?
Housing Benefit does not guarantee to pay a person's full rent.
All claims received are paid based on the Local Housing Allowance rate that is applicable
to each claimant's circumstances.
Are There Different Rules For Under 35's?
Yes. For the vast majority of single people under the age of 35,
Housing Benefit will be restricted to what is called a Shared Room
Rate. More information is available on the what LHA rate am I entitled to page.
What If My Housing Benefit Does Not Meet My Full
Rent?
If the level of Housing Benefit does not meet your full rent due
to the Local Housing Allowance rate paid, then any shortfall is
your responsibility. The Council can consider awarding extra
Benefit in exceptional circumstances. However, it is at the
Council's discretion and there is only a limited budget given to us
from the Government for this purpose. You will also need to
complete a separate form requesting these extra payments - Application Form for Discretionary Housing
Payments.
How Will My Housing Benefit Be Paid?
Payment is made by BACS directly in to your bank account. In
exceptional circumstances, payments may be made to your landlord.
More information is available on the safeguards page.
How Often Will My Housing Benefit Be Paid?
For the majority of customers, you will be paid two-weekly in
arrears. You may be paid differently if you have lived in the same
property and claimed Housing Benefit continuously since
1996.
What Happens If I Am Paid Too Much Housing
Benefit?
Generally, if we pay too much Housing Benefit and an overpayment
occurs, we will ask you to pay the money back. The rules about
overpayments are complex and are explained more fully in the
Overpayments page.
Private Tenants and the Rent Officer
Q. What are Private Tenants?
A. Private Tenants are people who rent property (e.g. a flat or
room) from a private landlord or a letting agent. The information
given in this page does not apply to people renting their property
from the Local Council or a Housing Association.
Q. How is my Housing Benefit calculated?
A. When calculating a person's Benefit entitlement factors which
are taken into account include the number & age of all
occupiers, income & savings, and the level of rent which is
charged on the property. The actual 'maximum rent' figure is
decided by an independent agency called 'The Rent Service'.
Q. What does the Rent Service do?
A. The Rent Service (TRS) is an executive agency of the
Department for Work and Pensions. TRS provides valuations for local
authorities in England, for use in the assessment of claims for
Housing Benefit where the tenant is renting from a private
landlord.
Q. What factors does the Rent Service take into
account?
A. The Rent Service will set the Local
Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for each area and base these on
local rental information. These rates are reviewed on a monthly
basis. See the LHA pages for further details.
Q. What if the LHA paid is less than my
rent?
A. If the LHA rate for your property is lower than the actual
rent charged then your Housing Benefit will be calculated on the
basis of this lower figure. Additionally, if your rent figure
includes services such as electric, water or breakfast then Housing
Benefit cannot cover these charges.
Q. How do I claim Housing Benefit if I am a private
tenant?
A. A Housing Benefit claim
form (pdf) needs to be completed by the tenant. Documentary
evidence of all income, savings, rent also need to be supplied to
the Council. It is important that you claim Housing Benefit as soon
as possible as there are strict regulations which govern the start
date of a person's claim.
Further Information
If you have any questions or would like any more information,
please contact the Helpline on (01304) 872199.
Tel: 01304 872199
Email: revenues@dover.gov.uk
