- The Councils will pay the Landlord directly if the tenant is two months in
arrears, however, it is common for the tenant to receive the benefit once the
account is no longer in arrears.
- Copies of all letters or Notices reqarding arrears should be forwarded to the
Council and if the tenant is spending the rent, notify them immediately.
- Before signing Agreements, take a copy of the tenants' passport, driving licence
or suitable ID
- Housing Benefit is normally paid in arrears, so if the tenant moves out you may
still be due rent. It is your responsibility to notify the Council if they
send money to which you are no longer entitled.
- The Council can take some weeks to process the claim, upon which the funds are
forwarded to the tenant, so be aware of the payment dates.
- Under the Local Housing Allowance, the Council will pay one months' advanced
rent and one months' deposit. This is often paid directly to the
Landlord/Agent on the signing of the Agreement.
- Remember, deposits must be 'protected' in a TDS
- Given that the rent is paid by a third party based on the tenant's
circumstances, it is important to maintain a healthy contact, so that potential
problems may be foreseen.
|