Landlord Information

Anyone on a low income who pays rent for the home they normally live in can claim Housing Benefit. This may include boarders(people who get meals as part of their tenancy agreement). Only the tenant can claim, you can not claim for them.

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 renting a home they used to share with their ex-partner;
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; or
are a full time student.

If your tenant is not sure whether they can claim benefit, they should make a claim or contact us for more advice.

What proof of rent do you need?

We need proof of the rent your tenant has to pay. This is usually a tenancy agreement, but could also be a rent book or a letter from you. The proof must include:

the full address of the property they are renting;
your full name and address (if you are the landlord);
the full name and agent of any agent;
the full of all tenants who live at the property
the start date of the tenancy;
the amount of rent you charge
how often they pay rent
what is included in the rent
the date they signed the tenancy agreement
how long the tenancy will last
your signature; and
the tenants signature.

It is also useful if you give us details of any rent the tenant owes you.

How do you decide the level of rent?

Housing Benefit may not cover the full rent you charge. Your tenant will have to pay any amount left over.

The Valuation Office will set the rent levels for all sizes of properties and these are published each month under LHA rates

Although your tenant's benefit will be worked out by taking into account their income, savings and the number of people in their household, it will not be more than the maximum rent set by the Valuation Office. If a tenant needs more help with their housing costs, they can apply to us for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

When will the Housing Benefit start?

We will normally pay benefit from the Monday after your tenant makes their claim (to us or to the Jobcentre Plus or to the Pension Service).

If they are not sure whether to claim they should complete an online claim form straight away, even if they are waiting for supporting documents, or they may lose money.

How is Housing Benefit paid?

Housing Benefit will almost always be paid to the tenant. It is their responsibility to pay you their rent. There are very few circumstances where we will pay Housing Benefit to you.

To check whether we can make payments direct to you please visit our payments page.