Local Housing Allowance

Rent arrears

If you have built up 8 weeks rent arrears or you are having deductions for rent arrears taken from your Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit we will normally pay your housing benefit to your landlord.

Landlords are encouraged to contact the Benefits department when rent arrears are equal to 5 weeks' rent. This allows the local authority to be aware of the situation before the arrears reach the equivalent of 8 weeks' rent.

When the rent is 8 weeks in arrears the landlord must provide written evidence of this with a rent account statement showing the rent that is due, any payments that have been made and the amount of rent outstanding. This evidence is required before a decision can be made to make any further Housing Benefit payments directly to the landlord.

Landlords and you are responsible for telling the local authority when the arrears are no longer 8 weeks or more as by law payment must then revert to the benefit claimant unless special circumstances apply.

Special circumstances usually mean that a claimant is unable to manage their financial affairs. The local authority will investigate these circumstances and make a decision based on evidence. If you or a landlord feel this may apply please provide, in writing, the reasons for this along with any evidence you may have.