Housing Benefit

What can a landlord expect from the Council?

We will: -

• pay Housing Benefit promptly, normally within 14 days of receiving all the information needed to process a claim.
• make payments four weekly (in arrears) while a tenant is entitled to benefit.
• advise the landlord if the tenant has asked for payments to the landlord to stop.
• only discuss a tenant's benefit entitlement with the landlord if the tenant has given permission.
• notify a landlord promptly if there is an overpayment of benefit.

What does the Council expect from the landlord?

We expect:-

• accurate information about the tenancy details including the start date, rent charged and any services provided.
• prompt information regarding the tenant moving out and other changes in their circumstances.
• recognition by the landlord that the tenancy agreement is with the tenant if there are difficulties with payment of rent, the landlord's first point of contact is the tenant.
• prompt repayment of overpaid recoverable Housing Benefit.