Universal-Credit-Guide-for-Private-Landlords - Manual / Resource - Page 14
I'm worried my tenant
won’t pay their rent—I
don’t think they will be
able to manage
Q. My tenant is vulnerable and unlikely to
manage their rent– what can I do?
The DWP expects landlords to follow their
usual rent collection practices when UC is
claimed, however they appreciate there are
some circumstances where a tenant is
unlikely to manage their monthly payment.
They have created “tier one” and “tier two”
factors to help highlight circumstances
where a claimant may be unable to manage
their monthly payment. A full list of the
factors is available online. Visit GOV.uk and
look for Alternative Payment Arrangements,
the “Personal Budgeting Support and
Alternative Payment Arrangements” guide
contains a full list of the factors.
It is important to highlight any issues you
feel your tenant faces with managing their
monthly payment, to the DWP. Highlight the
Tier factor you feel describes the tenants
circumstances. If the DWP agree with the
barriers faced by the tenant they will
consider a managed payment to the
landlord. This is one of the Alternative
Payment Arrangements and will mean you
should receive payment of the housing
element, direct to you.
We have created a guide on requesting
APA’s which includes how to notify DWP of
concerns regarding rent arrears and other
14
Universal Credit/Information for Landlords
April 2018
issues that mean a tenant is unlikely to pay
rent, this will help the DWP consider
whether an APA is appropriate. Please see
page 15
Q. Can any claimants have their rent paid
directly to their landlord from the start of
their claim?
When a claim for UC is made it will be
decided if a claimant needs support with
budgeting. This may include putting in place
an APA where significant support needs are
identified. In these cases DWP staff will
consider information from tenants and
landlords before making a decision. We
have created a guide on requesting APA’s
which includes how to notify DWP of
concerns regarding rent arrears and other
issues that mean a tenant is unlikely to pay
rent, this will help the DWP consider
whether an APA is appropriate. Please see
page 15
Q. Is there anything else I can do to help?
Please see our “lessons learned and good
practice” information on page 22, we have
asked a local landlord who has had several
tenants move over to UC to share his
experience and offer any useful advice and
tips to other landlords.
www.gov.uk/universal-credit
DWP service centre 0800 328 5644