Universal-Credit-Guide-for-Private-Landlords - Manual / Resource - Page 7
Private Sector
Landlords
Q. What does UC mean for private sector
landlords?
The main change is that the DWP is
responsible for deciding and paying
support for housing costs to tenants. The
other change to prepare for is currently
local councils will provide information
about a Housing Benefit claim with the
tenants permission. No information will be
provided by the DWP to private landlords
unless Explicit consent is given by the
tenant (see page 18).
Many private rented sector tenants already
receive their Housing Benefit directly and
pay their rent. This will continue under UC.
However, private sector landlords who
currently receive a direct Housing Benefit
payment from the local authority need to
familiarise themselves with the changes
and prepare themselves. For more
information visit www.gov.uk/universalcredit and click on the link Universal Credit
toolkit for partner organisation.
Q. How will housing costs be worked out
under UC?
For private sector tenants, their UC Housing
element will be whichever is lower out of
their actual rent or the relevant Local
Housing Allowance rate. Further
information regarding Local Housing
Allowance is available online, visit
www.Gov.uk and look for Local Housing
Allowance.
7
Universal Credit/Information for Landlords
April 2018
Q. Will I know if a tenant is claiming UC?
Private landlords will not be notified by the
DWP when a claim for UC is made.
However, if you have a query regarding a
tenant being in rent arrears who you know
has made a claim for UC, follow our
guidance on pages 13 to 16. Similarly if you
have a query regarding a tenant you know
is unlikely to pay their rent because they
are vulnerable, and you know they have
made a claim for UC, please follow our
guidance on pages 13 to 16.
Q. How will the DWP check rent and
tenancies under UC?
The claimant must provide the appropriate
evidence to support their UC claim.
Acceptable evidence can be;
a current Tenancy Agreement / Rent
book or
a letter from the landlord which must
include the following information:
Names(s) of all tenants on the tenancy
agreement
Property address
Current rent and frequency (eg
monthly /weekly)
Landlord / Agent details (name /
address)
Landlord/Agent’s signature and date
of signature
www.gov.uk/universal-credit
DWP service centre 0800 328 5644