Rent allowance on Income Support

[Ric.ror]

Is the rent now paid to the Landlord or directly to the person receiving the money to pay to the landlord

[jb190281]

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, housing benefit (rent) is usually paid directly to the tenant

[ummmm]

Rent allowance...are you in Ireland?

[murraymints]

up here...scotland..you have the option,,usually to tennant to avoid overclaim by unscrupulous land lord

[themas]

If you are in England (& Wales?) and are in a private sector tenancy the housing benefit (called local housing allowance) is normally paid to the tenant. There are exceptions - the local authority can arrange to pay direct to the landlord if the tenant is known to have money management or some other problems. I believe the Government is in the process of changing this system so that more of the payments can go direct to the landlord.

If you are in social housing (council or housing association owned etc.) it is normal for the benefit to go direct to the landlord.

[Ric.ror]

No I am not in Ireland

The reason I ask is because I have seen a number of adverts saying 'sorry no DSS' and if I was to rent a property out I would like to ensure that I did receive the rent on a regular basis

[ummmm]

I only ask because I've never heard it called rent allowance in England.

You might be able to request that it gets paid to you.

[Ric.ror]

I am part Irish though!

[sandyRoe]

I've wondered about that 'no DHSS'. Maybe they think a tenant on benefit won't look after their property as well as a working one might.

[New Judge]

I find it strange that landlords say "No DSS". I would have thought that those on benefits have more of a guaranteed income than just about anybody else.

Perhaps it’s something to do with their behaviour or perhaps (since the authorities started paying Housing Benefit to the tenant rather than directly to the landlord) they show a reluctance to pay their rent. I suppose a landlord would be able to explain.

[Ric.ror]

I thought it might mean they could be more likely to amass arrears

[themas]

Ric.ror
I think it is both - concern about rent arrears (often not all the rent is paid by housing benefit) & concern about the possible quality of the tenant & the eefect that might have on the property.

However, it has to be said there are very many people on benefits who are excellent tenants - & a lot who are not on benefits who are very poor tenants! I don't think it is fair or reasonable to stigmatise people in this general way. You need to make whatever enquiries you can about prospective tenants - including a credit reference check. Whatever agent you use to let the property should do this & you should make sure they do do it & that you see the results.

[cazzz1975]

rent is paid directly from the benefits service to the landlord

[hc4361]

No it isn't, Cazz.

[sara3]

Housing Benefit is a DWP benefit, but has been paid through Local Authorities (councils) for many years.

but it will be going back to the DWP at some stage.. I can't remember when, but soonish!