Housing benefit arrears decision welcomed

Published on

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has welcomed a Housing Benefit Tribunal decision upholding an appeal that a tenant’s rental arrears begin as soon as the due date has passed.

According to Housing Benefit regulations, a landlord can apply to their local authority for direct payment of rent when eight weeks or more of arrears has accrued. Currently, some local authorities refuse direct payment within this period citing Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) guidance which states that ‘a person cannot be in rent arrears in respect of a period that has not yet been served.’

In his judgment (I Doncaster v Coventry City Council), Mr. C Jones, Chairman, Coventry Appeal Tribunal, disagreed with the DWP view, saying, “rent is in arrears once the contractual date for payment has passed irrespective of whether rent is due in advance or in arrears.””

Latest POLL

COMMENT ON MORTGAGE SOUP

We want to hear from you!
Leave a comment and get the conversation started.
You need to register to post, so please login or sign up below.

Latest articles

Masthaven joins BDLA

Masthaven has become the latest lender member of the Bridging & Development Lenders Association...

Spring surge in property listings creates market opportunities

The average asking price for newly listed properties has risen by 1.1% (+£3,876) this...

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance appoints senior portfolio director

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB CF) has announced the appointment of Carl Pykett...

Inflation expectations rise slightly as BoE releases latest survey

Public expectations for inflation and interest rates have edged higher, according to the Bank...

Other news

Masthaven joins BDLA

Masthaven has become the latest lender member of the Bridging & Development Lenders Association...

Spring surge in property listings creates market opportunities

The average asking price for newly listed properties has risen by 1.1% (+£3,876) this...

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance appoints senior portfolio director

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB CF) has announced the appointment of Carl Pykett...