Direct Payment to the Landlord

As from April 2011 councils can now make payment direct to the Landlord where they consider that it will assist the Tenant in securing the Tenancy read more . This has now been superseded by Universal credit Alternative Payment Arrangements whereby in a MINORITY of cases payment may be made to the landlord
 
RENT ARREARS The Tenant is eight weeks or more in arrears with their rent. In the first instance the Council will stay [suspend] benefits until they can ascertain the facts. Then make a lump sum payment to the Landlord
  • The Tenant is likely to have difficulty in managing their financial affairs.
  • The Tenant is unlikely to pay their rent

Who can ask for the payments to be made to the landlord?

Tenants, Landlords, Tenant's families or people acting on the Tenant’s behalf, may tell the local authority that they are having difficulty paying their rent, or are likely to. The local authority may also identify Tenants who may have difficulty managing their money, for example, when carrying out home visits. Landlords can contact the local authority, especially if the Tenant is getting into arrears with their rent.


Who may have difficulty paying their rent if they are consider at risk or vulnerable to being made homeless due to the management of their finances?

There are many reasons why someone may have difficulty paying their rent. They might be someone who;

  • has severe debt problems/recent County Court judgement against them; 
  • is an un-discharged bankrupt;
  • is unable to open a bank or building society account;
  • has some of their Income Support or Jobseeker's Allowance paid direct to the gas, electricity or water companies by the Department for Work and Pensions;
  • is getting Supporting People help;
  • is at risk of being made homeless and needs help from the local authority to find a new tenancy;
  • is getting help from a homeless charity.

Or someone may have difficulty paying their rent if they:
  • have learning difficulties;
  • have an illness that stops them managing on a day-to-day basis;
  • cannot read English;
  • cannot speak English;
  • is addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling;
  • are fleeing domestic violence;
  • are a care leaver;
  • are leaving prison;
  • are homeless.

Who decides who pays the Landlord? 
The local authority decides if payment can be made direct to the Landlord. Based on evidence that the Tenant has difficulty managing their money. The tenant will be consulted in this decision making process and as in many case, so is the Landlord.
 
  • To find contact details for your local council click here