Talking to the Council
It is not unknown for tenants to tell Landlords they have not received the Local Housing Allowance when it fact they have already spent it.
The only way the Landlord will ascertain the truth is by contacting the council. Most councils will simply state we are unable to discuss the claim unless they have the tenants permission.
If the tenants signs the Landlord disclosure form, the council are compliant with the Data Protection Act and will be able to discuss the claim.
Where the council refuse to discuss the claim, politely remind them that where the tenant is
eight weeks in arrears the LHA MUST be paid direct to the Landlord and that you require further payments to the tenants suspending until they have reviewed this.
PRINT DISCLOSURE FORM