Universal Credit: top tips for landlords
Published 23 January 2020
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Ensure your tenants know how much their rent is
Speak to your tenants early to make sure they know how much their rent is, and that they are ready to pay their rent to you directly.
Apply for an Alternative Payment Arrangement
If you have tenants who may struggle to pay their rent or are in rent arrears, you can apply for their housing costs to be paid to you directly from the start of their claim.
Claimants can apply for an advance
New Universal Credit claimants can apply for an advance from the start of their claim that can be used to help pay rent and bills.
Additional support for Housing Benefit claimants
Remind tenants moving from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit that they will automatically receive an extra 2 weeks Housing Benefit support which they do not need to pay back.
Understand the options
In Scotland, tenants can choose to have their housing costs paid direct to their landlord or themselves. Make sure you understand all the options so that you can give the best advice possible.
Encourage tenants to set up direct debits
Tenants will need a bank account to receive their Universal Credit payments, and having a direct debit or standing order set up can help them make sure their rent payments are made on time.
Get to know your Partnership Manager
Build strong links with your Partnership Manager – they can share contacts to help you resolve complex matters.
Encourage tenants to claim straight away
Encourage tenants who have a change of circumstances, such as losing their job, to make a claim for Universal Credit straight away so they can continue to pay their rent.
Make sure your tenant has the right paperwork
If you’re a private landlord, you’ll need to provide your tenants with suitable signed paperwork that confirms how much their rent liability is, as this is required for the Universal Credit verification process.
More information
More detailed information for landlords is available, where you can also find out how to contact the DWP partnership teams.