Rent

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You need to send us proof of how much rent you pay, and what services are included in your rent. Services include things like heating, water rates and meals. If you have a tenancy agreemnet and/or a rent book send these in with your form.

If you do not have a tenancy agreement and/or a rent book ask your landlord or landlady to write a letter telling us:

• his or her name and address
• how much rent you pay
• what services are included in your rent
• what date your tenancy started
• what date you moved into your home

Please make sure your name and address is also on the letter.

When we get your application form with proof of your rent and income we will work out your eligible rent. This is the rent you pay each week after we have taken off any amounts you pay for services. (Housing Benefit does not include help with your service charges).

Rent Officers

A Rent Officer may look at how much rent you are paying for your home. Rent Officers are employed by the Government to help the Council work out how much Housing Benefit you can have.

The Rent Officer will decide:-

• if your rent is higher than the rent paid for similar homes in the area
• if you home is larger than you need

If this happens, we will work out your Housing Benefit on a rent appropriate for your home or a rent for a smaller property. We will send you a letter explaining what we have done.