Housing Benefit

[down'n'out]

Hi,

My landlord increased my rent.

I had a reply from the council that my housing benefit(amount) will remain the same, and that my new rent(amount) has been referred to the valuation office for a reassessment.

I went online to "turn2us"(benefit calculator link from gov.uk), which informed me I am entitled to the full new rent based on LHA. So I do not understand why my housing benefit is not increasing and is being referred to the valuation office (I though valuation office was for council tax, not private rents).

So I do not understand the reply from the council.

Does anyone know what is happening here?

I have sent an e-mail to the council about this, but that can take 28 days for a reply.

[unclebulgaria67]

So this is private rent ?

How many people in your household ?  ( you, any partner and any of your children living with you)

LHA bedroom entitlement is based on the people within the household, so make sure you have checked the bedroom entitlement.

Valuation Office does appear to have  a function regarding fair rent amount.

[down'n'out]

Hi,

Just me living alone in private rented one bed flat.

In the letter from the council, I missed a page, it states:-

"An unreasonable rent reduction has been made from the rent that you pay. This deduction has been made because override."

My new rent is the same as the current LHA for a one bed property.

I know if I was under 35 I would only get shared room rate, but I am 60+ (on income related ESA (support group))

 

[down'n'out]

Hello again.

I have been doing some searching for more info.

I found info in the HB_guide, which states that rent increases can be restricted (regardless if the increase keeps the rent under LHA, or if I am in a vulnerable group). But it appears (to me) they have not taken into account if the rent increase is reasonable. as they should take into account rent increases locally for similar accommodation, and/or if improvements that have been made to the accommodation which might justify an increase.