Information for landlords

• Housing benefit can help tenants on low income pay their rent. It is paid by the local council but based upon rules that have been set by the government.
• Is based upon the level of rent, income, savings and personal circumstances of the tenant and those living in the household
• May be paid if the tenant is on a low income; they do not need to be in receipt of other benefits
• Is sometimes called rent rebate, rent allowance or Local Housing Allowance
• Does not cover day-to-day costs (for example if the rent includes food, water charges, heating or personal laundry then these will not be covered by housing benefit)
• Must be claimed by the tenant and paid to the tenant, except in special circumstances. To find out more about this please see the Local housing allowance safeguards policy. In some cases we will also be able to discuss the claim directly with the landlord

We can only disclose limited information to landlords about tenants' claims for housing benefit. If they would like details of their claim discussed with you, the tenant will need to provide authorisation in one of the following ways:

• Completing the authorisation form to share information with landlords
• Providing a signed letter

Once we have this we will be able to discuss the claim for housing benefit but we will not discuss their personal or financial circumstances.

Read the benefits of becoming an accredited landlord.

Also see the additional LHA information for landlords and managing agents.