Benefits and landlords

Local Housing Allowance is normally paid directly to tenants, unless they get into rent arrears of 8 weeks or more.

If the tenant is having trouble paying rent, we can look at paying it directly to the landlord if:

• they have a medical condition affecting mental or physical health
• they have learning disabilities or physical disabilities
• English is not their first language
• changes in their situation mean they need extra support
• they suffer from addiction to alcohol and drugs
• they have severe debt problems
• old age is affecting their abilities
• they are in rent arrears in their current tenancy
• they are illiterate

If you are a landlord applying for direct payments, you will need to complete the downloadable forms.

If you have a tenant who gets Housing Benefit under the old system, the tenant will be responsible for paying their rent to the landlord.

We have a joint Safeguard Policy (PDF, 62.83KB) with Spelthorne and Runnymede Borough Council.