TUESDAY 04 DECEMBER 2018 ARLA ON LINE ARTICLE

The Minister for Families, Supported Housing and Child Maintenance, Justin Tomlinson has issued some valuable advice for landlords (or managing agents) to help their tenants better understand Universal Credit and minimise problems with unpaid or late rent.
Justin Tomlinson, MP said: "I understand that Universal Credit has felt like a huge cultural change for many private landlords, their staff and tenants.

"Universal Credit is a flexible benefit that gives people more control over their working lives and their finances. Payment under Universal Credit is designed to mirror the world of work, to help make the transition into employment smoother. To support this, rent is paid directly to tenants rather than landlords. While everyone adjusts to the new system, I want to provide some simple pointers for landlords to help support their tenants through the process."

Jobcentres have dedicated staff to support you – don’t miss out on this helpful resource.

Get to know your local partnership manager - you can get all sorts of advice and guidance on Universal Credit from them. Jobcentres can also hold regular landlord forums or provide other opportunities for discussion about how the system is working for you.

More information for landlords, including how housing costs are worked out, can be found here: www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/landlords