Housing Benefit on Statutory Periodic Tenancy

Downbutnotout

I have tried to call the benefits call centre for advice but cannot get through so I'm hoping someone on here may be able to help me😊

!I am currently receiving housing benefit however my assured shorthold tenancy of 6 months is due to end on the 19th March and, after speaking with my landlord, !will automatically move to a statutory periodic tenancy (monthly) from the 20th March. My landlord has advised that I do not need to sign a new tenancy agreement as the terms of the existing one still stands however I am not sure how this effects my housing benefit. Will it automatically continue or will I need to provide evidence of my continued tenancy?

Any help would be gratefully received.

DomRavioli

In theory, it should continue. You would be best informing them that it will be going onto a rolling SPT from an AST just for their records.

Murphybear

Shouldn't make a difference to your housing benefit. The council will only need to see evidence of any changes and moving to statutory periodic isn't a change as all terms and conditions are the same as your landlord has correctly advised. Some people can be on HB on a statutory periodic for years.

If you are concerned, have a word with your council.

tomtontom

The OP was asking about her benefit entitlement, not security of tenure. OP, Murphybear is correct, you continue to be entitled to HB whilst on a periodic tenancy.

mro

You would get 2 months notice and don't need to keep renewing tenancies.

Also avoid situation where landlord/agent issues notice at beginning of new Assured Shorthold Tenancy as standard, so being entitled to possession by default at end of term, even though they may renew tenancy (not sure if they do this anymore), with tenant not being certain until last moment if they will have to leave or get new tenancy.

Murphybear

It happens. When I was an ARLA letting agent we had a tenant who was on disability benefit and housing benefit and lived in a house for many years. The rent was low, the landlord kind and understanding and the tenant did a lot of work in the house, even put in a new bathroom.

dodger1

Many tenants prefer to be on a periodic tenancy. They still have two month's security and they only need to give one month's notice if they want to leave. They also save a lot of money every six months or annually by not having to pay renewal fees.

mro

Yes, lot of things could & should be improved in rental sector, like security of tenure and maintenance of properties.

Until tenants get some real rights & can be booted out at few months notice, where most landlords have little to lose, that won't happen.