HB & Fair Rent- snybody argued and won?

lindsaygalaxy

I recieve a small amount of housing benefit as a full time single working mother. But i recieve less as it is said that i should be able to rent for £560 a month, where my rent is £775. I have checked around and this is a usual amount of rent for the area, when renting private.

I live in a 2 bed, 1 living room and kitch house.

Has anybody had the fair rent office look at their rent and won to get the HB increased?

Ross01

If your contesting a rent officers decision you can ask for a redetermination. However you must do this within one month of the date on which you were notified of the original decision. But be-warned the new decision can increase, remain the same, or even be lower.

hmc

hi there
im doing this now
see thread below
and ive contacted my mp

im in same size house as you with 1 child
they say rent round here is 350 a mth
yeah right, nothing under 425
other person was right about it can go down, mine has by £10 a week!!!!!

i will let you know how i go

helen

jordylass

My sister did this also, her rent is a very reasonable (for the area £550) HB give her £476. She had various responses one of which was to stay that fair rent is not determined on what other houses are rented for!
Her rent went down by £15 per week. She sent in an appeal and got no response but after 6 weeks her HB cheque came out for the original amount with a cheque to cover the deficit. I still don't think it is right and that HB should cover the amount of the rent. It is impossible to get a 3 bed for less within a 30 mile radius.

lindsaygalaxy

Thanks all.

Im putting the information to the department tomorrow. Wish me luck. Can but try i guess.