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Rent Increase , LHA Exempt

Hi, looking for some advice.
My landlord has given me a section 13 rent increase from 475pm to 490pm effective 30/12/18.
(great christmas present!)
I have been renting since 2003 and this is the first increase.
I am claiming ESA WRAG and my rent is currently fully paid as LHA exempt.(£109.62pw)
Flat is 2 bedrooms and I'm the sole occupant. LHA 1 room is £105pw)
My area is UC Full.

Will this rent increase change of circumstance trigger migration to UC?
As I am LHA exempt, will the council pay the increase HB if not UC?
If I have to migrate to UC will rent loose its LHA exemption?

Many thanks in advance..

Comments

  • pmlindyloo
    pmlindyloo Posts: 13,062 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Hi, looking for some advice.
    My landlord has given me a section 13 rent increase from 475pm to 490pm effective 30/12/18.
    (great christmas present!)
    I have been renting since 2003 and this is the first increase.
    I am claiming ESA WRAG and my rent is currently fully paid as LHA exempt.(£109.62pw)
    Flat is 2 bedrooms and I'm the sole occupant. LHA 1 room is £105pw)
    My area is UC Full.

    Will this rent increase change of circumstance trigger migration to UC?
    As I am LHA exempt, will the council pay the increase HB if not UC?
    If I have to migrate to UC will rent loose its LHA exemption?

    Many thanks in advance..

    Please can you explain why you are exempt from the local housing allowance rates?
  • My existing HB was started before 2008. My ESA and HB claim started in 2005.
  • poppy12345
    poppy12345 Posts: 18,526 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    My existing HB was started before 2008. My ESA and HB claim started in 2005.
    Have you been living in the same property since that date?
  • Hi yes, living in same property since 2003, no rent increases/ changes since the start of the rental contract, and no changes in circumstances since first started claiming Incap / HB in 2005 at this address other than natural migration from IB to ESA WRAG and no breaks in claim since the start in 2005.
  • pmlindyloo
    pmlindyloo Posts: 13,062 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    It seems that your rent was assessed on the old system.

    Not something I have met before.

    From my reading it seems that unless you move or have a break in your HB claim them you will remain under the old rent referral system.

    So the question might be 'what was the full rent that they assessed for your accommodation.?' Presumably this is the maximum they would pay?

    It might mean that your rent increase would be more than the rent assessed or they might reassess due to rising prices?

    Sorry not to be more helpful!

    Best to call the council and see what they say. If you have a shortfall you may be able to ask for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

    The good news is that this should not mean a move to Universal Credit because you are not making a new claim.

    https://www.worcester.gov.uk/local-housing-allowanace

    Let us know how you get on.
  • tboo
    tboo Posts: 1,379 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    If your rent is referred to the rent officer annually then your increase in rent will only change when a new referral is sent - so dependant on when that is you have to pay the shortfall until the change

    You will have to pay £3.46 per week to your rent or apply for a DHP
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