Expert advice needed on social housing rent arrears

Brie

pmlindyloo said:

Have you tried to get help with this debt ? (I see you have spoken with a CAB advisor)

Did the CAB advisor not suggest that the individual can apply for a Discretionary Housing payment?

Applying for a Discretionary Housing Payment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Or are you concerned with the admin process of the HA rather than the debt? 

Not my debt.  I'm the adviser!  Granted I still have a lot to learn hence me asking questions here and elsewhere. 

And I find posting about issues is a good way to organise my thoughts as well as get useful info.  Like your bit about the DHP.

Morglin

Most HAs understand that housing benefit is paid in arrears.  The tenant needs to write to a manager.

propertyrental

yes the HA can insist on rent in advance since that is what was originally agreed.

But they seem to have recognised this change could cause difficulties so suggested a payment plan.

Surely a small extra payment over 2 years would resolve this? It's not actully costing extra in the (very) long run as rent will be covered if/when the tenancy ends.

If £30 pm is a problem doubtless they will accept less.

But the bottom line is that that if they went to court to evict, due to 1 months arrears, no judge would evict - especially as by the court date the next payment would have been made.