Reporting rent increase late

AnonyMoose

Afternoon all, in a bit of a panic.

We had a rent increase late 2023, and I tried to upload proof to UC - only some texts between me and the landlord, I have nothing else, as we’re on good terms.

Fast forward to today, and i just happened to look at my statement more in depth, and its got my old rent amount on it. Looked back in my journal and the texts weren’t accepted as proof.

It wouldn’t make a difference money wise as the LHA rate is still lower, but im panicking. I dont want them to say i have to pay back all the housing element or something.

What do I do? 

tacpot12

They won't say you have to pay back all the Housing element. They wouldn't have paid the housing element at the rate you are currently receiving it at, if they weren't happy with the origianl tenancy agreement/evidence you provided of this. 

Best thing to do now is get a better proof of what your current rent is. A proper letter, with your landlord's name, address and phone number on, that confirms the rent and the date that the rent was increased from. You will also have bank statements showing that you have paid the higher rent if they query this letter. This might not increase your entitlement to the Housing Element, but it is best to have the data that the DWP have recorded correctly. (You have a right to this under the Data Protection Act 2018.)

With the correct rent amount recorded, if your rent remains at its current level but the LHA goes up next time, you might find that you are entitled to a higher Housing Element payment without the need to provide any further evidence.