New in 2008

Housing Benefit
From April this year and in respect of new leases Housing Benefit will be paid directly to tenants and not to landlords or their agents. There is no opportunity to vary this for new leases, and tenants cannot request this to be paid direct to landlords or their agents. This is part of the government’s plan to increase individual accountability. Arrangements under current leases are not affected by this.
Payments can be requested direct to Landlords / agents where there are significant arrears.
At the same time the basis of calculation of Housing Benefit has been amended to make it fairer and so applicants are now considered against a scale and an award made. That award takes no account of the cost of property the applicant wishes to rent, and so, for example, takes no account of variance in rent between one location and another. This will simplify matters for applicants who will now have greater certainty of the amount they may receive from Housing Benefit.

Harrisons remain one rental agency who encourage support of Housing Benefit applicants on the basis that we believe it is ultimately up to the tenant to pay their rent regardless of where those funds come from. Applicants should not be refused merely for being in receipt of benefits. Responsible tenants are welcome at Harrisons, and provided we are convinced of your ability and willingness to pay we will talk to landlords on your behalf. Tenants who are unable to demonstrate their responsibility we are unable to help.

Energy Performance Certificates
From October of this year homes that are offered for rent are required to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) detailing the energy efficient qualities of that home and so assisting any prospective tenant to make an informed choice whether to rent or not. The press suggests that EPCs will cost between £75 and £100. We are talking with suppliers but can advise that we shall be able to offer arrangement of an EPC at an economic rate (£60 plus VAT)