Ladybird Living – Your London Estate Agent
DWP Tenants- Housing Benefit
What is a DSS/DWP tenant?
A Department of Social Security (DSS) or Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) tenant is one that claims housing benefits from the council due to their financial circumstances. Those who are unemployed, have specific disabilities or are single parents are likely to receive housing benefits. Housing benefits are provided by the Government monthly.
Is the process different for DWP tenants?
There are a few differences when taking on a DWP tenant as opposed to a regular private tenant. The viewing process would remain the same in which the DWP tenant arrives at the property for a viewing. If the prospective tenant would like to accept the property and the property owner agrees, then a pre-tenancy determination form would need to be completed. The council then determines the house value and evaluates the person’s financial circumstances to make a rental offer. A regular Tenancy Agreement is then signed. The tenant’s housing officer will expect a copy of the tenancy agreement. The payment process will be different depending on the local council. Some local councils may accept direct payments to the property owner, in which the council is responsible for paying the rent directly to them, whilst others would pay directly to tenants, in which case the tenant will be responsible for paying rent to the property owner.
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