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When to notify UC of rent increase?

Ray212

So the lovely letting agent is putting up my rent by quite a lot.

My assessment period is 6 May to 5 June 2024

Rent is being increased from 12th August

When do I need to notify UC so that they have the new amount?

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Comments

Kimi87

I would report the change on August 12 once it's happened, UC isn't geared up to reporting future changes.

poppy123456

If you’re already receiving your maximum housing element for your circumstances then even with the increased rent then you will not receive any extra housing element.

If you not receiving the maximum amount then your new payment will be from assessment period 6th Aug to 5th Sept and first payment will be 12th Sept.
You can check the LHA rates for your area here https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

Ray212

Yeah we aren't getting the maximum yet, the increase puts me over the maximum and far beyond :/

poppy123456

Social housing rents are through the roof in most areas of the UK now, it's really ridiculous. In my previous house when I moved into it in 2019 my rent was £450 PCM. When I moved out in Jan 2024 it was £550 pcm. If I hadn't moved out I would have had a rent increase in March taking to whopping £630 ppm. For me that would have been a £157/month shortfall.

Thankfully I moved into a social housing property and now my rent is fully covered by housing benefit.

If you have financial difficulties in paying the shortfall you can apply for a DHP from your local Authority. It's not guaranteed and if awarded, it's usually for a short period of time before you need to reapply. If you do apply, i'f advise you to get some help filling in the form because they are quite complex. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

Ray212

Many thanks, I might need to have a look into it.

In my last house we were paying £625 a month, 4 years later that same house is being advertised at £950! It's absolutely nuts at the moment. When they told me the price increase they said if I didn't like it I could move out! Problem is even if I paid the new price I wouldn't get even a 2 bed place for that money so have no choice.