Agent letter evicting UC tenants read out by Corbyn in PMQs

Perhaps Mr Corbyn is seeing an opportunity to attract the wavering conservative landlords. (not that I am saying it would be a good thing for landlords if labour get in)

I've just read the letter on Giles Peaker's "Nearly Legal Housing Law" blog. Although Giles Peaker criticises the wording of the letter, he does appear to accept that it is the UC system, and in particular the 6 week waiting period when the tenant has to go without any benefits whatsoever, that is the cause of the problem. He also appears to accept that, whether the letter is worded well of not, it is a rational and understandable response to the situation, as no landlord can sustain a sudden 6 week escalation in rent arrears across a large section of their tenant base.

I don't know how many families being made homeless it will take for the government to come to their senses, stop the 6 weeks with no benefits, and actually start working with private landlords to provide good quality homes, instead of always attacking landlords and imposing additional financial burdens on landlords (which ultimately have to be passed on to the tenants in increased rents). It is time the country woke up and realised the long-term devastation that the government is causing by their housing policies (particularly their constant demonisation of, and attacks on, private landlords).

Reply to the comment left by Robert Mellors at 16/11/2017 - 09:49
This is my letter. I am GAP Property. If you have any questions, I am happy to answer 🙂

Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 16/11/2017 - 10:38Well done Luke for getting this raised.
Pity you didn't also mention section 24 as this has been another big factor to my rental ads now saying "No DSS".

Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 16/11/2017 - 10:38
Dear Luke,
I would love to have a chat with you.
Would you give me a call on 02037289937.

Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 16/11/2017 - 10:38
Hi Luke

Personally I thought the letter was well worded and is simply advising tenants of the impending changes and advising them that they may wish to consider how the rent is going to be paid. I'm not sure what the specific points or wording was that Giles did not like, I guess he just did not like the "blanket" approach of sending s21 notices to all tenants. However, I think sending the letters and notices is a wise precaution in the circumstances. I hope that Giles, and Jeremy Corbin, and anyone else, realise that this is necessitated by the stupid policies of this Government, and that it is not a situation of your making.

A DWP representative came to our offices before it was sent and made a number of minor amendments, suggestions and the recommendation of the deletion of an irrelevant paragraph on procedural accuracy of the introduction of UC. These were accepted and implemented.

We are the second largest provider of PRS property to HB tenants in the North East Lincolnshire area and although I do know which of my tenants are in receipt of this (locally it is sent direct to LLs upon request), many others receive one or more of the other five benefits that UC affects and these I do not know, so a blanket approach was used. No tenant within the first four months of their fixed term was served notice (only 27…perhaps deononstating that the vast majority are relatively long-term residents) and will receive notice as/when. I cannot sustain six or more week’ arrears across dozens and dozens of properties. I would go out of business. Hoping everything falls into place is not a realistic approach for a business to take. Grimsby is a poor area and many of the tenants do not have the means to pay beyond benefits. I am pre-warning then if what is happening because the LA have yet to have their training and many do not understand UC.

The next attack letter should be Section 24, using Mr Corbyns constituants as an example of rent rises required just to pay the additional Tenant Tax.

He might get an education in how businesses work at the same time.
If he says it, all his MPs will say it as well.

This Tory Govt han't got a clue,

I've had one girl been with me approx 15 years. She now been transferred to UC.
She now in arrears not having been in arrears in 15 years. What does that tell u?
Please Mr & Mrs Tory Govt, get down on the ground where it is really happening.
Stop keep saying this sh__e, it's getting more people back into work.

Even waiting 4 weeks is too long. Why has the old system been paying every 2 weeks? 'Cause it worked.

I had a tenant move in with just two weeks rent as I felt sorry for her she was a victim of domestic violence and had a young child. She had a job in a shop so paid on time every week. She lost the job and went on UC. We waited 13 weeks no rent as I assumed it would be backdated. They refused and I am now appealing so for me helping someone vunerable in society I get shafted they expect or assume we will pick up the slack they cannot help then refuse to pay welcome to Great Britain I'm ashamed to be British at the minute I really am.