It is very welcome news that the Chancellor has confirmed that the government will uprate benefits by inflation with an increase of 10.1%, giving families on Universal Credit a boost of £600 per year.
The number of tenants in arrears has tripled over the last year, leaving MPs and National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) once again calling for a grant or loan system for renters in England,
Around six million people across the UK are currently receiving Universal Credit, a financial benefit payment provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) intended to help those out of work or...
What are Cold Weather Payments?
Tenants facing financial hardship due to Covid-19 may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments. The Cold Weather Payment scheme runs from 1st November 2020 to 31st March 2021.
Caridon Landlord Solutions is a dedicated service provider specialising in Universal Credit and Housing Benefit advice for private landlords, letting agents and housing associations.
We understand that...
Caridon Landlord Solutions, which provides specialist advice on Universal Credit and Housing Benefit to private landlords, letting agencies and housing associations, says that landlords with tenants in...
It has been another tough start to the year for everyone, including landlords, many of whom have tenants that are unable to pay their rent in full (or at all) due to COVID-19. With many already struggling...
Thursday 10 December 2020 MHCLG has published an updated version of the How to Rent Guide (England). This guide sets outs the rights and responsibilities of both Landlords and Tenants within the private...
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Universal Credit has become a lifeline for many households. In the first two weeks of lockdown alone there were over 500,000 claims per week, more than nine times the usual...
Earlier this year, Caridon Landlord Solutions joined other industry experts in responding to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the economics of Universal Credit. Following...
This week, Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey took questions from the Economic Affairs Committee on the economics of Universal Credit. As part of this she told MPs that she does not want to see a return...
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has now launched a new online system to allow rent payments, from tenants in receipt of Universal Credit, to be paid directly to Private Rented Sector (PRS) landlords. ...
Whirlpool have again recalled some makes and models of Hotpoint/ Indesit/whirlpool washing machines and have added further models to the list of recalls.
We would suggest that all landlords advise their...
We understand that amidst these uncertain times, there is an enormous amount of new information being released every day. One of the things we are hearing is that, because every individual’s circumstances...
As The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) grapples with nearly one million new claimants applying for Universal Credit following the outbreak of COVID-19, Caridon Landlord Solutions, part of Caridon...
This week, the final episode of the BBC2’s “Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State” aired. Amid mounting criticism, DWP opened the door to BBC cameras. Among the various topics on the...
On Tuesday 4th February we saw the first of BBC Two’s three-part series about ‘Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State’.
Universal Credit is the biggest overhaul of the welfare state in a generation.
From the 28th January 2020 a new Article 4 Direction comes into force in Croydon Borough. The effect of the Article 4 Direction will mean that the conversion of houses to a small HMO (up to 6 people)...
The Government has released guidance to providing Alternative Payment Arrangements for Universal Credit claimants who cannot manage their single monthly payment.
Universal Credit (UC) is paid in a single...
Caridon Landlord Solutions is calling on The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to urgently address the changes to its payment system, which have left landlords unable to identify which housing...
Dear Colin,
This seems to be the common theme of late, either the online APA does not reach the case manager or is just not set up in time.
I hope you manage to get it sorted.
Please keep us updated!... Read More
When the online APA system launched I really thought that it would be a game changer and that that issues with APAs would be eliminated. However there are so many flaws in the complex UC system that to date have not been addressed. It is good to see that landlords are contacting local partnership managers and highlighting concerns as the fact of the matter is the system is not working as it should. There are still several delays in the APA being set up, poor communication between DWP staff and landlords, APAs been paid in error to tenant who are in arrears and no compensation offered to the landlord. The list goes on.... Read More
This seems to be a common theme of late.
Have you contacted DWP and applied for an APA managed payment to landlord for the rent to be paid directly.
Please feel free to call our offices if you need further assistance on 02037289937... Read More
Dear WP,
I would always suggest that you request an APA.
if your tenant does not fall into the set tier factors there is an option to input your own concerns.... Read More
Is your tenant on benefits or a low income? As many Local Authorities have now set up hardship funds for those affected by the impact of COVID -19.
In addition if your tenant has been in arrears consistently before the outbreak she can perhaps apply for a DHP via the local authority.
Hope this information has been helpful.... Read More
The Lords Select Committee is calling for evidence into the economics of Universal Credit.
The deadline for submissions is 29th February. I really would urge all landlords to comment. Please email me your views, experiences and effects that Universal Credit has on had on you as a landlord and how it has effected your tenants.... Read More
Thank you Robert for the mention.
As Robert stated UC will only pay the Housing Cost Element based on LHA, if the tenant is in 8 weeks or more rent arrears in his current accommodation (yours) they will pay third party deductions to the landlord, however if he moves out of your accommodation these payments will seize.
The tenant is required to notify DWP of any change in circumstances this includes moving home, once he moves he is required to log into his online journal and report the change. He then has to contact the Jobcentre to book an appointment to verify his change of address and provide his tenant agreement or a letter from his landlord detailing rent, date of move in and property address failing that no Housing Costs will be paid. For rent to be paid direct to the landlord (MPTL) and / or Third party deductions (TPD) the landlord is required to complete a Uc47 a form ca be downloaded on gov.uk. It is very important to remember that Universal Credit will only pay LHA Rate for the dwelling and will not exceed that and that the tenant was will only have £192.41 to live on.
Please feel free to contact our offices to discuss your case in detail.... Read More
If landlords are having issues in obtaining an APA we would advise that they make raise a Stage One Compliant directly to DWP Complaints Team, they can be emailed at L.E.CRT@DWP.GOV.UK.
If you are still unhappy you can escalate your complaint to Stage Two
Correspondence@dwp.gov.uk
If all fails you can refer your case to an independent body such as Independent Case Examiner ICE
There are organisations such as Caridon Landlord Solutions and UC Advice (Bill Irvin) that have a wealth of experience in dealing with complaints of high value.
Please feel free to give a member of our team a call for free expert advice.... Read More
Hi WP
We would be happy to speak with you and offer free advice on selecting a client on UC.
We can also provide you with a free UC survival guide for landlords in managing UC and additional information.
Universal Credit is a more complex benefit then Housing Benefit.
Please feel free to give me a call i am happy to offer you free advice to enable you to make an informed decision.... Read More
Dear Reader,
Sorry to hear that you have given up on challenging DWP decisions, every landlord has a right to challenge a decision that they are not happy with. We may not always get the results that we want but it is important to continue to keep challenging the decisions so that DWP are made aware of there failings and hopefully make improvements.... Read More
17:03 PM, 28th October 2021, About 3 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 28/10/2021 - 07:48
Hi Mick,
As soon as I find out I will let every know!... Read More
20:03 PM, 8th February 2021, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Colin McNulty at 08/02/2021 - 14:20
Dear Colin,
This seems to be the common theme of late, either the online APA does not reach the case manager or is just not set up in time.
I hope you manage to get it sorted.
Please keep us updated!... Read More
19:28 PM, 8th February 2021, About 4 years ago
When the online APA system launched I really thought that it would be a game changer and that that issues with APAs would be eliminated. However there are so many flaws in the complex UC system that to date have not been addressed. It is good to see that landlords are contacting local partnership managers and highlighting concerns as the fact of the matter is the system is not working as it should. There are still several delays in the APA being set up, poor communication between DWP staff and landlords, APAs been paid in error to tenant who are in arrears and no compensation offered to the landlord. The list goes on.... Read More
16:00 PM, 25th January 2021, About 4 years ago
This seems to be a common theme of late.
Have you contacted DWP and applied for an APA managed payment to landlord for the rent to be paid directly.
Please feel free to call our offices if you need further assistance on 02037289937... Read More
16:11 PM, 14th May 2020, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 14/05/2020 - 12:23
Dear WP,
I would always suggest that you request an APA.
if your tenant does not fall into the set tier factors there is an option to input your own concerns.... Read More
16:17 PM, 3rd April 2020, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 03/04/2020 - 16:15
Thanks Mick for your kind words.
Hope you are keeping safe.... Read More
16:47 PM, 26th March 2020, About 5 years ago
Dear Barry,
Is your tenant on benefits or a low income? As many Local Authorities have now set up hardship funds for those affected by the impact of COVID -19.
In addition if your tenant has been in arrears consistently before the outbreak she can perhaps apply for a DHP via the local authority.
Hope this information has been helpful.... Read More
23:07 PM, 8th February 2020, About 5 years ago
The Lords Select Committee is calling for evidence into the economics of Universal Credit.
The deadline for submissions is 29th February. I really would urge all landlords to comment. Please email me your views, experiences and effects that Universal Credit has on had on you as a landlord and how it has effected your tenants.... Read More
22:34 PM, 10th January 2020, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 10/01/2020 - 20:02
Dear Luke,
Have you tried to contact your Local Partnership manager?
I will post a list of all the regional service centres shorty.... Read More
1:13 AM, 28th December 2019, About 5 years ago
Thank you Robert for the mention.
As Robert stated UC will only pay the Housing Cost Element based on LHA, if the tenant is in 8 weeks or more rent arrears in his current accommodation (yours) they will pay third party deductions to the landlord, however if he moves out of your accommodation these payments will seize.
The tenant is required to notify DWP of any change in circumstances this includes moving home, once he moves he is required to log into his online journal and report the change. He then has to contact the Jobcentre to book an appointment to verify his change of address and provide his tenant agreement or a letter from his landlord detailing rent, date of move in and property address failing that no Housing Costs will be paid. For rent to be paid direct to the landlord (MPTL) and / or Third party deductions (TPD) the landlord is required to complete a Uc47 a form ca be downloaded on gov.uk. It is very important to remember that Universal Credit will only pay LHA Rate for the dwelling and will not exceed that and that the tenant was will only have £192.41 to live on.
Please feel free to contact our offices to discuss your case in detail.... Read More
13:24 PM, 7th November 2019, About 5 years ago
If landlords are having issues in obtaining an APA we would advise that they make raise a Stage One Compliant directly to DWP Complaints Team, they can be emailed at L.E.CRT@DWP.GOV.UK.
If you are still unhappy you can escalate your complaint to Stage Two
Correspondence@dwp.gov.uk
If all fails you can refer your case to an independent body such as Independent Case Examiner ICE
There are organisations such as Caridon Landlord Solutions and UC Advice (Bill Irvin) that have a wealth of experience in dealing with complaints of high value.
Please feel free to give a member of our team a call for free expert advice.... Read More
16:50 PM, 24th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 19/10/2019 - 09:04
Thank you so much Mick.
Its great to feel appreciated!... Read More
21:03 PM, 15th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Dear Reluctant Landlord,
I will be posting a Universal Survival Guide for readers within the next few days which i hope will be useful.... Read More
23:45 PM, 12th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by WP at 12/10/2019 - 17:35
Hi WP
We would be happy to speak with you and offer free advice on selecting a client on UC.
We can also provide you with a free UC survival guide for landlords in managing UC and additional information.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!... Read More
14:33 PM, 4th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Robert Mellors at 04/10/2019 - 10:06
Universal Credit is a more complex benefit then Housing Benefit.
Please feel free to give me a call i am happy to offer you free advice to enable you to make an informed decision.... Read More
14:27 PM, 4th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 04/10/2019 - 11:37
Will do Mick.... Read More
14:19 PM, 4th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 03/10/2019 - 11:19
Well said Mick... Read More
14:19 PM, 4th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by at 03/10/2019 - 10:12
Dear Reader,
Sorry to hear that you have given up on challenging DWP decisions, every landlord has a right to challenge a decision that they are not happy with. We may not always get the results that we want but it is important to continue to keep challenging the decisions so that DWP are made aware of there failings and hopefully make improvements.... Read More
13:46 PM, 4th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Rennie at 03/10/2019 - 09:53
Dear Rennie,
Thank you for your kind words!... Read More
13:43 PM, 4th October 2019, About 5 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Dr Rosalind Beck at 03/10/2019 - 09:10
Dear Dr Rosalind Beck,
Thank you for your kind comments!... Read More