Government clarifies tenant responsibility in Universal Credit reporting rules

The government has confirmed that tenants remain responsible for reporting changes for Universal Credit.

In a written question, the government confirmed that while information from landlords can trigger checks and investigations, the tenant should still report any change in circumstances themselves through the system.

The news comes as a government pilot allowing councils to use rent repayment orders to recover misused housing support payments is set to be expanded.

The scheme gives councils streamlined access to Universal Credit data, which is crucial for completing Rent Repayment Order applications.

Report a change

In a written question, Labour MP Mohammad Yasin asked: “What mechanisms are in place for housing providers to report the end of a tenancy where Universal Credit Housing Element is paid directly to landlords; and what steps is the government taking to prevent and recover overpayments made in such circumstances?”

Disability Minister Stephen Timms said: “Landlords can report changes of this nature through a range of routes, including by email and via the Department’s Employment and Partnership Manager network. However, Universal Credit is designed around the principle that claimants are responsible for reporting changes of circumstance.

“For that reason, while information from landlords can trigger checks and investigation, claimants are still required to make a declaration through “report a change”.

Tenants left in tears

As previously reported by Property118, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)  sparked fury as Universal Credit (UC) applicants face extensive demands to confirm their eligibility.

One landlord told Property118 that some of his tenants have been “left in tears” as they can not comply with the list of demands.

One of the demands asks to see a full-body picture including the feet of the tenant standing in the doorway of the property.