Rent arrears deductions via Pension Credit?
Has anyone managed to get rent arrears deductions from a tenant’s Pension Credit income? If so – how?
I filled an form in to request this and sent it off to the address as given by PC over a month ago – no response. (NB there is no option to do this online, it has to be in letter form to a Mail Handling Site address). I made it clear that ultimately, a S8/S21 is inevitable unless deductions are made. He is obviously a pensioner, but also classes as vulnerable due to the time in and out of prison. I always had direct rent payments made from UC as a result before this was cancelled, and he was shifted to PC. Never any issues with this.
The tenant though now simply refused to pay his top ups. The top ups are minimal and affordable (this has been confirmed by the Council) He will not fill in a DHP form even to see if he can get further help. The council says they can do nothing until he engages directly with them and asks for help.
I have offered instalment options but no response. The top ups are not huge, but they are regularly missed and remain unpaid so are obviously climbing. I know the tenant will happily do nothing until eviction and the cost/time is simply not worth it so sending out a S21 is pointless.
The irony is I am now looking to ensure the tenant does remain – all I need is the top ups paying, and if he can’t do this himself, then the most sensible option is to get deductions made at source instead.
Anyone offer some pearls of wisdom of how to get this agreed with Pension Credit or where to fire off a formal complaint to bearing in mind I have had zero response so far….
Reluctant
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Member Since August 2023 - Comments: 94
9:57 AM, 23rd July 2025, About 9 months ago
I had exactly the same thing, although by the time we’ve been through the courts and they left it cost me £27,000
Yes, they can do the deductions but it means interacting with the local council team, especially if he has special needs or vulnerability. They should be able to pay you all the back rent old plus sort out some forward payment rather than you serving any notice.
They are right unless he interacts with them they really can’t do anything, but they can!!! Especially if that means an eviction they’ve gotta find another property for them, however long that takes
I tried writing, but the best thing is to actually get in touch and ask for whoever is responsible in the council for rent and vulnerable people. If you can’t get anything online visit the local council, don’t leave until you’ve got someone that you can speak to and take notes of the meeting.
You need a face-to-face or a minimum phone call, don’t take any bullsh@t. Just be straight with them that you’re happy to work with them but they have to realise they have to work with you.
But if you don’t get any major response your best action with this person is to serve notice because your costs will increase overtime and with the pending new legislation it will be a nightmare
Would be interesting to see how you get on with this