Housing benefit (information for landlords)

The Data Protection Act requires that we protect client confidentiality.

By law we are not allowed to tell landlords or agents any details concerning the personal circumstances of a claimant.

If payment is being made to the landlord or we have a signed declaration regarding 'sharing information with your landlord' we will be able to confirm only the following points with the landlord.

• That direct payment is being made
• The start date and/or end date of the award
• The amount of entitlement (but not how it is calculated)
• The reduced amount of award should there be a recovery of an overpayment
• Changes in the amount of housing benefit awarded
• The method and frequency of payment

Payments will generally be made direct to the claimant.

We would therefore recommend the declaration regarding 'sharing information with your landlord' be completed to help us deal with the claim more quickly and reduce the risk of rent arrears due to the claim being delayed.