§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions for what reason the Housing Benefit Regulations(a)require a Rent Officer to review the rent of a private landlord and (b)do not require a rent officer to review the rent of a registered social landlord. [158985]
§ Mr. PondClaims received from those in the private rented sector will generally be referred to the local Rent Officer for a rental valuation to determine the HB claim. The Rent Officer will look at the level of rents within the neighbourhood as well as in the wider locality. Any subsequent restriction in the rent used to calculate Housing Benefit will reflect a reasonable market rent for suitable accommodation of the appropriate size within the locality. This ensures that benefit paid to claimants is sufficient to pay for an appropriate dwelling whilst, at the same time, protecting the public purse.
1554WGenerally, local authorities are not required to refer registered social landlord (RSL) tenancies to the rent officer for determination; the full contractual rent, less any ineligible charges, is used to calculate Housing Benefit. RSL rents are subject to Housing Corporation regulation and are generally set within prevailing market levels. However, where the local authority considers the rent to be excessive, or the accommodation overlarge for the tenant's needs, it is required to refer the tenancy to the Rent Officer. Where a tenancy is referred to a Rent Officer, Housing Benefit would be restricted to a maximum rent in the usual way.