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The Rent Service - what they do
The Rent Service is an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions. They provide valuations for local authorities in England for use in the assessment of claims for Housing Benefit where the tenant is renting from a private landlord.
To learn more about The Rent Service visit their website and visit their Frequently Asked Questions section.
Housing Benefit determinations
In making a determination the Rent Officer will consider the:
- level of rent
- rent for similar properties within the vicinity
- number of rooms
- age and number of people living within the property being assessed
The determination will usually run for 12 months unless there is a significant change to the property or the number of people included within the household.
Pre-tenancy determinations
If you are claiming Housing Benefit and are planning to rent from a private landlord you can ask The Rent Service to make a valuation before you sign the tenancy agreement. You need to complete a pre-tenancy determination form, which is available on The Rent Service website or from us. The form needs to be signed by you as the prospective tenant, and either the landlord or their agent, and returned to us at the office that covers the area where the property is located. This form must not be sent direct to The Rent Service.
