Universal Credit & Tenancy Issues

Despite its controversy, Universal credit is of big help to those who lost their jobs because of the pandemic, those who have low income and for those who are unable to pay rent in full. Tenants are one of those greatly affected by the pandemic and the need for universal credit is a reality, but even before the pandemic started, Landlords were already struggling with the system of Universal credit.

Julie Ford, the founder of Gothard Rowe Landlord Services, has 25 years working in property management as well as working for citizens advice and has experience of Tenancy issues and Universal Credit from both the Landlord and Tenant side. She now helps Landlords that have difficult tenants and those having issues with rent arrears.

In this episode, Julie explains how universal credit works for both the tenants and landlords and she explains the things that a landlord should consider especially if their tenants are using universal credit and those having difficulty paying their rent as well as other tenancy issues such as antisocial behaviour.

Listen to this podcast to be informed of how universal credit works and how to handle difficult tenants.

Highlights:

2:50 Background of terms such as Universal Credit, DSS and council tenants.

6:36 Misconceptions of Universal Credit

7:50 How Universal Credit works for the Tenants and Landlords

9:51 How easy or efficient is Universal Credit when paying to the Landlords

12:41 What landlords should consider when taking new tenants that receive universal credit

14:26 What impacts Universal Credit and its housing benefits

16:16 Joint claim on universal credit and how it affects the tenant

17:20 Advice for landlords that face issues with universal credit

18:38 Common issues with Universal Credit for Tenants and Landlords

19:47 Importance of Tenant and Landlords' Communication