Proof of rent paid for Housing and Council Tax Benefit

If you are claiming Housing Benefit as a private tenant, we need to see proof of the rent you pay. We also need to know if it includes money for services such as heating, lighting, hot water and water rates.

Housing Benefit does not pay for these services, so if your rent includes a charge for them you will not have all your rent covered by Housing Benefit.

A copy of your tenancy agreement will usually be all we need. If you do not have a formal agreement, we will need to see a letter from your Landlord or their Agent, or a Rent Book.

The letter or Rent Book must be signed and dated by your Landlord or their Agent and show:

• your name and address
• the date the tenancy agreement started
• the total amount of rent that you pay
• a breakdown of the amounts paid for services in your rent e.g. heating, hot water, lighting
• the name and address of your landlord or their Agent.

Remember: All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted.