Private sector housing

The Rent Service (TRS) is an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions (www.dwp.gov.uk). TRS provides 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.

Housing benefit determinations

In making a determination, TRS 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 (PTD)

If you are claiming housing benefit and are planning to rent a property in Medway from a private landlord, you can ask TRS to make a valuation before you sign the tenancy agreement. You need to complete a pre-tenancy determination form, available on TRS website or from Medway Revenues and Benefits Service. The PTD form needs to be signed by the prospective tenant and either the landlord or the landlord's agent and returned to Medway Revenues and Benefits Service. This form must not be sent direct to TRS.

Learn more about TRS by visiting www.therentservice.gov.uk.

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