Providing documents for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support

Providing proof of rent and tenancy

The following documents are acceptable as proof of your rent and tenancy:

  • your tenancy agreement
  • rent book
  • rent receipts

 If you are unable to provide your tenancy agreement, you will need to provide:

  • The landlord declaration (to be completed by your landlord), or
  • A letter from your landlord. The information must show:
    • who your landlord is
    • when the tenancy started
    • the amount of rent you pay
    • how often this is due.
  • If there are service charges included in your rent, such as water, then we need a full breakdown of these charges.

The evidence must be signed by you and the landlord.

Specified Accommodation and Evidence to support your claim

Living in specified accommodation: This is a definition used in Housing benefit regulations. It sets out the 4 different types of supported housing and the criteria that must be met in order to receive support. This support is for housing costs through housing benefit. The 4 types of specified accommodation are:

You will not be eligible for housing benefit if you live in supported accommodation and rent from a private landlord. Only not-for-profit landlords can be considered under the four categories of specified accommodation.

To support your claim you will need to provide the two signed questionnaires below.

They must include: 

  • Evidence of care, support and supervision provided
  • Evidence of need of care, support and supervision
  • Rent breakdown to show all charges
  • Evidence of all rent charges may also be required

Questionnaires: