Housing - rent determination
The Rent Service (TRS) is an executive agency of the Department
for Work and Pensions. The Rent Service 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 the Rent Officer will consider:
- The level of rent
- The rent for similar properties within the vicinity
- The number of rooms
- The 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
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 available on The Rent
Service website. The Pre-tenancy determination form needs to be
signed by you as the prospective tenant, and either the landlord or
landlords agent, and returned to us. This form must not be sent
direct to The Rent
Service.