Landlords and the Tenancy Hardship Grant – private rented sector – Wales
By Elaine Gunning
In order to apply for a Tenancy Hardship Grant, the tenant must have experienced financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic and have been unable to pay their rent.
Applications by the tenant for the grant are via the tenant’s local authority.
For any tenant to be eligible they must have:
- built up 8 weeks or more of rent arrears between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021
- live in and hold a tenancy for a private sector property in Wales
- have not been in receipt of housing benefit or housing cost payments through Universal Credit during the period the arrears accrued
- have been unable to fully pay the rent during the period when they went into arrears because of Covid-19.
In order to make the application to their Local Authority, the tenant will be required to complete an application form and provide evidence to help the Local Authority to make a decision on eligibility.
A tenant will be required to provide:
- proof of ID (a driving licence or a passport or a birth certificate with household bills that prove the address for the last three months)
- a copy of bank statements for at least the past two months (including any saving accounts)
- a copy of the tenancy agreement
- evidence and explanation of the inability to pay rent because of Covid-19 –a review of the tenant’s finances will be undertaken by the Local Authority.
A tenant should advise his landlord or agent that they are applying for a grant.
The Local Authority will contact the Landlord or agent who will be asked to provide a written statement confirming the person who is making the application is a tenant, that they are in rent arrears and the amount of those arrears.
If the application is approved the grant will be paid directly to the Landlord or Agent.
This grant is not required to be paid back.
This help does not apply in England
MLS
Here an MLS we are regularly instructed by landlords to advise on compliance and possession claims. If you have any questions please contact us on 01244 478 730 , and we will be happy to help.
Useful links:
https://gov.wales/tenancy-hardship-grant-private-rented-sector-tenants-coronavirus
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact us for advice.
