If you are considering renting a property from a Private sector Landlord, i.e. not the Local Authority or a Housing Association, then you can apply for a Pre-tenancy determination.

The Pre-tenancy determination will give you details of the maximum rent for your property, which we will use to calculate your Housing Benefit entitlement.

A Pre-tenancy determination can only be applied for before you accept the property, before you sign a tenancy agreement and before you move in.

The determination will be made by the Rent Officer Service. This service is independent of the Local Authority, is provided free of charge and will help you to decide if you can afford to take on the property.

We will fax your Pre-tenancy form to the Rent Officer within two working days, and he will reply to us and to you within a further five working days.

The determination is valid for 12 months but could change if your household circumstances change, e.g. someone moves in or out.

Please be aware that if you are a single person under 25 and have no dependants, the maximum Housing Benefit that can be awarded is the same as a "Single Room Rent". The current figure is £40. This means that if the Rent charged for your property is £65 then you would have to pay £25 per week yourself.