Rent Allowance cut but well below average rent: Can this be appealed/debated?

veryangryman

A colleague has had RA cut 650 to 480 recently - almost a 27% cut.

The problem with this is that he doesnt even get the 480 unless his landlord cuts the rent to 480 or under.

A quick search of daft shows the average rent for this area at 600-650 so such a decrease in highly unlikely. As a parent with kids, I think that this is a very unprudent move by the powers that be. If the decrease was smaller i would think "well ok maybe the landlord could budge a bit etc" but this just plain sucks.

Can you advise courses of action. Only suggestion ive given sofar is to just tell the landlord to "say the rents down to 480" but still charge the 650 anyway so that at least my mate gets something. Then again, hed rather do this in an honest way.

Ideas?

Melion

He's getting €480 p/m rent allowance and complaining??????

veryangryman

Melion wrote: »

He's getting €480 p/m rent allowance and complaining??????

Probably not clear in my post. Conditions of it are that the rent must be that amount. So if the rent is >480, he gets not a cent. But thanks for the productive post.

mp22

Cases where rent is over the relevant limit

In some cases Rent Supplement can be paid at the discretion of the DSP's representative (formerly known as the CWO) where the rent is over the relevant limit:

• If you or a member of your household has special housing needs (for example, a disabled person in specially adapted accommodation).
• If you will be able to pay the rent yourself within a short period, if, for example, if you are taking up employment. In this case Rent Supplement at a higher rate can be paid for a short period of 6-8 weeks.
• If there are other exceptional circumstances.

Rent Supplement and lease agreements

If, when your Rent Supplement claim is reviewed, the rent you pay is above the relevant limit and your lease is not due for renewal, you will be expected to re-negotiate your rent with your landlord. If the landlord insists that the terms of the current lease are not negotiable and does not reduce the rent to the new limits the DSP representative will discuss your options with you. These may include seeking other accommodation. If this happens you will continue to be paid Rent Supplement for a reasonable period of time while you secure new accommodation.


From here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/supplementary_welfare_schemes/rent_supplement.html


Go to there local CWO and discuss the matter.

riclad

THE average Rent in his area is irrelevant,i presume this is dublin, He should look in other areas,Look at bedsits,small flats.
Focus ireland
has a list every day flats that take rent allowance.See coffee bar,eustace st,opens 9.30am.
480 is not low for a single person.
http://www.focusireland.ie/index.php/our-services/services-in-your-local-area/148-housing-support-dublin

OF course outside dublin, rents are lower, rent allowance limits are much lower.
IS this person a single parent.?