What happens if there’s been an overpayment to my landlord?
An overpayment is when you have been paid more housing benefit than you were entitled to. This usually happens if you have had a change in circumstances that you have not informed us about.
If it’s your landlord’s fault
If your Housing Benefit gets paid directly to your landlord, and they are responsible for an overpayment, they will have to repay the money.
If it’s your fault
If you are responsible for the overpayment, rather than your landlord, you will need to repay the overpayment yourself.
How to avoid overpayments
Always tell us about the following sort of changes in your circumstances:
- Changes in income (wages, working tax credits, work pension or state benefit)
- If somebody has moved in or out of your home
- If you have moved house or your rent changes
- If you have started work, changed job or become unemployed
- If other adults in the household have had a change in circumstances
You can report changes in circumstances through this form to avoid overpayments change of Circumstances online form.