Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA)

From 1 April 2009 the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has incorporated Rent Officer functions providing valuations for local authorities in England, for the use in the assessment of claims for Housing Benefit where the tenant is renting from a private landlord, for existing claims prior to 07/04/08.  (For new claims from 07/04/08 see Local Housing Allowance.)

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 assesed

The determination will usually run for 12 months unless there is significant change to the property or the number of people included within the household.