From April 2008, anyone moving into private rented accommodation will fall within the rules for local housing allowance.

Local housing allowance rates, in effect, act like pre-tenancy determinations. They tell you what your eligible rent would be for a certain type of property in a certain location.

For properties with more than 5 bedrooms, you will have to apply to the Housing Executive for pre-tenancy determination, if you wish to know in advance how much help you may get with your rent.

• Who can apply?
  
• How can I apply?
  
• Will I definitely get that amount of housing benefit?
  
• Can I appeal the decision?
  

Who can apply?

You can apply for a pre-tenancy determination if you are planning to rent privately and wish to rent a property with more than 5 bedrooms.

You cannot ask for a pre-tenancy determination if you are planning to move into a Housing Executive or housing association accommodation.

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How can I apply?

You can get the pre-tenancy determination form from any Housing Executive District Office. You will need to get your landlord's permission if you want to get a pre-tenancy determination.

The Housing Executive can only estimate the amount of housing benefit you will get if your landlord lets it inspect the accommodation.

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Will I definitely get that amount of housing benefit?

You are not guaranteed to get housing benefit simply because the Housing Executive has carried out a pre-tenancy determination. The pre-tenancy determination is simply an estimate.

Although pre-tenancy determinations are usually quite accurate, there is no guarantee that you will get that level of housing benefit.

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Can I appeal the decision?

You can't appeal a pre-tenancy determination decision. However, if you accept the tenancy and claim housing benefit, you can ask for it to be reviewed.

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