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<p>We provide clear routeways for Landlords to raise general queries or concerns about
individual cases, for example, through our Partnership Manager network.</p><p> </p><p>In
May 2020 we introduced a new online system for private landlords to enable better
interaction with Universal Credit. Private landlords are now able to request a Universal
Credit tenant’s rent is paid directly to them online, which helps claimants who struggle
with managing their money to pay their rent. This system replaces the arrangement
of completing a form and submitting it via email or post.</p><p>This approach mirrors
that used by Social Rented Sector (SRS) landlords, who have been able to request direct
payment of housing support using the Social Rented Sector Landlord Portal since December
2019. The portal continues to be used by over 700 Social landlords to support the
administration of SRS housing costs, and has been vital in helping landlords respond
to the challenges of COVID-19. We are continuing to work with landlords to develop
improvements to the portal and use their feedback to influence the features we release
for the Portal.</p><p>Alternative Payment Arrangements (APAs) are available for those
claimants who cannot manage their single monthly payment and there is a risk of financial
harm to the claimant and/or their family. APAs may be considered at the outset of
a claim by a work coach or case manager, or at any time during the claim, such as
if the claimant is struggling with the single monthly payment. They can also be triggered
by information received from the claimant, their representative or their landlord.</p>
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