The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a stark warning to Universal Credit claimants struggling with rent, confirming it does not monitor whether tenants are honouring their rental contracts and has no departmental targets for reducing outstanding arrears.
MP Questions Department Over Housing Debt
The clarification came in response to questioning from Tom Hayes, the Labour MP for Bournemouth East. On 15 January 2026, Hayes pressed the DWP to reveal its targets for tackling housing arrears among those receiving Universal Credit and to explain how such cases are tracked.
In a written inquiry, Hayes asked: "What targets does the Department have for resolving housing arrears under Universal Credit, and how are these monitored?"
DWP: "A Contractual Arrangement Between Tenant and Landlord"
The response was delivered by Sir Stephen Timms, Labour MP and cabinet member. He stated unequivocally that rent is a private matter. "Rent is a contractual arrangement between tenant and landlord. DWP is not party to this arrangement and does not monitor whether the contractual liability is being honoured," Sir Stephen said.
He outlined that the Department can intervene on a case-by-case basis for vulnerable claimants or those in arrears. "If a customer is vulnerable or in arrears we can, if it is deemed to be in their interest, arrange for payment to be made direct to the landlord and for an amount to be sent towards arrears," he explained.
However, he confirmed the key point: "There are no Departmental targets with respect to the amount of arrears outstanding."
What Help Is Available for Claimants and Landlords?
For tenants facing difficulty, the DWP directs them to apply for a Managed Payment to Landlord (MPTL). This can be requested via the 'Apply for a Direct Rent Payment' service, which allows rent to be paid directly from a claimant's monthly Universal Credit award.
The DWP has also streamlined the process for landlords. A new online service allows them to request direct payments for either regular monthly rent or rent arrears. This system replaces the old UC47 form.
On its official guidance, the DWP states: "You can use this service if you’re a landlord and your tenant is getting Universal Credit... Use this service to request payment of rent directly from a tenant’s Universal Credit, if a tenant is having difficulty paying their rent."
The revelation underscores the limited role of the welfare system in private rental agreements and places the onus on individuals and landlords to proactively use available tools to prevent arrears from escalating.
