Our Client, John had applied for Rates Relief a year ago, however he was made ineligible as his landlord refused to complete the Certificate of Occupation. This left John highly distressed as his rent was then increased twice and he was struggling with paying the shortfall to the landlord.

Our Adviser assisted John to re-apply for rates rebate as well as requesting the Rates Rebate Office backdate his original claim from April 2022 based on new legislation relating to non-compliant landlords. 

The Rates Rebate Office at first advised that they could not consider the backdating request and in addition would not accept John’s tenancy agreement as proof of liability. Our Adviser referred the Rates Rebate Office to the new legislation and processes, leading to John’s Rates Rebate claim being approved. 

As a result, John received £2710 in a backdated payment relating to the original claim, plus he will get £46.74 per month on an ongoing basis. 

John is very thankful for the help and committed support he has received from Community Advice, as well as a huge sense of relief about payment of a backdated award and the ongoing payments achieved on his behalf because our Adviser fully understood the often highly complex legislation and how it should be applied correctly to resolve his situation.

NOTE: Names have been changed and the image used is not the actual person