Research casts doubt on benefit cut claims

Second thoughts?

Welfare reform calendar 2011 – 2013

The Welfare Reform Bill is about to receive royal assent and will radically alter the benefits system. Now the government has beaten the Lords, Carl Brown explains why it is important that landlords prepare for the changes

The debt burden

The government needs to show political courage in its forthcoming housing strategy - or reap the social consequences

Private landlords dismiss Cameron rent claim

The leading trade body representing 1.2 million private landlords in the UK has dismissed David Cameron’s claim that rents are falling in the sector as a result of the coalition government’s welfare reforms.

Benefit changes to hit families' income

Couples with children will be the hardest hit in the benefits shake-up, losing up to £1,250 a year, according to research.

Casting the net for a home

A website aimed solely at local housing allowance claimants is helping people find homes. Lydia Stockdale logs on

Going spare

The government’s contentious ‘bedroom tax’ on under-occupying tenants is set to become law this month. Alex Turner looks at the disproportionate effect it’s likely to have in the north

Cutting tenancies short

The judgement in a starter tenancy possession case is good news for landlords, says Josephine Sharrock, solicitor, Brabners Chaffe Street

Open-door policy

Allowing private landlords to validate local housing allowance claims can help councils simplify their procedures and cut their housing waiting lists. Neil Merrick heads to Derbyshire to find out how

Clearing your debts

The Court of Appeal has given some clarification on claiming possession against an assured tenant subject to a bankruptcy order or debt relief order. Jason Hobday explains