Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effect of his Department's policy on the requirement for a current tenancy agreement to be dated within the previous three months on the ability of claimants to successfully claim their full universal credit entitlement.

There is flexibility in the proof of rent requirements under Universal Credit and a formal, up-to-date tenancy agreement is not necessarily required. Other forms of evidence such as a letter from the landlord may suffice. We can consider any evidence based on its merits and will support claimants in providing the necessary documents.

Where the claimant is unable to provide proof of rent, the DWP can, by exception and with agreement from the claimant, request documentation from private landlords directly.