Universal credit strikes again...affecting rent.

[malificent7]

My rent went up recently. Not a lot but it did. I reported this to universal credit who froze my benefit for 6 weeks until paperwork was done!
Of course this affected my ability to pay rent on time. My Ll wontengage with me directly....I have to go through an agency.

At the time I called the agency and explained my situation. I asked if I could pay rent a week late. Agency said yes. I had to do the same next month due to same situation.agency said fine again.
I then got a letter from agency saying landlady was worried about late payment and should I change date. I said yes so we signed contract to change.
So then I had to find rent for next month plus an extra 100 to cover week late.
I paid most on time apart from a tiny amount ...under a tenner. Due to me panicking..
Dosnt help that month as I had a speeding fine and 2 parking fines.
I then get a letter threatening eviction next time plus no reference.
I have always paid my rent on time but when I went on universal credit it started to stretch me thin. Plus I'm on a zero hour contract.

I dee the landladies POV but I've been stretched thin.

I guess my moan is this. I don't feel that the agency is communicating properly with the landlady...they did not tell her about my circumstances and they did not tell her I would be a week late with rent. Shall I write to her.
There have been other instances of miscommunication too.

I would write to her directly explaining the circumstances, if they're not communicating properly with the landlady then she's going to be a bit worried.

You should have your LL address in you TA, if not you have the right to request it

To be honest this is the reason many landlords & ladies refuse to accept people on benefits. From their point of view, they need to protect their investment. Your late payment might mean they make a late payment to their mortgage lender. Most tenancy agreements will include a provision for eviction if you don't pay your rent on time, every time, so it sounds like they have been more flexible than they are obliged to be.

Remember, it's a home to you, but purely a business arrangement to the landlady, the letting agent and the universal credit people.

Your speeding tickets are nothing to do with universal credit.

Have you any family who can tide you over for a few weeks?

Can you up your hours at work for a few weeks?

Can you look for a permanent job with secure hours?