DWP’s views on suspending claims in these circs are noted in the HBINFO LHA issues log.
Using the power to pay the landlord for the first 8 weeks is very double edged in my view. A decison to then switch payment to the tenant will attract the right of appeal by the landlord to a Tribunal for instance. It just puts off making a decison which in the majority of cases will be to pay the tenant unless there are compelling reasons not to.
