Meet our Rent Assist Team Manager, Richard Hargrave

Habinteg’s Business Support Manager, Richard Hargrave , has been with Habinteg for 22 years, and in his current role since 2019. He is responsible for the Rent Assist and Lettings teams, and our Tenant Support Fund. Below he talks about why tenants should be glad to hear from Rent Assist, his top piece of budgeting advice and why all tenants should undergo a benefits check.

How would you explain your job in three words?

Busy, rewarding, varied.

What’s the best thing about your job?

When I can see where the Rent Assist Team has helped a tenant from being in debt to having a clear rent account, and the peace of mind that then brings them.

What would tenants be surprised to learn about the work that your team does?

Probably how much time we spend working with people to prevent them going into arrears, signposting them to other agencies where appropriate and making arrangements to pay, as well as preventing arrears accruing.

Name one thing that makes your job difficult?

The benefits switch over - moving people from housing benefit to universal credit.

How many tenants do you talk to in a day?

This can vary significantly from sometimes not speaking to any tenants to speaking to many at once in large meetings – no two days are ever the same.

What’s the best piece of news you can deliver to a tenant in your role?

Informing someone they have been successful in their transfer application has to be the best.

Tell us about something positive you’ve been able to do for tenants this year.

I was delighted to renew our partnership agreement with Disability Rights UK (DRUK) to continue our excellent free benefits advice service for our tenants and incorporate within it a quicker referral process. This is available to all tenants.

Why should tenants feel glad to hear from your team?

My team could be contacting someone to offer them a new property or to tell them that their rent account is no longer in arrears.

If you could change one thing about your role what would it be?

It would be great if we were able to have clearer communication routes with Universal Credit teams.

You’ve got a bonus holiday for top customer service – how do you spend it?

Probably walking in the Yorkshire Dales.

What’s the best piece of budgeting advice you could give to a tenant?

Prioritise your essential outgoings – court fines, rent, council tax and energy bills.

Should all tenants undergo a benefits check? If yes, why is that?

Definitely. Up to £20 billion of benefits are potentially unclaimed in the UK. Via our partnership with DRUK, we can refer any tenant to them for a free check.

I’m a tenant and I’m struggling with the cost of living, I’m a bit behind on my rent and I’m worried about speaking to Habinteg – what should I do?

We would be delighted to help you in the Rent Assist Team. Give us a ring on 0300 365 3100 and ask for Rent Assist or drop us an email at direct@habinteg.org.uk. We have four friendly, helpful and highly trained people in our team waiting to help you – the sooner you get in touch, the better.

What makes your job the best job in Habinteg?

I love the variety in my work and the different projects that I work on. I started in housing management and I’ve managed every scheme in the North, Midlands, Norfolk, central and South East at some time or another, so I can see how our work in Lettings and Rent Assist positively affects individuals and schemes.

What would your colleagues be surprised to know about you?

I’ve been around for so long now that I don’t think there’s anything!

What’s your game? Football, fencing, formula 1?

Football, I’m a long suffering Leeds United supporter.