Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the new name for Housing Benefit for tenants who live in private rented accommodation, introduced nationally on 7 April 2008. It will affect tenants who submit a new benefit claim, a change of address notification from a tenant already in receipt of Housing Benefit, re-applications where there has been a break in claim and a change in claimant after 7 April 2008.
It is a flat rate housing allowance and is based on the number of bedrooms that people who live in a tenant’s household need.
| One Bedroom for | The following will not count for a bedroom for the purpose of LHA |
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Living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, toilets and utility rooms are ignored.
Local Housing Allowance Bedroom Rates - April 2008
LHA rates may change from month to month, current rates can be found on the following website: lha-direct.therentservice.gov.uk
LHA will be paid to the tenant, who will then be responsible for paying the rent directly to the landlord. Local Authorities can pay the rent directly to the landlord if they decide a person may have difficulty in managing their finances, are unlikely to pay their rent or if in rent arrears of eight weeks or more.
If the rent is less than the benefit entitlement, the tenant can keep the difference - up to £15 per week.
These rates represent the maximum entitlement that a person could expect to receive. This could be less once local authorities have worked out an individual claim.
The shared rate of Local Housing Allowance covers most single tenants who are under 25 and live alone. It also covers single people over 25 and couples with no other occupiers who live in shared accommodation.
If you would like further information please feel free to contact Sue Lees on 01616 966 229