Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new way of working out housing benefit for people renting from private landlords. It applies to anyone moving into a privately rented home from April 7th 2008, along with first time benefit claimants and those with a break in claim for a private tenancy.
The maximum rent we can use to work out your benefit will depend on how many people live with you and not on the actual rent. The maximum rates of rent are set in advance by The Rent Service. The LHA Rates are published here and in Council offices so you can find out how much rent you can afford before looking for a home.
The new rules do not apply if you are a:
- Tenant who has received Housing Benefit before April 7th 2008, and you have not moved or had a break in your claim.
- Tristar Homes tenant
- Registered Social Landlord tenant
- Tenant who lives in a caravan or houseboat
If meals are included in your rent LHA does not apply either.
Which room rate applies?
The maximum amount of rent we can use to work out your LHA will depend on the number of bedrooms needed by you and the people in your home according to the following rules:
One bedroom is needed for
- Each adult couple
- Any other adult (aged 16 or over)
- Any two children under 10
- Any two children of the same sex aged 10 to 15, or
- For any other child.
Examples:
Single parent with one child - 2 bedroom LHA rate.
Couple with 1 girl aged 6 and 1 boy aged 8 - 2 bedroom LHA rate.
Couple with 1 girl aged 6 and 1 boy aged 12 - 3 bedroom LHA rate.
Special rules apply to single people under 25 and those who live in shared accommodation.
Use the Bedroom Calculator to work out the number of bedrooms you need.
Local Housing Allowance Rates
The Rent Service sets the rate for each different bedroom size property. The LHA rates are reviewed each month and the rates are altered if necessary. The rate that applies to you will be the month in which your claim was received or you change your address.
The amount of LHA you are awarded will depend on your income and savings. If your rent exceeds your LHA you will need to pay the shortfall. If you have particular reasons why you have difficulty paying your rent you may qualify for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
If your rent is below your LHA you will be able to keep the difference up to a maximum of £15.00.
LHA will be paid to you in most cases and you will need to arrange to pay your landlord. The section Paying LHA contains further information.
A copy of the leaflet A guide to Local Housing Allowance contains further information. If you would like a printed copy phone our Helpline on 01642 393829.
If you are a landlord, we have information more specific to you in our landlord section
