Local Housing Allowance
and Housing Benefit
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new way of calculating Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from private landlords. It was introduced nationally on 7 April 2008.
It applies to private sector tenants who make a new claim for benefit and for existing customers on Housing Benefit who change address or move into private sector accommodation.
If you are a private tenant renting property or a room from a private landlord and you are on a low income you may be able to get Local Housing Allowance (LHA).
Local Housing Allowance is based on the number of bedrooms you need. Current rules state you are allowed one bedroom for the following
- A couple
- A single adult or young person (aged 16 or over)
- Any two children of the same sex aged under 16
- Any two children of different sexes aged under 10
- Any other child
- If you are under 25 and single the shared room rate applies
If you are still unsure as to how many bedrooms you are entitled to, you can check on line here lha.direct.voa.gov.uk
There you can also find out the maximum amount of LHA you can claim, it enables you to find out if the LHA rate you are entitled to will cover the rent
You can find out if you are entitled to LHA buy visiting your local councils website, where you can also apply for LHA. Many councils also have Welfare Benefits Advice Lines
We hold a Certificate in Welfare Benefits and can assist with Housing and Council Tax Benefits including filling in the forms. We can also give advice about other benefits to our own tenants.
If you are interested in becoming or finding out more information about becoming a tenant. click here
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