- What is Local Housing Allowance (LHA)?
- Does LHA apply to me?
- What is the aim of LHA?
- When will I be affected by LHA?
- Which bedroom category do I fall into?
- What rate of LHA will I be entitled to?
- Who receives my Housing Benefit payment?
- Do I have to receive payments of Housing Benefit?
What is Local Housing Allowance?
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) was brought in by central government on 7 April 2008 as a new way of working out Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord. LHA will not replace housing benefit – it is just a different way of calculating entitlement.
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) was brought in by central government on 7 April 2008 as a new way of working out Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord. LHA will not replace housing benefit – it is just a different way of calculating entitlement.
It does not affect people living in Council or other social housing such as that owned by a registered social landlord.
You will not be affected by LHA if:
- you are a council or registered social landlord (housing association) tenant; or
- your tenancy started before 15 January 1989; or
- you live in a caravan, mobile home or house boat; or
- you live in a hostel; or
- your rent includes a substantial charge for board and attendance e.g. hotel or guest house accommodation where a meal or meals are included in your rent;or
- tenants who are already receiving Housing Benefit before April 2008 as long as they do not have a break in entitlement or change address after April 2008
- Fairness - to pay similar amounts to tenants with similar circumstances.
- Choice - to allow tenants to choose between price and quality of accommodation.
- Transparency - it is easier for claimants (before committing themselves to a property) and landlords to find out how much rent could be covered by Housing Benefit.
- Personal Responsibility - Making claimants take responsibility for budgeting for, and paying their own rent.
- Financial Inclusion - to encourage claimants to have their housing payments paid into a bank account and set up a standing order to pay their rent to their landlord.
- Improved Administration and Reduced Barriers to Work - a simpler system helps to speed up the administration of housing payments giving claimants more confidence when starting a job that any in-work benefit will be paid quickly.
When will I be affected by LHA?
Any private tenant making a new claim for Housing Benefit on or after 7 April 2008
Any private tenant making a new claim for Housing Benefit on or after 7 April 2008
- any change of address on or after 7 April 2008
- any claim where there is a break in entitlement of a week or more on or after 7 April 2008
Related Documents
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LHA - Information for Private Landlords
Local Housing Allowance Information leaflet for Private Landlords
Last updated: 10/05/2011, 4:04pm (180 KB) -
LHA - Information for Tenants
Local Housing Allowance Information leaflet for Tenants
Last updated: 10/05/2011, 4:08pm (202 KB)
Related Websites
Related Tasks
- Apply - Benefits
- Apply - Landlord BACS form (Printable)
- Apply - Student Benefit (Printable)
- Apply - Valuation of Interest in Property (Printable)
- Check - Benefits Calculation
- Notify - Benefits: Certificate of Earnings (Printable)
- Notify - Benefits: Child Care Certificate (Printable)
- Notify - Benefits: Landlords Declaration (Printable)
- Notify - Benefits: Self Employed Questionnaire (Printable)
- Notify - Change of Address
- Notify - Change of Address Form (Printable)
- Notify - Change of Circumstances (Printable)
- Notify - Intention to Claim Council Tax Benefit
- Notify - Non Receipt of Payment
Contact Local Housing Allowance
- Tel: 01803 207201
- Email: LHA@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 207122
