What is Local Housing Allowance (LHA)?
Local Housing Allowance (LHA)
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new way of working out and
paying Housing Benefit for people who rent from a private landlord.
It was introduced on 7th April 2008. With LHA, benefit is based on
the number of bedrooms you need and not how much the rent is.
There is no change to the Housing Benefit entitlement rules,
which are still based on a person’s income, savings and proof of
rent etc.
Who is affected by Local Housing Allowance?
- Anyone who lives in private rented accommodation and makes a
new claim for Housing Benefit
- Existing claimants who change address and rent their property
from a private landlord
- Existing claimants in privately rented accommodation who have a
break in their claim
Who is not affected by Local Housing Allowance?
You will not be affected if:
- You rent your property from your local council
- You rent your property from a housing association
- You have a tenancy that started before 15th January 1989
- Your rent has been registered with the rent officer as a 'fair
rent'
- You live in a caravan, mobile home or houseboat
- Your accommodation is provided by a county council, housing
association, registered charity or voluntary organisation and you
are provided with care, support or supervision
- You live in board and lodging accommodation and the rent
officer decides that a substantial part of the rent is for board
and attendance.
If you fall into one of the above groups, your Housing Benefit
will continue to be calculated under the existing rules.
Housing Benefit Determinations
In making a determination the Rent Officer will consider:
- The level of rent
- The rent for similar properties within the vicinity
- The number of rooms
- The age and number of people living within the property being
assessed
The determination will usually run for 12 months unless there is
a significant change to the property or the number of people
included within the household.
Learn more about The Rent Service
The rent Service is provided by the VOA (Valuation Office
Agency)
Contact
Tel: 01304 872199
E-mail: revenues@dover.gov.uk
