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.
E-mail: revenues@dover.gov.uk
