Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new way of calculating Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord. It is being introduced nationally on 7 April 2008. It will apply 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 live in council accommodation or other social housing, LHA will not affect you.
You may be able to get LHA if you are in work or out of work.
LHA has been successfully operating in 18 pilot local authority areas.
It is based on rent levels for the area in which a person lives and how many people live with them. Payment will normally be to the tenant, who will then pay the landlord.
LHA aims to:
- Promote fairness and choice for tenants
- Encourage financial inclusion and increased personal financial responsibility
- Increase transparency
- Improve administration and reduce barriers to work
Where to get more information about LHA
If you are thinking of claiming LHA
- Find out more about LHA and how to claim on Directgov.
If you are a landlord
- Read an introduction for landlords to find out what LHA means for you.
If you work for a welfare rights organisation
- Find out about claiming LHA on Directgov
- Read more about the background to LHA and find operational guidance, regulations and leaflets under Local Housing Allowance in the local authorities section of this website.
If you work for a local authority
- Find background information, operational guidance, regulations and a communications toolkit under Local Housing Allowance in the local authorities section of this website.