Local Housing Allowance
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a new way of working out Housing Benefit for private tenants. It was introduced nationally on 7 April 2008.
This site contains detailed information about LHA for local authorities, landlords, advisers and intermediaries. An introduction to LHA for tenants is on the Directgov website.
The LHA rate is based on the number and mix of occupiers, and the area in which the tenant lives. Payment will normally be to the tenant, who will then pay the landlord.
For details on why the Department is introducing LHA and how it works see Background.
We have tested LHA in a number of pilot authorities. The rules for LHA for national roll-out and in the pilot authoirites are slightly different.
Read the information supporting the LHA pilot authorities on separate pages of this site.
Any queries regarding Local Housing Allowance can be sent to the DWP email address LHAadviceline@dwp.gsi.gov.uk.