Local Housing Allowance .net

LHA is a flat rate allowance based on the size of household and the area in which a person lives. There are no changes to the entitlement rules – this will be based on a person’s income and savings and proof of a valid tenancy. Payment will normally be to the tenant, who will then pay the landlord.

Each local authority will be divided into Broad Rental Market Areas (BRMA). Rent Officers will set individual LHA rates for each BRMA. These will be published by the local authority so that landlords and prospective LHA customers can be clear about the amount of rent that LHA will cover.

Prospective tenants will be able to shop around with their allowance. If they find a property they like with a rent that exceeds their LHA they will need, as they do now, to make up the difference themselves. But if they find somewhere with a rent below their allowance, they will be able to keep the difference up to a maximum £15.00 per week.