Local Housing Allowance

As the LHA rates set by the Valuation Office Agency are based on large areas covering a range of properties, different types of tenancies and a range of rents, the rate for your property is likely to be different from the rent that your landlord is charging you.

If the LHA rate is less than your rent

The LHA rate for your property, taking into account the size of your household, is the most benefit you can get towards your rent. If your rent is more than your LHA rate you will be expected to pay the extra rent yourself.

If the size of your household changes whilst you are getting benefit, your benefit will be reassessed to take account of the change.

If you have special circumstances that mean it is difficult to pay the extra yourself, or that mean you must live where you do, and the landlord won't reduce your rent to the LHA rate, you need to contact us  - you might be eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments to help.

If the LHA rate is more than your rent

From April 2011 we cannot pay more than the rent you are being charged even if the LHA rate for your property is higher.

If you are already claiming from us we must stop using a higher rate from the first date we look at your claim after April 2011.This will usually be on the anniversary of your claim unless you have a change of circumstances before then.