Frequently asked questions - Local housing allowance

If you have a question which is not answered in the FAQ s below please get in touch using the contact details provided.

Scheme questions

• What is LHA?
• When does the Local Housing Allowance scheme start?
• Why are you introducing Local Housing Allowance (LHA)?
• Will I be affected by Local Housing Allowance?
• What are the Broad Rental Market Areas(BRMA)?
• Who will set the Local Housing Allowance rates?
• What if my Local Housing Allowance rate is more than the rent I have to pay?
• Why is Housing Benefit under the Local Housing Allowance scheme paid to the tenant rather than the landlord?
• Where can I get more help and advice?
• Will the Local Housing Allowance rates change?
• Local Housing Allowance - what will happen if there is a shortage of one bedroom properties in the area?
• Local Housing Allowance - why is there a cap of £15 above the actual rent figure?
• Local Housing Allowance - are there any risks of collusion between landlords and tenants?

Claimant questions

• What Local Housing Allowance rate will apply to me?

Landlord questions

• What should I do if my tenant does not pay their rent?
• Can a landlord say whether a tenant is unlikely to pay their rent?
• Can I make direct payments a condition of my tenancy?
• What will happen if landlords decide to no longer take Housing Benefit tenants?
• My tenant has asked for their claim to be backdated, which LHA rate will apply.
• My tenant already receives Housing Benefit, will it change as a result of Local Housing Allowance?
• My tenants size of their household has changed, will this affect the LHA rate used in their calculation?

Appeals

• Who may appeal against Local Housing Allowance decisions?
• Can a customer or landlord appeal against a Councils decision that a customer is vulnerable and unlikely pay their rent?
• Will there be any right of appeal against the levels of allowances for each Broad Rental Market Area?
• Will there be any right of appeal by a person affected, about the application of LHA in an individual case?

Tenants and paying rent

• Who is to say whether a tenant is unable to manage their own affairs?
• Who will decide whether a tenant is unlikely to pay their rent?

Miscellaneous questions

• What will single tenants living in a bed sit or studio accommodation be entitled to?
• How is the Local Housing allowance rate used to work out Benefit Entitlement?
• What will the Local Housing Allowance rate be for my property?
• Will Local Housing Allowance take into account foster children and visiting children?
• Local Housing Allowance - how are carers taken into consideration?
• I already receive Housing Benefit. If my rent increases, will I go onto Local Housing Allowance?
• How will joint tenants be treated?
• How do you work out the percentage split on which to base joint tenancies paid under Local Housing Allowance?
• When will we publicise Local Housing Allowance rates?
• Where will the Local Housing Allowance rates be publicised?

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