Local housing allowance is a system for working out a fair rent for people who rent from private landlords (not the council or a housing association).
If you are a private tenant, the amount you can claim in housing benefit depends on:
- Who lives with you
- The area you live in
- The rate of LHA set by the Valuation Office Agency for the number of bedrooms you need
- Your income
- Your savings and capital.
The Valuation Office Agency reviews LHA every April.
How many bedrooms am I allowed?
You are allowed one bedroom for:
- Every adult couple
- Anyone aged 16 or over
- Any two children under 16, and of the same sex
- Any two children under 10 regardless of their sex
- Any other child (but not a child whose main home is elsewhere)
- A carer who stays overnight (where you or your partner need overnight care).
Long-term claimants
The LHA rules don’t apply to you if you have been claiming housing benefit for the same property continuously since 7 April 2008, and your tenancy agreement has not changed.