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Local Housing Allowance (LHA)

The way that Housing Benefit is paid to customers who rent private accommodation changed from 7th April 2008. The new scheme is called Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and has been in place for a number of years in some 'pathfinder' authorities in England, Wales and Scotland.

When and where will LHA rates be published?

At the end of each month LHA rates will be published for the following month. For example, the April rates will be available at the end of March to allow customers looking for accommodation in April to know how much benefit they can expect.

LHA rates are reviewed monthly by the Rent Service and made available to local authorities. There are no appeal rights against LHA rates.

We will publicise the LHA rate in the following areas:

Website
Maidenhead and Windsor Customer Service centres.

What is Local Housing Allowance?
Who will be affected by the Local Housing Allowance?
How does LHA affect landlords?
Why has LHA been introduced?
When and where will LHA rates be published?
How are Local Housing Allowance payments worked out?
What about customers under 25?
How are single customers aged over 25/ couples with no children affected?
What is the length of Local Housing Allowance Awards?
Will mid-year rent increases be taken into account?
How will payments of Local Housing Allowance be made?
Will customers have any appeal rights?