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Local housing allowance

The local housing allowance (LHA) scheme is an alternative method of calculating housing benefit for tenants in the private rented sector.

This content applies to England
  • The LHA scheme

    The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) scheme is an alternative method of calculating housing benefit, but is only for tenants in the deregulated private rented sector.

  • How LHA is calculated

    Local housing allowance amount is based on the area in which claimants live and the size of dwelling appropriate for claimant’s household.

  • How LHA is paid

    Housing benefit under the local housing allowance (LHA) scheme is paid directly to the claimant, or as an exception, to the landlord.

  • Higher rate LHA claims

    The circumstances under which a claimant can receive payments at a higher rate than the LHA they would normally qualify for.

  • LHA exempt tenants

    Categories of private tenants, hostel occupiers and protected tenants who are exempt from the local housing allowance (LHA) scheme.