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