Local Housing Allowance Rates
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is used to calculate the maximum amount a person renting from a private landlord can claim in Housing Benefit or Universal Credit. The maximum rent is based on where you live, the number of bedrooms you need and the rent you pay.
Check your bedroom entitlement
Who does LHA affect?
- Anyone who lives in privately rent accommodation and makes a new claim for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
- People already claiming Housing Benefit who change address and rent their property from a private landlord
- People already claiming Housing Benefit in privately rented accommodation, who have a break in their claim
Who does LHA not affect?
- Council Tenants
- People renting from a Housing Association
- People who live in a caravan, mobile home or houseboat
- People who have a tenancy that started prior to 15th January 1989
- People who have their rent registered with the Rent Officer as a 'fair rent'
- People who have been housed by a County Council, Housing Association, Registered Charity or voluntary organisation and who are provided with care, support or supervision
- People who live in board and lodging and the rent officer decides that a substantial part of the rent is for board and attendance