Who is not affected by the shared accommodation rate?
If you are single and under 35 with no children, and you rent from a local authority or housing association you are not affected by the shared accomodation rate as Local Housing Allowance rules do not apply in social housing.
When did Local Housing Allowance start?
7 April 2008
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) was introduced on 7 April 2008 to provide Housing Benefit entitlement for tenants renting private-sector accommodation in England, Scotland and Wales. The LHA system introduced significant changes to the way Housing Benefit (HB) levels are restricted and how benefit is paid.
How much can a single person claim for housing benefit?
For people living within Greater London, the cap is: £442.31 per week (£23,000 a year) for a couple, whether your children live with you or not. £442.31 per week (£23,000 a year) if you’re single and your children live with you.
How are LHA rates calculated?
How Local Housing Allowance rates are calculated. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) Rent Officers collect rental information from letting agents, landlords, tenants and other sources. LHA rates are based on private market rents being paid in the BRMA which can differ from advertised rents.
Can you claim LHA and universal credit?
If you pay rent to a local authority, council or housing association you will get your full rent as part of your Universal Credit payment. So if you have spare bedrooms you will only get housing costs to cover a smaller property. The amount you get is set by the Local Housing Allowance rate in your area.
What is the difference between LHA and Housing Benefit?
LHA is a much fairer way of calculating HB, as it ensures that tenants in similar circumstances in the same area receive the same amount of financial support for their housing costs. So, if LHA is the new way of calculating HB… So it’s not as fair or as well calculated, hence why it’s been replaced by LHA.
What is under occupancy?
Under occupation If someone is assessed as having more bedrooms in their accommodation than is necessary according to the new rules, they will be considered to be under occupying that property.
Why do landlords not like housing benefit?
Landlords have cited a number of reasons for refusing to rent to tenants in receipt of benefits, including: local housing allowance rates are set at the lower end of the rental market and tenants may have difficulties topping up the shortfall between their benefit payment and their rent.