Local housing allowance

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

LHA is governed by the Housing Benefit Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The Department of Work and Pensions has published guidance for local authorities on the operation of the LHA.

Where the regulations do not specify otherwise the rules governing housing benefit, for example on temporary absences, will apply to the LHA scheme.

Introduction to the LHA scheme

This section gives an introduction to the local housing allowance scheme. 

How LHA is calculated

This section describes how the rent officer calculates local housing allowance. 

How LHA is paid

This section gives information on how LHA is paid. 

Occupiers exempted from the LHA scheme

This section gives information on which occupiers are exempt from the local housing allowance scheme. 

Protected rates

This section considers the circumstances under which a claimant can receive payments of local housing allowance at a higher rate than they would normally qualify for.