Local Housing Allowance (LHA)
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) will replace Housing Benefit for new claimants living in the private rented sector from 8 April.
Housing Benefit claimants could choose for rent to be paid directly to their landlord, but LHA payments will automatically be made directly to the tenant. Tenants will be able to request that their payment be made to their landlord if they can provide evidence showing that they are 'vulnerable' or if they fail to make rent payments for eight weeks.
For more information on vulnerability and the introduction of LHA please see the relevant section of Crisis' Good Practice Guide.
Rent deposit schemes and LHA
Rent deposit schemes help many vulnerable people get access to, and sustain stable housing in the private rented sector. Whilst some clients may benefit from taking control of their finances, some may depend upon payments being made to their landlord to help prevent them losing their home once again. Rent deposit schemes will therefore be key in helping vulnerable people to evidence their vulnerability.
For advice on getting ready for the introduction of LHA please take a look at the following documents:
