Advice for private landlords
Local Housing Allowance is being introduced on 7 April, 2008 and is a new way of working out new claims for housing benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord.
It also affects tenants already getting Housing Benefit who move into accommodation rented from a private landlord.
With Local Housing Allowance, benefit is not usually based on the property in which the tenant lives. It is based on:
- who lives with the tenant
- which area the property is in
- how much money the tenant has coming in
- what savings the tenant has
In some cases the amount of benefit will be affected by other things. These can include:
- how much the rent is
- whether anyone living with the tenant is expected to contribute to their rent.
There is no change to the entitlement rules for Housing Benefit – these will still be based on a person's income, savings and proof of rent etc.
Click here (124KB - PDF Help) for a copy of our booklet ‘Local Housing Allowance – information for private landlords' or ring our Revenues and Benefits Customer Services helpline on 01395 517446 and speak directly to one of our officers who will be pleased to help you.
