Who is affected by LHA?

The following are affected by Local Housing Allowance:

• Private Tenants making a new claim for Housing Benefit
• Claimants in privately rented accommodation who have a break in their existing claim
• Existing claimants who change address to a private tenancy

The following are not affected by Local Housing Allowance:

• Tenants of a Housing Association
• Tenants of the local authority
• Tenants whose rent has been registered as a "fair rent"
• Tenants whose tenancy started before 1989
• Tenants whose tenancy includes the provision of care, support or supervision and is provided by local authorities, social landlords, charities or voluntary organisations
• Tenants whose accommodation is a caravan, mobile home or houseboat
• Tenants whose rent includes a substantial amount for board and attendance (e.g. private hostel accommodation). Local Housing Allowance may not apply in these cases, the Rent Officer will make a decision on this