Bolton Accredited & Residential Landlords Organisation

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the Government's new way of working out & paying Housing Benefit to Tenants. LHA was implemented with effect from 7th April 2008. Tenants of private landlords will move onto LHA if they change address or make a new claim for Housing Benefit from 7th April 2008.

• Local Housing Allowance - Information & Rates for Bolton 
• Housing Benefit Reform Update May 2011 

LHA differs from Housing Benefit in a number of ways. The main differences are as follows:

1. LHA is a flat rate allowance that is means tested.
     
2. The LHA rates are decided by the Rent Service and are based on the broad geographical area that the tenant lives in. This area is referred to as the Broad Rental Market Area (BRMA). Bolton Council has already met with the Rent Officer and there are currently three BRMA's in Bolton.
     
3. A tenant's LHA rate will be based on their accommodation requirements rather than the type of property they are renting.
     
4. Cases will no longer need to be referred to the Rent Officer so claims will be processed sooner.
     
5. LHA rates will be published monthly and will be available in the local press and on the Bolton Council website. The LHA rates will be calculated based on the number of bedrooms required by the tenant and their family.
     
6. Tenants will be able to find out how much LHA they will be entitled to based on the size and make up of their family. This means they will be able to work out what type of accommodation they can afford before they move in to a property.
     
7. In most cases LHA will be paid directly to the tenant. There are some exceptions to this rule if there is evidence that the tenant would have difficulty taking responsibility for paying their rent. 

If a tenant falls into rent arrears of 8 weeks or more payment of LHA can be paid direct to the landlord. Landlords will be required to provide evidence of rent arrears and so it will be important to keep accurate records of the rent charged and payments received.
 
If you or your tenants have queries, problems or issues with your tenant's Housing Benefit claim or payments, you or your tenant can avoid queuing up at the Town Hall by making your enquiries online. Please remember to quote all necessary details and reference numbers etc.

updated 15.03.2010