Local Housing Allowance (LHA)
Important information for people who rent their homes from a private landlord
The Government are making changes to Housing Benefit. If you make a new claim for Housing Benefit for a privately rented property on or after 7 April 2008, any entitlement to benefit will be worked out using the Local Housing Allowance rates.
These changes only affect tenants who rent their home from a private landlord - not Gateshead Housing Company or Housing Association tenants. If you are already getting Housing Benefit on 7 April 2008, you will not be affected by these changes unless:
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you move address to a home rented from a private landlord – you must tell us if you change address;
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you have a break in your claim – if you stop claiming Housing Benefit for any reason (for example moving into work) any new claim for benefit will be worked out using the Local Housing Allowance rates.
If you are making a new claim or you move home after 7 April 2008, you will have your benefit paid directly to you under Local Housing Allowance.We will pay your benefit directly into your bank account (however, we cannot pay Housing Benefit into a Post Office Card Account). It will then be your responsibility to ensure your rent is paid to your landlord. Please contact us if you need help to open a suitable bank account.