Changes to Local Housing Allowance
There are important changes to Local Housing Allowance from
April 1, which affect entitlement for tenants who rent from
private landlords.
The changes will affect tenants of private
landlords whose housing benefit entitlement is based on the Local
Housing Allowance (LHA).
From April 2011, as part of the Government’s
programme of welfare reform, LHA levels will reduce and as a result
of this, tenants will get less Housing Benefit.
The changes will affect private tenants
who:
- Make a new claim for housing benefit, if
entitlement starts on or after April 1, or
- Change address on or after April 1,
or
- Has a change in the household, (someone
moving in or moving out) on or after April 1.
Private tenants who claimed housing benefit
before April 2011 and continue to claim after April will not be
affected by the changes immediately. Unless they change address, or
experience a break in entitlement or the number of people living
with them changes, housing benefit entitlement will continue to be
based on the pre-April LHA rate until 9 months following the
anniversary of their claim.
We will write to existing claimants to inform
them of the anniversary of their claim. This should enable them to
work out when they are likely to be affected by the changes.
The monthly LHA rates published from April
2011 onwards will reflect the changes. New claimants and existing
claimant who are considering moving to another private tenancy
within Tower Hamlets should consider that the LHA rates represent
the maximum housing benefit they will get.
If you have any concerns about how these changes will affect
your Housing Benefit, we are here to help you. You can contact the
Council’s Benefit Service on 0207 364 5001.
The Housing Options Service has also
set up a Welfare Reform Project team who are communicating with
landlords, letting agents and existing LHA claimants to prevent
homelessness, sustain tenancies and assist with rent
negotiations. We are able to advise on relocation, have
access to Housing Advisors and Money Advisors and understand the
borough's housing situation.
We have included some links providing
in-depth information about the LHA changes and their impact, and
have provided our contact details if you would like more
information on how the changes will affect your Housing
Options.
Please read the following for more information:
Or visit these websites:
Contact us
Housing Options Service
Albert Jacob House
62 Roman Road
Bethnal Green
London
E2 0PG
Tel: 020 7364 1413 (for tenants) or 020 7364
1416 (for landlords and letting agents)
Email: hbchanges@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Open: Monday - Friday 9.30am -
4pm
Access: Wheelchair access. Hearing loop in
reception
Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green
Nearest bus routes: 8, D6 (Roman Road), 309 (Globe Road), 106, 254
(Cambridge Heath Road)