Local housing allowance aims to reflect the current market rates for rented properties in our area and is calculated by looking at how many bedrooms a household needs. The LHA rate that will apply to the tenant will match the number of rooms they need. This does not include bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms. 

To calculate the number of rooms needed, you need to count one bedroom for the following people living in your household:

• a single claimant or every adult couple
• any other single adult aged 16 or over
• any two children of the same sex aged under 16
• any two children under the age of ten
• any other child.

The maximum number of rooms allowed is four.

If you are single, under 35 and don't have any children then you will only be entitled to the LHA rate for a room in shared accommodation.
If you are single, or a couple not responsible for children, aged 35 or over and you are living in shared accommodation. Then you will only be entitled to the shared room rate of local housing allowance.

Normally local housing allowance will be paid to the tenant. This will be paid by BACS in to your bank account. There are certain circumstances that we are able to pay the landlord, this is known as 'safeguarding'.

We could pay your landlord if you have special circumstances:

• learning difficulties
• rent arrears problems
• severe debt problems
• fleeing domestic violence
• alcohol/drug/gambling addictions.

If you think we should pay your landlord because you think these circumstances apply to you, then please contact us.

You can download the safeguarding strategy for further information and the application form to request payment to be made to your landlord. 

We can now also consider paying your landlord if this would mean your landlord lowering the rent charged to a more affordable amount. Or, if paying your landlord would help you secure a new tenancy we can consider paying them direct.

As local housing allowance is normally paid to the tenant then you are going to need a bank account. If you do not have a bank account, you will need to go to a high street bank and open a basic bank account.