Your Rent

When assessing Housing Benefit, different rules apply depending on who your Landlord is.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA)

LHA rates are used to set the rent for private tenants who apply for Housing Benefit. The amounts used are flat-rate allowances based on the tenant's 'household' size and circumstances.

The LHA amount is not directly related to the rent that is charged so if your rent is lower than the LHA rate, you will only be entitled to your rent, not more. If your rent is higher than the LHA rate, it is your responsibility to make up any shortfall.

Council Accommodation / Social Housing

LHA rates do not apply if you live in Council accommodation or other social housing.

Instead, a 'size criteria' applies, which means your Housing Benefit may be reduced if you have more bedrooms than the rules say you need. The rules don't apply if you or your partner is over State Pension age.

The Council will check:

• how many bedrooms you have
• how many people live with you
• if anyone you live with can share a bedroom

Where the Council decides you have too many bedrooms, your rent may be reduced by:

• 14 % of the rent charged if you under-occupy by one bedroom
• 25% of the rent charged if you under-occupy by two or more bedrooms

In all cases, the Council may be able to consider if another bedroom is needed because:

• someone is planning to move back in with you - for example if they're a student and stay at university in term time
• a carer needs to stay overnight for someone who's disabled 
• you're a foster carer waiting for a child to be placed with you
• a child under 16 or couple cannot share a bedroom due to their disability
   

Where can I get more information?

• phone the Benefits Section on 02392 545325
• email us at benefits@gosport.gov.uk

 

Alternatively you can get advice from:

• Citizens Advice - Gosport, Martin Snape House, Pavilion Way, Gosport PO12 1GE.   Telephone 02392 520112  www.gosportcab.org.uk