Finefair Ltd ensures that its clients receive the highest quality services. In addition, we provide vital information to those who need info. There are various topics we cover. They include council leasing, guaranteed rent, and property management. We are also able to share details about local housing allowance in Brent too. If you need help with this particular area, you are in the right place.
The details surrounding LHA
Local housing allowance (LHA) was introduced by the UK Government in 2008. Its purpose is to supply a way of calculating Housing Benefit entitlement. This is for those tenants renting private sector accommodation in Wales, Scotland, or England.
The move to LHA marked a huge change to how councils can pay housing benefits, as well as restrictions. With changes, the most noteworthy is the swap to basing entitlement on the 30th percentile of rental accommodation in the local area. In the past, the 50th percentile or median was the mark to use.
LHA utilises private market rental rates to see what individuals are paying in the region. This is referred to as BRMA. It examines rates for the same amount of bedrooms in the building. What the intent is here is to see to it that tenants living somewhere with similar properties can claim similar quantities of money. The rules for local housing allowance in Brent aid in controlling costs as well.
When do LHA rates take effect?
January is the month when LHA rates are set, with April being the one where they take effect. Present LHA rates, by local authority and postcode, are available from the Valuation Office Agency. The rent officer produces a list of LHA rates for all the broad market rental areas, as well as the categories of dwelling in these areas. This is up to the rate of a four-bedroom home.
It is necessary for the local authority to publish LHA rates. They have to make sure that current rates are visible to every eligible party. So, you should be able to easily learn about local housing allowance in Brent.
Since the LHA rates depend on the area, you need to check locally to discover more about housing benefit. There are several vital things to note in Brent. You can visit certain websites to obtain more information, including Brent’s own. To give you a head start, we’ll discuss some important details here.
Brent Council only examines claims in its borough
It is important to note the council is only capable of examining claims for Housing Benefit for people living in the borough. If you live in Brent, you can make a claim if the council puts you in a hostel or temporary accommodation. You can also claim if you reside in supported or sheltered accommodation, which offers you some degree of support or care.
If you have reached the State Pension Credit age you can also claim benefits. Furthermore, you need to be liable to pay rent, must meet the means test, and live in the property the benefit will be paid to.
You might be liable to pay rent if you’re renting a building from the council. It is the same if you are doing so via a managing agent, private landlord, housing co-operative, or a Housing Association. Should the council place you in temporary accommodation outside of Brent, it is still possible to claim Housing Benefit with them.
Who can’t claim?
You can’t claim Housing Benefit if you are not a UK citizen and subject to immigration control. It is the same if you live in the home of a close relative, and if you don’t pay rent in the building you live in.
If you are a full-time student, or have over £16,000 in combined savings, you are also unable to claim. The exception with the latter is if you reach the qualifying age for the state pension credit. Anyone in any of these situations must apply for universal credit instead.
Information shared with the landlord about local housing allowance in Brent
There are also important details relating to the information Brent Council shares with your landlord. If you rent from a private or social landlord, the council will share details about your Housing Benefit with them. Such action is necessary to minimise the danger of you falling behind with the rent. Details get shared via a secure portal.
When landlords access this portal, they can see future payment amounts and due dates. Other things they see include weekly entitlement, whether there is a suspended claim, and details of historic payments. Lastly, they can see any overpayment amounts and weekly recovery rates and the status of the Housing Benefit Claim.
The council won’t provide information to landlords about if you are in receipt of a Discretionary Housing Payment. It is the same for any extra details the council requests from you, reasons for cancellation or suspension, and your personal and family circumstances.
Giving clients the help they need
Finefair provides the broadest collection of services to its clients. It includes guaranteed rent, management, and much more. We are also able to help with topics like local housing allowance in Brent too.
So, if you’d like a first rate service, you can contact us.
