Our aim at Finefair Ltd is to give people as much information as possible about different property matters. We specialise in things like guaranteed rent, management, lettings, and more. You can also find some details about local housing allowance in Bromley. Read on for info and some useful links to find out more.
Background for LHA
Local Housing Allowance came into force in 2008. It is a way to calculate the Housing Benefit Entitlement for people in the private sector. It is applicable in England, Wales, and Scotland.
The move to LHA was an interesting one. Before it, housing entitlement was based on the 50th percentile or median value of private rental accommodation in the area. After the change, it began being based on the 30th percentile instead. This was much farer.
The greatest thing about this allowance is it means people who can claim help will get a suitable amount for the area. It will reflect the price other people are paying to rent privately here. This means entitlement represents similar properties with the same number of bedrooms.
Local housing allowance in Bromley
There is a little bit of information about LHA and Housing Benefit on the Council’s website. It discusses who can claim, how to apply, and current rates.
One thing people often get confused is whether they need to claim these benefits or Universal Credit. You can only get Housing Benefit in two situations; if you are a pensioner or if you live in temporary or homeless accommodation, including refuges.
However, even if you do meet one of those two criteria, there are some cases where you won’t be able to claim. For example, if you have over £16,000 in savings you can’t claim. You also can’t if you are a full time student (except if you have a disability or children), or when you live with a close relative.
The rules can also get a little confusing when it comes to living with a partner. In this case, whether it is a civil partnership or marriage, only one person can claim the benefit even if both qualify.
If you do qualify and want to apply, you can do it online with the eClaim form. You need proof of identity, details of other people who live with you, and proof of income and any capital you own.
It is also important to consider the number of bedrooms in the property you live in. If it is too large for your needs and there are unoccupied bedrooms, Housing Benefit payments will be smaller.
Do you need any help?
Finefair Ltd appreciates there are many different things to think about when it comes to housing. It can make it tricky for anyone, whether it is investors, landlords, or tenants. Luckily, there is plenty of information out there to help. You just need to know where to find it. Local council websites and the gov.uk site are good sources you should utilise, especially for details of local housing allowance in Bromley and other areas.
You can also speak to us about a number of things. This includes guaranteed rent, leasing, and more.