The Finefair Ltd team goes above and beyond to make sure our clients are happy. This includes providing the best services and most reliable information to everyone. Our specialities include council leasing, property management, and guaranteed rent. We also share info about local housing allowance in Bexley. If this is what you are here for specifically, please continue reading.

Understanding LHA

In 2008, the UK Government introduced local housing allowance (LHA). What it does is offer a way for officials to calculate Housing Benefit entitlement. This is for any tenant that rents private sector accommodation in Wales, England, or Scotland.

The alteration to LHA made a large adaptation to housing benefit restrictions and payments. Most notably, there was the move to basing entitlement on the 30th percentile of rental accommodation in the community. In the past, we used the 50th percentile or median so it was a big change.

LHA’s purpose is using private market rental rates to see what individuals are paying in the area. We refer to this as BRMA. It inspects rates for the same amount of bedrooms in the building. As a result, it can guarantee that tenants in a location with similar properties can acquire similar amounts in benefits.

Establishing LHA rates

As for when LHA rates are set, this typically occurs in January. They then take effect in April every year. You can find present LHA rates, by local authority and postcode, at the Valuation Office Agency. It is the best way to learn about local housing allowance in Bexley.

The rent officer creates a list of LHA rates for every broad market rental area. They do the same for all categories of dwellings within the area, up to four-bedrooms. As for the LHA rate for people residing in a structure with five bedrooms or more, it is based on the four-bed rate.

Like we said earlier, LHA rates are typically fixed at the 30th percentile for rents. This is in every size category of dwelling based on market rents. Said rents are those ones paid by tenants who aren’t gaining housing benefit.

It is a requirement for local authorities to publish LHA rates. Also, they need to take steps to make certain they bring all up-to-date rates to the attention of eligible people.

LHA rates depend on what area you live in. Thus, you’ll have to check locally to discover more about housing benefit. With housing benefit in Bexley, there are important details to make note of. You can visit their website for more information. To help get you started, we will look at some vital details here too.

Applying for benefits

After finding suitable housing in the private rented sector, your next move should be applying to Universal Credit. Do this for an assessment. Eligibility and financial assessment applies.

Authorities utilise LHA so they can figure out Housing Benefit for tenants renting privately. The amount you receive is based on a myriad of factors. They include your current circumstances as well as the borough where you live. Other factors are your household size and your income. With the latter, this includes pensions, contribution-based benefits, and savings exceeding £6,000.

One important fact is that if you are a single individual below the age of 35, you cannot gain Universal Credit/Housing Benefit for one-bedroom buildings. You are only going to be applicable for the shared room rate. There is an exception if you are a recipient of Personal Independence Payment or Employment Support Allowance. There is also an exception for Disability Living Allowance.

Additionally, renting a room in shared accommodation will cost less than renting self-contained buildings. Usually, bills are going to be included with your rental costs. Your sole outlay will probably be articles like clothes, phone payments, travel, and food.

Securing private lets

After finding a property with an estate agent/landlord who will provide you a tenancy, which is suitable, affordable, and safe, and you have asked for financial aid from the council for the first month’s deposit/rent, you must provide some details. These include the dates of tenancy, deposit and rent amounts, and also the property’s full address.

You must also supply contact details for the estate agent/landlord. This is so the council can obtain bank details and conformation of let. Funds get paid straight to the agents rather than the tenants.

The last details you will need are a valid Gas Safety Certificate and Energy Performance Certificate. They ensure properties are safe to inhabit.

Always check local housing allowance in Bexley

We know that it is important to provide our clients with a diverse list of services. We can even aid with exploring benefits as well as other financial help. You can use as many of our services as you need. We aim to offer first rate help at excellent value.

So, contact us today if you need support.