Local housing allowance
If you rent from a private landlord, the amount of housing benefit you can claim is set independently, and is called local housing allowance (LHA).
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates are being increased from 1 April 2020 to cover up to 30% of the market rent in your area. The new LHA rates are shown below.
We’ll adjust existing benefit claims as soon as possible. We’ll do this automatically, so you don’t need to contact us. Please sign up for our online services so that you get your new award letter quickly.
The amount of LHA depends on how many bedrooms you are entitled to and the maximum rent allowed for properties where you live.
If you are single and under 35 you are only allowed to claim LHA at the rate for a room in shared accommodation.
The current weekly LHA rates in Leicester are:
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Shared room rate | £78 |
| One bed | £103.56 |
| Two bed | £130.03 |
| Three bed | £155.34 |
| Four bed | £205.97 |
If your rent is more than the LHA rate you will have to pay the difference. If your rent is less than the LHA rate the maximum you receive will be the amount of your rent – not the full LHA rate.