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 Changes to Housing Benefit for Private Tenants

The Government is making changes to Housing benefit and the amount you get to help pay your rent is being reduced. If you are going to be affected by these changes we will send you a letter advising you of the date from when the changes take place.

If your Housing Benefit is affected by the changes get help and advice now. The Options Team can help to prevent you becoming homeless as a consequence of the benefit changes

Where do I get help and advice if the changes affect me?

Please call the The Council's Housing Options service they can  will be able to offer help and advice.

What help and advice is available?

An advisor could offer you assistance on the following options:

  • Negotiate a rent reduction with your landlord: If your landlord does reduce your rent, the Housing Benefit Department can pay your benefit direct to your landlord.

  • Assist in you moving to a cheaper area, or cheaper property in the same area.

  • Getting "money advice" to budget carefully and cope with the extra cost of a shortfall in rent allowance.

  • Get assistance in paying a shortfall for a brief period while you make other housing arrangements.

To arrange an appointment with an Options Officer once you receive a letter please contact either:

  • Shamim Jhetam - 020 8708 4086

  • Najwa Dhondee - 020 8708 4892

  • Julien McDonald - 020 8708 4816

Local Housing Allowance is a term used to describe the Housing Benefit that is paid to the claimant of a private landlord.

Find local housing allowance rates here

How does the Local Housing Allowance scheme affect me?

Private landlords who have a tenant claiming housing benefit after 7 April 2008

The amount the claimant receives is not only dependant on the claimant's circumstances but also the broad market value of your property. 

Find out what the broad market value is of your property.

How is the Local Housing Allowance worked out?Residential development

Your Local Housing Allowance will depend on:

  • The area you live in
  • Who lives with you
  • The number of bedrooms you and your family need
  • Any savings or money you have coming in

Local Housing Allowance may not apply if your rent includes an amount for meals.  The rent officer will decide if this applies to your rent. 

Who is the Local Housing Allowance paid to?

Local housing allowance is usually paid to the tenant and not direct to the landlord.   In some very special cases we may pay it to your landlord.

How long will we pay it for?

Providing there have been no changes in your circumstances, our benefit team will automatically recalculate your Local Housing Allowance entitlement after one year of payment (known as “anniversary date”).  The new benefit will be based on the Local Housing Allowance rate in force at the time.

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