Local Housing Allowance (LHA)

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is used to work out Housing Benefit and or Universal Credit for tenants who rent privately.

What is LHA

The LHA rate is the maximum amount that you can receive. How much you get is usually based on (at the date of the claim):

• where you live
• your household size
• your income - including benefits, pensions and savings (over £6,000)
• your circumstances

The rates then change if a relevant change of circumstance occurs and will be revised on 1 April each year.

As Housing Benefit is a means tested benefit, proof of all income and capital is still required to enable an assessment of Housing Benefit to take place.

Qualification criteria and exemptions

Circumstances which warrant exceptions to standard LHA criteria:

• Disabled claimants became entitled to an extra bedroom in respect of LHA rates for a non-resident carer.
• Uttlesford District Council can pay Housing Benefit entitlement under the LHA scheme direct to landlords if it will help the tenant to secure a new tenancy or retain a tenancy in their current home at a reduced level of rent.

For more information contact the Benefits Team.

Current rates

LHA Rates applicable from 1 April 2024

Cambridge area

Cambridge area
(north of the Uttlesford District - map and information for the Cambridge area (PDF, 480 KB))

Harlow and Bishops Stortford area

Harlow and Bishops Stortford
(south of the Uttlesford District - map and information for the Harlow and Bishops Stortford area (PDF, 1017 KB))

Stevenage and North Hertfordshire area

Stevenage and North Herts
(west of the Uttlesford District - map and information for the Stevenage and North Herts area (PDF, 1009 KB))