The usual arrangements under Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is that benefit is paid to the customer. We must make payments to the landlord if the customer is in rent arrears equivalent to eight weeks or the landlord recieves payments from other income related benefits.
We can also make payments to a landlord where we consider that a customer is likely to have difficulties managing their affairs or it is considered unlikely that they will pay their rent.
From April 2011 the regulations have been amended and they allow us to make payment direct to the landlord where this will help the tenant secure or keep their tenancy. This extra rule means that from April 2011 we can also pay your benefit straight to your landlord if it helps you get a new tenancy, or keep your current one, by charging a reduced rent that is affordable for you (this means an amount close to the LHA rate for the size of the home).
Our Policy
We will look at the following factors when deciding to pay your landlord:
- There must be a reduction in the contractual rent,
- We need to see written evidence of the reduction and you must have been given a new agreement (ie tenancy agreement)
- Any supporting evidence from the homeless prevention team should be shown to us,
- Direct payment can be made as long as the rent is kept at an affordable level and an increase could affect the decision,
- The arrangement could be reviewed if there is a change in circumstances.
If you are thinking of approaching your landlord about this or have more questions then contact us on the number below.
For a more detailed guide, click on our direct payment policy document (.pdf, 40KB)
