Rent £2158 higher than LHA rate

Anhedonia2 · May 10

Hello, just wondering if anyone knows how this works with social housing and the UC housing element?

My rent has recently gone up and for the first time it’s actually higher than the LHA rate for my area. My rent is now £2158 a month.

I know LHA usually doesn’t apply to social housing in the same way it does for private renting, but now that my rent is above the LHA I’m a bit worried/confused.

Will they still cover the full eligible rent because it’s social housing, or will it now be capped at the LHA amount?

Probably a silly question but it’s the first time this has happened so I wanted to check if anyone’s been in the same situation.

Thanks.

Rachel_Scope · May 10

Hi @Anhedonia2. I've found some information for you:

"The extra amount of money you get for housing will not always cover your rent. You might need to pay the rest of your rent from your Universal Credit payment or other income.

You might be able to get extra help from your local council with your rent and other housing costs, for example a rent deposit or moving costs.

You can apply for help from your council’s ‘Crisis and Resilience Fund’ in England or for a ‘Discretionary Housing Payment’ in Scotland or in Wales.

Contact your local council to apply."

https://www.gov.uk/housing-and-universal-credit/renting-from-local-authority-or-housing-association

Hope that helps.

Anhedonia2 · May 10

Thank you @Rachel_Scope.

So does that mean the LHA would apply to me now?

OverlyAnxious · May 10

I think that .Gov page is misleading. LHA doesn't apply to Social Housing. You should get your full rent paid regardless of the LHA.

The reasons that you might not get all rent paid in SH are due to excess bedrooms (bedroom tax), some types of service charge aren't covered, and the benefit cap.

Rachel_Scope · May 10

Sorry, I think I've confused things. Apologies, I'm not overly familiar with this topic.

The LHA shouldn't apply to you as you live in social housing. You need to do change of circumstances so UC are aware of your rent increase. Your UC should then increase. https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/how_a_change_of_circumstances_affects_universal_credit

Anhedonia2 · May 21

Thank you both 🙏

ColonelBlink · May 21

£500 a week for a council house? Unbelievable. I suppose my £90 doesn't look so bad now . 🤔

Anhedonia2 · May 21

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1126769#Comment_1126769

£90 a WEEK?? Please tell me you're kidding. Where do you live?

I'm in London, if I was private renting it would be at least another £1000 a month on top. The cheapest I can find private is about £3300 a month.

ColonelBlink · May 21

I have a 1 bedroom house with Angus Council, and i suppose i shouldn't be surprised about London rates.

Twenty five years ago, my private rent in CR4 for a 1 bedroom flat was £650 pcm.

Rent £2158 higher than LHA rate

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