Nearly 80% of Landlords Set To Desert LHA Claimants over Benefit Caps

A survey by the National Landlords Association (NLA) has found that Government caps on housing benefit payments could force over three quarters of landlords out of the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) market. The survey found 77 per cent of landlords who have LHA tenants are either considering or already taking steps to reduce their involvement in the LHA market. One quarter of respondents say they are already reducing the number of tenants they have on housing benefit payments, while half plan to do so in the future. Changes brought in by the Government this year saw maximum LHA rates in all areas reduced – and caps brought in based on property size. In April the amount was capped to £250 for a one-bed room, and £400 for a four-bed home. The caps will apply to existing tenants from January. NLA research has found the LHA cuts will have a varied impact on families across the country, with some losing hundreds of pounds. Read more on the NLA website.