Landlords 'want action on LHA promise'

Posted: 16 Jun 2010 11:51:30 GMT

Landlords are urging the government to carry out its promise to tackle the amount of lost rent due to tenants on the local housing allowance (LHA).

Vincenzo Rampulla, public affairs officer of the National Landlords Association (NLA), said: "It is an easy step to introduce choice for LHA tenants and enable them to have their LHA payment made directly to their landlord."

Research from the NLA showed a total of over £4.2 million was lost in 2009 due to LHA-based arrears.

The NLA regards the funding as a major issue in the private-rented sector and believes it has made many property owners leave the rental market.

LHA tenants receive an average of £112.85 a week, meaning landlords could face arrears of £902.80 in the eight weeks before local authorities take action.

Housing minister Grant Shapps announced recently that the national register of landlords will not be implemented by the government, a move welcomed by the NLA.


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