NLA calls for improvements to Local Housing Allowance

News Category: Industry News

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The National Landlords Association (NLA) has called on the government to reform its Local Housing Allowance (LHA) scheme as soon as possible.

LHA was introduced in April last year with money for housing costs going to tenants to pass on to their private landlords.

But the NLA say that many tenants are not handing on the money, leaving landlords out of pocket.

David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said: "Tenants' right to choose to have their housing benefit paid direct to their landlords must be reinstated immediately."

He warned that the current problems were also hurting tenants, as landlords were beginning to refuse to let their properties to those who qualify for LHA, as they are fearful of potential rental arrears.

Earlier this month, Alan Ward, chairman of the Residential Landlords Association, said that he thought the government was currently "out of touch" with those working in the residential lettings sector.

He said a perfect example of this was its recent decision to treat holiday lets as unearned income under taxation laws.

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