New one-day seminar on how LHA changes will work

Ahead of planned cuts to Local Housing Allowance due to come into effect in stages from April 1, tenant eviction specialists Landlord Action are again putting on a one-day seminar on LHA.

Many industry figures have commented on the potentially damaging effect of housing benefit cuts, increasing tenant indebtedness and causing landlords to fall into mortgage arrears.

Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, said: “Since the current LHA system came into effect in April 2008, our instructions against tenants in this sector have rocketed. 

“In 2010, Landlord Action’s cases relating to LHA tenancy failure rose by 16%.

“The LHA system can work, but landlords are increasingly put off renting to this sector and the new incentives for direct payment come at the price of lower rent, which naturally doesn’t have great appeal. I feel that landlords and agents do not truly understand the capping system coming into effect.

“If we don’t educate landlords now, they will leave the social sector altogether and focus on private rentals where they can charge higher rent to tenants who aren’t claiming LHA.  

“This could be a counter-productive situation for the Government.

“Council housing has an average five-year waiting list, so the Government cannot afford to lose landlords.”

The seminar, which costs £250, will be held at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum hotel, London, on March 25 from 9-5. A second seminar will be held at the Crown Plaza, Birmingham, on Friday, April 8.

The last LHA seminar was very well received, and places are likely to go fast. Early booking is genuinely advised.

All delegates will receive lunch and refreshments as well as a comprehensive education pack detailing everything to do with LHA.

For further information, visit www.LandlordAction.co.uk/LHA