The Housing Benefit Regulations 2006

[F1Eligible rent and maximum rent (LHA)E+W+S

This section has no associated Explanatory Memorandum

12D.—(1) [F2Except where regulation 12M (transitional protection – reduction in LHA) applies,] this regulation applies where, by virtue of paragraphs (2) or (3) of regulation 13C (when a maximum rent (LHA) is to be determined), a maximum rent (LHA) has been, or is to be, determined in accordance with regulation 13D (determination of a maximum rent (LHA)).

(2) Where this regulation applies, except where paragraphs (3)(a) (protection on death) or (5)(a) (13 week protection) apply,—

(a)the amount of a person’s eligible rent shall be the maximum rent (LHA); and

(b)it shall apply until the earlier of—

(i)the determination of a maximum rent (LHA) by virtue of regulation 13C(2)(d) (change of category of dwelling, death or change of dwelling for an LHA case);

(ii)the determination of a maximum rent (LHA) by virtue of regulation 13C(3) (anniversary of LHA date); or

(iii)the determination of a maximum rent by virtue of regulation 13 or an eligible rent under regulation 12B.

(3) Subject to paragraph (7), where the relevant authority is required to determine a maximum rent (LHA) by virtue of regulation 13C(2)(a), (b) (new claim on or after 7th April 2008) or (d)(i) or (ii) (change of category of dwelling or death relating to an LHA case) and the claimant occupies a dwelling which is the same as that occupied by him at the date of death of any linked person, the eligible rent shall be—

(a)either—

(i)the eligible rent which applied on the day before the death occurred; or

(ii)in a case where there was no eligible rent, subject to regulation 12B(3) (mixed use accommodation), (4) (more than one person liable to make payments) and (6) (discretion in relation to eligible rent), the reckonable rent due on that day; or

(b)the eligible rent determined in accordance with paragraph (2), where it is equal to or more than the eligible rent determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (a).

(4) For the purpose of paragraph (3), a claimant shall be treated as occupying the dwelling if paragraph (13) of regulation 7 (circumstances in which a person is or is not to be treated as occupying a dwelling as his home) is satisfied and for that purpose paragraph (13) shall have effect as if sub-paragraph (b) of that paragraph were omitted.

(5) Subject to paragraphs (6) and (7), where a relevant authority is required to determine a maximum rent (LHA) by virtue of regulation 13C(2)(a) or (b) (new claim on or after 7th April 2008) and the relevant authority is satisfied that the claimant or a linked person was able to meet the financial commitments for his dwelling when they were entered into, the eligible rent shall be—

(a)an eligible rent determined in accordance with regulation 12B(2); or

(b)the eligible rent determined in accordance with paragraph (2), where it is equal to or more than the eligible rent referred to in sub-paragraph (a).

(6) Paragraph (5) shall not apply where a claimant or the claimant’s partner, was previously entitled to benefit in respect of an award of housing benefit which fell wholly or partly less than 52 weeks before the commencement of the claimant’s current award of housing benefit.

(7) Where a person’s eligible rent has been determined in accordance with—

(a)paragraph (3)(a) (protection on death), it shall apply until the first of the following events occurs—

(i)the period of 12 months from the date of death has expired;

(ii)the relevant authority determines an eligible rent in accordance with paragraph (2) which is equal to or exceeds it or is based on a maximum rent (LHA) determined by virtue of regulation 13C(2)(d)(iii) (change of dwelling);

(iii)the determination of an eligible rent in accordance with paragraph (3)(a) (protection on death) in relation to a subsequent death; or

(iv)the determination of a maximum rent by virtue of regulation 13[F3, a maximum rent (social sector) by virtue of regulation A13] or an eligible rent under regulation 12B.

(b)paragraph (5)(a) (13 week protection), it shall apply until the first of the following events occurs—

(i)the first 13 weeks of the claimant’s award of housing benefit have expired;

(ii)the relevant authority determines an eligible rent in accordance with paragraph (2) which is equal to or exceeds it or is based on a maximum rent (LHA) determined by virtue of regulation 13C(2)(d)(iii) (change of dwelling);

(iii)the determination of an eligible rent in accordance with paragraph (3)(a) (protection on death); or

(iv)the determination of a maximum rent by virtue of regulation 13[F4, a maximum rent (social sector) by virtue of regulation A13] or an eligible rent under regulation 12B.

(8) Where an eligible rent ceases to apply by virtue of paragraph (7)(a)(i) (expiry of protection on death) or (7)(b)(i) (expiry of 13 week protection), the eligible rent that shall apply instead shall be the one which would have applied but for paragraphs (3)(a) and (5)(a).]

Textual Amendments

F3Words in reg. 12D(7)(a)(iv) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3040), regs. 1(3), 5(6)

F4Words in reg. 12D(7)(b)(iv) inserted (1.4.2013) by The Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/3040), regs. 1(3), 5(6)