The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions. VOA provides valuations for local authorities in England, for use in the assessment of claims for Housing Benefit where the tenant is renting from a private landlord.

Housing Benefit Determinations

In making a determination the Rent Officer will consider:

· The level of rent

· The rent for similar properties within the vicinity

· The number of rooms

· The age and number of people living within the property being assessed

The determination will usually run for 12 months unless there is a significant change to the property or the number of people included within the household.

Local Housing Allowance rates are decided by the VOA each month.

To learn more about The Valuation Office Agency click on the following link to their website and visit their Frequently Asked Questions section:

www.voa.gov.uk