Under LHA if a private tenant entitled to the 3 bedroom rate of LHA and decides to move into a 2 bedroom property whose contractual rent is same as the 3 bedroom. Does the LA have the power to restrict LHA, for example contractual rate is excessive?

Any help most welcome.

Funny you should ask that as we have just had a training session this morning on LHA by one of our HB officers. The answer is no and yes. The 3 bedroom rate is appplicable to the person's circumstance regarding size of family and non-deps. So s/he will be entitled to the 3 bedroom rate. However there will be a cap on the allowance payable, limited to a maximum of £15 above the contractual rent.