Claiming benefits if you rent from family
You can sometimes get the universal credit (UC) housing element if you rent from a family member.
You usually need to:
have a proper tenancy
sign a tenancy agreement
pay rent regularly like you would to any landlord
The DWP often check to make sure the tenancy was not set up so you can get benefits.
Your relative needs to show they have taken on all the responsibilities of a landlord.
The DWP also look at if your relative would give you notice or take other eviction steps if you do not pay rent.
Example: renting from a relative
Dan needs a place to live. He is on universal credit.
His uncle owns an empty flat and lives somewhere else.
Dan's uncle offers him the flat to live in. He gives him a gas safety certificate, an energy performance certificate and a copy of the How to rent guide.
Dan signs a tenancy agreement and moves in.
Dan should get the UC housing element to help with his rent.
If you do not have a proper tenancy
You cannot get benefits to help with rent if you do not have a proper tenancy and pay rent regularly.
For example, if you stay in a family member's home and only pay towards food or bills.
Renting from a close relative who you live with
You cannot get universal credit housing costs If you pay rent to your partner or a close family member who lives with you.
Close family members are:
parents and step parents
children and stepchildren
brothers and sisters including half siblings but not step siblings
partners of any of these close relatives
You could get universal credit housing costs if you pay rent to other relatives who you live with. For example, a grandparent, aunt, uncle or cousin.
You need to show that:
you have a lodger's agreement
it is not an informal arrangement
Your relative's benefits might change if you live with them and pay rent. Make sure they check this.
Renting from an ex partner
You can get universal credit housing costs to rent from an ex partner if you have a proper tenancy agreement.
You cannot claim housing benefit if either:
you lived as a couple in the home you now rent
you have a child together who is under 16 and lives with you
Renting a home you used to own
You could get universal credit to help with renting a home you owned as long as you have a proper tenancy and pay rent regularly.
But you might not get help with rent for a property you owned if:
you cannot show that you have a proper tenancy
you sold the property less than 5 years ago
If you disagree with a benefits decision
Ask for a review within 1 month of the decision if you think it's wrong.
For example, if you think you should get benefits but you're turned down.
A review of a universal credit decision is called a 'mandatory reconsideration'.
Find out more about:
challenging a universal credit decision at Citizens Advice
Last updated: 20 November 2024
