Do your benefits go up if your rent increases?
Your benefits might not go up if your private landlord increases your rent.
Local housing allowance (LHA) rates are used to work out universal credit and housing benefit.
Your rate depends on:
your age
where you live
who else lives with you
You cannot get more than the maximum LHA rate you are entitled to.
You can check the rates for your area on GOV.UK.
How can your landlord increase your rent?
Most private renters have an assured tenancy.
If your landlord wants to increase your rent in an assured tenancy, they must:
give you at least 2 months' notice
use a special form called a section 13 notice
Your landlord can only do this once a year.
Your new rent starts from the date in the notice unless you challenge it.
Tell universal credit about the rent increase
Report changes in your UC account. Use the report a change tab in your journal.
You can also report changes over the phone or at the jobcentre.
If you get housing benefit because you are pension age, tell the council.
Extra help with rent from the council
Ask your council about extra housing payments (DHPs) if you already get the maximum LHA rate.
A DHP is extra help with rent if your benefits do not cover the full amount.
You can get DHPs if you get universal credit or housing benefit.
What if you do not want to pay the new rent?
You could:
talk to your landlord or agent
ask a tribunal to set the rent
look for somewhere cheaper
Talk to your landlord
Let them know if:
you cannot afford it
the increase is too much
Explain your situation. Tell them if your benefits will not go up.
If they agree to no increase or a smaller increase, get this in writing. For example, an email or letter.
Ask a tribunal to set the rent
A tribunal is like a court but a bit less formal. Going to a tribunal is free.
You could ask a tribunal to set the rent if you think it's too much.
If you want to do this, you have to apply to the tribunal before the start date for the new rent on the section 13 notice.
Your rent will not go up until the tribunal sets the rent. The tribunal cannot set a higher rent than what the landlord is asking for.
More on asking a tribunal to set the rent.
Look for somewhere cheaper to rent
Your landlord might agree to keep the rent the same while you are looking.
Make sure you have somewhere to move to before you give notice.
Find out how to find landlords who accept benefits.
Get benefits and money advice
Get a benefits check to make sure you are claiming everything you can.
A debt adviser could help with debts, reducing your outgoings and increasing your income.
Read more about where to get:
Ask the council for housing help
Speak to your council's homelessness team if:
you cannot pay your rent
your landlord pressures you to leave or harasses you about the rent
The council could help you stay in your home or find somewhere else to live.
They might agree you are homeless if you cannot afford to stay in your home.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
