Local housing allowance (LHA) for private renters
Local housing allowance (LHA) is the amount of benefit that private renters get to help with rent.
LHA rates are used to decide how much you get in either:
universal credit (UC) housing element
housing benefit
LHA is not a benefit. You do not apply for it.
How your LHA rate is worked out
Your LHA rate depends on:
your age
who you live with
rent levels in your area
other things like a disability or care history
It is based on how many bedrooms you can claim for.
The number, age and sex of the people in your household affects your LHA rate.
Most single private renters under 35 only get the shared accommodation rate of LHA, even if you do not share your home with others.
There are exceptions. Some single renters can get a higher LHA rate.
How much can you get?
Do you know:
your postcode or council area?
how many bedrooms you can claim for?
Check your weekly LHA rate on GOV.UK if you have this information.
Work out how much you could get each month
You get one monthly payment on UC.
To work out how much help with rent you get each month, you need to change the weekly rate to a monthly amount.
Calculate your monthly LHA rate like this:
Weekly LHA rate ÷ 7 x 365 ÷ 12 = Calendar monthly LHA rate
This is the most you could get under the rules.
You usually get less if you're working or have other income.
If your benefits do not cover your rent
You can apply for housing payments from your council.
Housing payments are extra help with rent if your benefits do not cover your full rent.
Your council decides if you can get this extra help.
Ask your council about housing or crisis payments
What is your location?
Why does LHA not cover your rent?
This could be because:
private rents are often higher than your LHA rate
you are working
you are affected by the benefit cap
other adults who live with you are expected to help pay the rent
High private rents
Landlords often ask for more than your LHA rate.
This can make it hard to find somewhere you can afford if you get benefits.
Your full rent could be covered if it is the same or less than your LHA rate.
More on how to find a private tenancy if you get benefits.
If you are working
Your benefit usually goes down if you're working because your total income goes up.
You have to pay more of your rent from your wages.
For every £1 you earn above the benefit you'd get if you were unemployed, you usually lose:
55p - if you get universal credit
65p - if you get housing benefit
From April 2026, families with children and some disabled people can earn £427 without losing any UC. This is called a work allowance.
More on universal credit and working.
The benefit cap
The benefit cap is a limit on how much benefit you can get if you are working age.
It affects many families with children as well as some single people in high rent areas. Your universal credit or housing benefit is reduced to below the cap level.
Find out about dealing with the benefit cap.
If other adults in your home could help with rent
Some adults who live in your home are expected to help you with the rent. These people are called 'non dependants'.
Money is taken off you benefit. These are called 'non dependant deductions'. This can happen even if your family member or friend does not give you any money.
Find out about:
When do LHA rates go up?
LHA rates will stay the same until at least April 2027.
Your rate could go up if there are changes to your family size or household. For example:
you have a baby
you become a foster carer
your child reaches an age where they are not expected to share a bedroom
a disabled household member cannot share a bedroom or needs an overnight carer
More on universal credit after a change in circumstances.
Your LHA rate does not normally go up if your rent increases.
Find out how to deal with a rent increase if you get benefits.
If you think your benefit amount is wrong
Ask for a review if you think your benefit amount is wrong.
Find out how to ask for a review of a:
When different rules apply
You housing benefit is worked out in a different way if you:
live in a mobile home or houseboat
have a regulated or protected tenancy
live in a hostel, refuge or some types of supported housing
have claimed housing benefit in your current home since before April 2008
Still need help?
Check your benefits with the entitledto benefits calculator.
Find out where to get benefits advice.
Last updated: 5 July 2026