Local housing allowance (LHA) for private renters

Local housing allowance sets the amount that private renters get in benefits to help with rent.

LHA rates are used to decide how much you get in either:

• universal credit housing element

• housing benefit

LHA is not a benefit. You do not apply for it.

Find out how to deal with a rent increase if you get benefits.

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?

LHA rates will stay the same until at least April 2026.

Work out how much you could get each month

You need to change the weekly rate to a monthly figure if you pay rent monthly or are on UC.

Most people on UC get one monthly payment.

If your benefit does not cover your rent

You can apply for a discretionary housing payment (DHP) from your council. A DHP is an extra payment to help if you're struggling to pay rent.

Benefits do not always cover your full rent.

Most private renters have a shortfall between what they get from benefits and their actual rent.

Your full rent could be covered if it is the same or less than your LHA rate. 

You do not usually get the full LHA rate if you're in any of the situations below:

You're working

Your benefit usually goes down if you're working because your overall income increases. 

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 2025, families with children and some disabled people can earn £411 without losing any UC. This is called a work allowance.

You're affected by the benefit cap

The benefit cap is an overall limit on the amount of benefits for working age people.

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.

Other adults who live with you could help out

Money can be taken from your benefit for some adults who live in your home if they are expected to contribute to the rent. This can happen even if they do not give you any money. 

Find out more about:

• universal credit housing cost contributions

• housing benefit deductions

If you think a benefit decision is wrong

Ask for a review if you think your benefit amount is wrong.

Find out how to ask for a review of a:

• universal credit decision

• housing benefit decision

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.