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Housing Benefit for private tenants

 
The Housing Benefit rules for tenants who rent from private landlords changed on 7 April 2008.

A new scheme, which has been introduced by the Government, is known as the Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

You can find the allowance rates on this site so that you can work out the maximum amount of benefit that you can receive.

Who is affected?

Initially the Local Housing Allowance only affects:

  • private tenants making a new claim for Housing Benefit 
  • existing benefit claimants who change address to a privately rented property
  • private tenants who already get Housing Benefit, who have a break in their claim and make a new claim. 

How is LHA worked out?

The LHA is based on rents in the area where you live and the number of bedrooms you need.

If you think you need more than five bedrooms, you will need to apply for an individual Local Housing Allowance.

Find out more about how to work out your Local Housing Allowance.

Local Housing Allowance for single people aged under 25

If you are single and under the age of 25, you will only qualify for the Local Housing Allowance rate for shared accommodation.

The rate for shared accommodation is based on you having sole use of a bedroom or bed-sit and shared use of some or all facilities. Facilities can include a kitchen, living room, bathroom and toilet.

This rule will not apply if:

  • you have a partner
  • you are getting Child Benefit for a child in your care
  • you get middle or higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance
  • you share your home with another adult who isn't your partner or a joint tenant.
  • you are aged under 22 and you have left care in the last six years

Further information

We have details about the payment of Local Housing Allowance which include the current rates and payment methods.

For other queries, check the frequently asked questions below, or contact us using the details on the right hand side of this page.

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