Local Housing Allowance (LHA) sets the maximum amount of housing benefit or Universal Credit housing element that private renters can receive. We cover how
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Local Housing Allowance (LHA) sets the maximum amount of housing benefit or Universal Credit housing element that private renters can receive. We cover how LHA works, how it is calculated, and what to do if your rent is higher than your LHA rate.
What is Local Housing Allowance?
LHA is a system used to calculate how much housing support private renters can receive through Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. It is based on the area where you live and the size of home you are entitled to.
LHA replaced the older rent officer system and has been in place since 2008. The rates are set by the government and reviewed periodically.
How is LHA calculated?
LHA rates are set for each Broad Rental Market Area (BRMA), geographic areas covering local rental markets. Within each BRMA, different rates apply depending on the number of bedrooms you are entitled to:
- Shared accommodation rate: applies to single people under 35 who do not have children or a qualifying disability. This rate reflects the cost of renting a room in a shared house, not a self-contained flat.
- 1 bedroom rate: for single adults 35 or over, and couples without children
- 2 bedroom rate: for families needing 2 bedrooms
- 3 bedroom rate: for families needing 3 bedrooms
- 4 bedroom rate: for larger families
The number of bedrooms you are entitled to is based on household size, not the number of bedrooms in your actual home.
Where can I find my LHA rate?
You can find current LHA rates on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) website at gov.uk. Search for LHA rates and select your BRMA.
What if my rent is higher than my LHA rate?
LHA does not cover rents that are above the LHA rate for your area. If your rent is higher, you will need to make up the difference from other income or savings. This is sometimes called a "shortfall."
Options if you have a shortfall:
- Discretionary Housing Payment: ask your local council for a DHP, a short-term extra payment to help bridge the gap between your LHA rate and your actual rent.
- Negotiate with your landlord: some landlords will reduce the rent to a level covered by LHA, particularly if the alternative is finding a new tenant.
- Look for a cheaper property: in some areas there is very little private rental housing available within LHA rates. A housing adviser can help you explore what is available locally.
- Seek benefit advice: a benefits adviser can check whether you are receiving everything you are entitled to, including any other support that might help with housing costs.
The under-35 shared accommodation rate
If you are a single person under 35 without children, your LHA is set at the shared accommodation rate even if you rent a self-contained flat. This can make it very difficult to afford private rented accommodation in many areas.
There are some exceptions, you may be entitled to a higher rate if you:
- Are a care leaver (and have left care within the last few years)
- Have a disability that makes shared housing unsuitable
- Were previously in severe mental distress requiring hospital or institutional care
- Are a current or former rough sleeper in a supported housing project
If you think you may qualify for an exception, get advice from Citizens Advice or a housing adviser.
Does LHA apply to social housing?
LHA rates do not apply in the same way to social housing. Council and housing association rents are set differently. The bedroom tax (also called the spare room subsidy) can reduce housing benefit for social tenants who have more bedrooms than the rules say they need, but this is a separate system.
When should I contact Support for Tenants?
We help with housing disrepair claims. If you are renting privately and your home is in poor condition, your LHA situation does not prevent you from bringing a disrepair claim.
Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.
Sources
Related articles
- Universal Credit and housing costs explained
- Universal Credit five-week wait, what tenants need to know
- Free housing legal advice in England, where to get it
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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