Maximum rent used to work out benefit

Tenants who fall into the Local Housing Allowance rules

Under the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rules the maximum rent used to work out benefit for a private tenant is based on the number of people who live in the property, not the actual rent. The maximum rates of rent are set in advance by the Rent Officer at the Valuation Office Agency. The LHA rates are published on this site and in Council offices so tenants can find out how much rent they can afford before looking for a home.

No deductions are made from these maximum rent levels for any services included in the rent.

Tenants who do not fall into the Local Housing Allowance rules

The maximum rent we use to work out benefit for a private tenant is set by the Rent Officer at the Valuation Office Agency. We send details of the property and who lives in the property to the Rent Officer to make a decision. If the tenant is a single person under the age of 35, without children, special rules apply which limit housing benefit to what is known as a Shared Accommodation Rate.

The page The Rent Service and Housing Benefit contains further information.

The rent used to work out housing benefit may be reduced if some services such as, heating, water, meals, are included in the rent. View the list in the Additional Resources box to find out which services housing benefit does not cover.

What amount of benefit will be awarded?

The amount of benefit awarded may be less than the maximum rent. Deductions may be made for any non-dependants living with a tenant. The amount of benefit also depends on the income and savings of the individual tenant. Your tenant can use the Benefit Calculator to find out how much benefit they may be entitled to.

If benefit does not cover the full rent being charged your tenant is responsible for paying the difference to you, as they are for any periods not covered by Housing Benefit.