What is the Local Housing Allowance?

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the most that Universal Credit or Housing Benefit will usually pay towards private rent. It depends on the area and how many bedrooms your household is allowed.

Do single people under 35 get less?

Usually yes. Single people under 35 without children normally get the shared accommodation rate, for a room in a shared house. There are some exceptions, such as some care leavers under 25.

LHA calculator

How much will my benefit pay towards rent?

Check the 2026/27 Local Housing Allowance for your area and household. It's the most Universal Credit or Housing Benefit usually pays towards private rent.

Where do you want to live?

Or choose the rental area

Your age

Living with a partner?

Who else will live with you?

Under 10s

Boys 10 to 15

Girls 10 to 15

Adults 16+

I'm single and under 35, but I think an exception to the shared rate applies to me (for example, I'm a care leaver under 25)

How it works

Where you live. Each area (a Broad Rental Market Area) has its own rates, set each April.
Who lives with you. That decides how many bedrooms you're allowed, up to four.
Your rent. Universal Credit or Housing Benefit usually pays the lower of your rent and the rate.

Bedrooms you're allowed

One for you (and your partner)
One for each other adult aged 16 or over
One for two children of the same sex under 16
One for two children under 10, whatever their sex
One for any other child

Single and under 35?

You'll usually get the shared accommodation rate, the rate for a room in a shared house, even if you rent a flat. Some people are exempt, including some care leavers under 25 and some people who've lived in a homeless hostel. Ask Universal Credit or an adviser if you think this applies to you.

Monthly rates in popular areas

Area	Room	1 bed	2 bed
Manchester	£412	£775	£875
Birmingham	£342	£695	£750
Leicester	£395	£540	£650
Leeds	£348	£675	£775
Bristol	£511	£900	£1,095
Nottingham	£380	£550	£650
Inner East London	£700	£1,440	£1,750

2026/27 rates from GOV.UK.

If your rent is higher

You pay the difference yourself, so check the rate before you agree to a tenancy.
Your council may help through its Crisis and Resilience Fund (which replaced Discretionary Housing Payments in England), or with a deposit or rent in advance.
Bills included in the rent, other adults in your home and the benefit cap can all reduce what's paid.
Supported and exempt housing works differently: see service charge vs rent.

Read the full guide →