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.
Tell us your age group so we can check the shared accommodation 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.