Shortfall

The local housing allowance (LHA) system calculates how much benefit private tenants get towards rent. Both Housing Benefit and Universal Credit use the LHA rules. 

The amount your tenant gets in benefits will not usually match the rent you charge. It's common for tenants to get a lot less than they have to pay the landlord. 

Private renters can get help to pay their rent. You can apply for help if you're out of work or if you are working. If you are not already getting help to pay your rent, you should claim

• housing benefit if you are over pension age, and
• Universal Credit if you are below pension age. 

You can get help to pay your rent if you are a private renter and have a low income. 

If you are claiming help for the first time you should claim

• housing benefit if you are over pension age, or
• Universal Credit if you are under pension age.

The government restricts the amount of benefits it will give to private renters who are under 35. Your housing benefits will only cover the cost of renting a room in a shared property, unless

• you have a partner living with you, or
• your household includes children, or
• you meet one of the exceptions to this rule.