Local Housing Allowance is the way of working out new claims for Housing Benefit for tenants renting accommodation from a private landlord.

Local Housing Allowance will not affect people living in council accommodation or other social housing.

Local Housing Allowance is calculated based on the size of the household including any non-dependants.

One bedroom is allowed for: 

  • every adult couple aged 16 or over,
  • any other adult aged 16 or over,
  • any two children of the same sex,
  • any two children regardless of sex under the age of 10,
  • any other child,
  • any overnight carer.

The number of living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms is ignored for the purposes of the Local Housing Allowance size criteria.  Single claimants aged under 35 who do not have anyone living with them will be entitled to the standard rate for a bedroom in shared accommodation.