The local housing allowance (LHA) provides housing benefit for private tenants. LHA is based on the number of people occupying the property as their home.

The number of bedrooms allowed for a self-contained property, is usually calculated as follows:

One bedroom (up to a maximum of four bedrooms) for:

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

Special rules apply to the number of bedrooms allowed for:

  • singles 35 years of age and over and couples with no dependent children
  • care leavers under 22 years of age
  • persons who are severely disabled
  • claimants or partners receiving overnight care from a non-resident carers
  • joint tenants

Here you can find out more information about LHA special rules.