Universal Credit Housing LHA Rate

Dave1UK

Currently we live in a privately rented 4-bed property, there are a total of 5 of us (1 couple with 1 child, 2 individuals), the rent is £1750.00. The rent is split equally between us (£437.50 each).

In our current situation all bedrooms are occupied. We as a couple get £875.00 housing element through UC (this is our full rent split). 1 individual also gets £437.50 housing element through UC (this is their full rent split). The other individual not on UC pays the remainder.

The individual not on UC will be moving out, therefore our rent split will change. We as a couple would be accountable for £1166.66 and the other individual on UC for £583.33.

The rent split is still under the LHA rate limit i.e. for our council being:

Shared room - £142.99/w £619.62/m.

2 Bedrooms - £310.68/w £1346.28/m.

So the rent should still be covered, however as now there will be 1 empty bedroom which I intend to use as an office, is there likely to be any deduction for that? Or does a bedroom deduction only apply to social housing?

I understand that any rent over the bedroom eligibility rate would lead to a shortfall and needs to be topped up from personal income/savings.

However in cases where you privately rent and have a spare bedroom are any deductions taken into account/made?

Thanks.

NedS

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6654693/universal-credit-housing-lha-rate

Correct, the extra bedroom ('bedroom tax') only apples to social housing.

For you, in privately rented housing, the relevant amount is the 2 bedroom LHA rate.

You will need to get an updated tenancy agreement, stating the new rent liability and report a change of circumstances on your UC claim for privately rented housing, and then take a copy of the new tenancy agreement in to the jobcentre to be verified (or maybe upload it if they allow)

Again, as you say, as long as your actual rent is below to 2 bed LHA rate, you will receive this amount in full as your housing element.