You appear to be using an unsupported browser, and it may not be able to display this site properly. You may wish to upgrade your browser.

We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Local housing allowance

Last updated
20 Jun 2022

If you're renting a home from a private landlord and you're on a low income, you may be able to claim housing benefit.

Housing benefit for private tenants is called Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

LHA can help towards the cost of rent, but it doesn't cover charges for heating, hot water, lighting, laundry or cooking.

How LHA is calculated

The rate of LHA you receive depends on the area you're living in, and the number of rooms you need. This makes sure people living in the same area as you under the same circumstances get the same amount of support.

You can check the LHA rates for the area you live in.

If the amount of LHA you get is less than your total rent, you'll need to either pay the difference yourself or find a new home where the rent is covered by your LHA.

For example, if your rent is £700 a month and you get £500 in LHA, you'll need to pay the other £200 a month.

You can search for LHA rates by postcode or local authority using the Local Housing Allowance Portal.

How to apply

To apply for LHA, contact your local council's housing benefit department.

Aberdeen City Council Aberdeenshire Council Angus Council Argyll and Bute Council Clackmannanshire Council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) Dumfries and Galloway Council Dundee City Council East Ayrshire Council East Dunbartonshire Council East Lothian Council East Renfrewshire Council Edinburgh Council Falkirk Council Fife Council Glasgow City Council The Highland Council Inverclyde Council Midlothian Council Moray Council North Ayrshire Council North Lanarkshire Council Orkney Islands Council Perth & Kinross Council Renfrewshire Council Scottish Borders Council Shetland Council South Ayrshire Council South Lanarkshire Council Stirling Council West Dunbartonshire Council West Lothian Council

Your application will be 'means tested', which means the council will check to make sure you aren't able to pay the full rent yourself.

You'll also need to give proof that you have a tenancy agreement, because LHA is only available to people who are renting privately.

LHA is set by Rent Service Scotland.

Back to top