Will all of the rent I pay be used in the calculation?

If you are renting from a private landlord, we will refer your rent along with details of the home you are renting to the Rent Service. They will tell us the average local rent cost of a home for your needs and we will assess your benefit on this figure and not the actual amount you are paying in rent. You will need to pay the difference from your own income.

The Rent Officer may agree the full rent, or restrict it. They could decide it is too expensive, bigger than your needs or has charges in the rent that are not eligible for benefit, such as water rates or fuel charges.

If you are single and aged under 25 special rules apply. The Rent Officer will restrict your rent to the average 'market value' of a single room with shared use of a living room, kitchen and bathroom.

You can find out how much the Rent Officer will value a property at before you take on a tenancy. You must complete a Pre Tenancy Determination Form (PDF) and send it to us. We will send it to the Rent Officer who will tell you of their decision within 5 days of receiving the form.

If you do not agree with the Rent Officers decision, you should write to us and ask us to have it looked at again. A Rent Officer will then look at the decision again.

Your eligible rent may also be reduced if you (and your partner) have other adults living with you. This is because they are expected to contribute to the costs.

If the rent restriction is causing you financial hardship, you may qualify for a Discretionary Housing payment.

More information on The Rent Service.