If you rent a property or room from a private landlord and are on low income, you may get help to pay your rent.

This is known as Local Housing Allowance (LHA). This is the equivalent of Housing Benefit (which Council tenants can get) for private tenants.

LHA won't apply if:

• your landlord is a housing association
• your tenancy started before 02 January 1989
• you live in a caravan, mobile home or houseboat
• you are provided with care, support, meals or supervision as part of your tenancy.

You can only make a new claim for LHA if you have reached State Pension age or live in some types of supported accommodation. Otherwise you will need to claim help with your rent through Universal Credit.