Renting a room to a 3 bed flat. How does it work?

amanda760 · January 20

hi I am renting a room in a flat with my three children, two five year olds and a 19 month old baby. I’ve been researching online and can see I might be eligible for help with housing costs for a 3 bed flat. I am a private tenant and would like to rent again but privately a 3 bed flat. How does this while I’m on universal credit? What will I be asked to show them or what questions will I be asked about my situation and the move?

Kimi87 · January 20

Universal Credit will pay for your rent up to the Local Housing Allowance rate for your area, this often doesn't cover the whole amount.

https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

Once you've moved (the UC cannot system can't deal with future changes) you would report the change of address and rent liability. They'll ask for a copy of your tenancy.

Housing Element will then be paid for the current Assessment Period.

Your local authority might have a scheme to help with deposit etc.

A Discretionary Housing Payment might also be possible, after April 1st they are being replaced by the Crisis & Resilience fund.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crisis-and-resilience-fund-guidance-for-local-authorities-in-england-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2029/the-crisis-and-resilience-fund-guidance-for-local-authorities-in-england-1-april-2026-to-31-march-2029

amanda760 · January 20

Thank you for getting back to me. So do not inform them at all until I have found a new flat to rent? And i feel nervous to make this move and leaving where i am now, assuming i will just get the massive increase in housing allowance

Kimi87 · January 20

You don't inform them until the day you move in or asap afterwards, because UC cannot process future changes - only things that have already happened.

If you receive any Transitional Protection on your claim, then this will reduce by the difference between your current & new Housing Element.

Not everyone gets TP, if you do it'll be on your payment statement.

amanda760 · January 20

thank you so much xx

Can I ask you something else. How would you say is best way to approach private landlords? I know a lot of landlords don’t want DSS tenants, should I just go into the estate agents and inform them before hand my situation? Do I contact landlords directly to reassure them the majority of their rent will be covered by my housing costs?

Kimi87 · January 21

A few options are Open Rent, where you communicate directly with landlords

https://www.openrent.co.uk/

Or asking your local council if they hold a list of benefit friendly landlords, which some do.

You might also consider applying for social housing although the waits are extremely long.

I suggest it due to your quite severe overcrowding situation.

If you did get a social housing property, Universal Credit would pay your whole rent, minus any ineligible service charges if applicable.

amanda760 · January 21

again thank you so much. Do I just put a note in my journal asking to be put on a social housing wait list ?

Kimi87 · January 21

No you need to approach your local council to apply for social housing.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-council-housing

Mary_Scope · January 21

Hi @amanda760 and a warm welcome to the community from me!

I can see that Kimi has already given some great information and advice so I won't add anything more today but its lovely to have you here and I hope you enjoy your time on the community😊

Renting a room to a 3 bed flat. How does it work?

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