Glossary

Eligible rent

In one sentence

The amount Housing Benefit is based on: core rent plus eligible service charges.

Support charges, water charges and most personal fuel and meals are not part of eligible rent.

Read the full guideRent, service charges and Housing Benefit

Eligible service chargesCharges for services connected with providing adequate accommodation that Housing Benefit can cover.Intensive housing managementHousing management that costs more because of residents' needs, which Housing Benefit can cover if it is not support.

Where it comes up

What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.