The housing benefit calculation is based on your weekly ‘eligible rent’, which may be less than your actual rent if a restriction applies. Whether or not a restriction applies, and the nature of the restriction, depends on whether you rent from the local authority, a housing association or any other landlord (including a private landlord).

If you rent from the local authority – The authority will administer your housing benefit claim. Ineligible charges (see 12 below ) will be deducted from your contractual rent to arrive at a figure for your eligible rent. If it is considered that you have spare bedrooms, your eligible rent may be reduced (see Box F.8 ).

If you rent from a housing association – If you rent from a registered housing association or private registered provider of social housing, ineligible charges (see 12 below ) will be deducted from your contractual rent to arrive at a figure for your eligible rent. Your eligible rent may be reduced if it is considered