How to update your Universal Credit when your landlord raises your rent

From 1 May 2026, your landlord in England can only raise your rent once a year. They must give you at least 2 months' notice using a Section 13 notice. Once that notice arrives, a clock starts: your new rent begins on the date your landlord sets. If you claim Universal Credit (UC), the next step is up to you.

Your UC housing element does not update automatically when private rent goes up. You need to tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) yourself. If you wait, your housing element stays at your old, lower rent — and you could end up paying a bigger gap from your own pocket than you should.

How to report the change

Sign in to your UC account and go to the "Report a change" tab in your journal. Enter your new rent amount and the date it starts. You can also call the UC helpline on 0800 328 5644 or speak to a work coach at your local jobcentre.

Report the change as soon as your landlord gives you the Section 13 notice. You do not need to wait for the new rent to actually begin. Reporting before the end of your monthly assessment period means the update should take effect from the start of that same period, so you do not lose money needlessly.

What happens to your housing element

Your housing element goes up to reflect your new rent — but only up to your Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap for your area and bedroom size. If your new rent is still below your LHA rate, your full new rent should be covered.

If the rent increase pushes you above your LHA cap, you will have a shortfall to make up yourself. LHA rates in England were frozen at April 2024 levels for 2026 to 2027, while many private rents have risen since then. This means some renters already have a gap, and a new rent increase can widen it.

Search for your next property on DSSmove →

What to do if there is a shortfall

You have a few options if your new rent is above your LHA cap:

• Ask your council about a Housing Payment. In England, the Housing Payment strand of the Crisis and Resilience Fund replaced Discretionary Housing Payments from 1 April 2026. It can help cover a short-term shortfall in rent. You need to already be receiving UC or Housing Benefit to apply.
• Challenge the rent increase. If you think the rise is above the market rate for your area, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal. Your landlord cannot end your tenancy just because you challenge the increase.
• Check your LHA rate. You can look up your area's LHA cap using the VOA's Broad Rental Market Area tool on GOV.UK — search "Local Housing Allowance rates."

Getting help

Citizens Advice can help you work out exactly how a rent increase affects your UC, and whether a Housing Payment is an option for your situation. If you are worried about keeping your home, Shelter runs a free housing helpline for renters.