Shared accommodation category
This applies where the tenant does not have exclusive use of more than one room and shares any or all of a kitchen, a room suitable for living in, or a bathroom or toilet. It also applies to joint tenants who do not have sole use of more than one room.
All single tenants under the age of 35 are only entitled to the shared rate even if they are the sole occupier. These changes will not affect you if you:
- rent from a local authority or housing association
- are aged under 22 and have been in care
- live in supported housing provided by a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or a county council (in England)
- get the severe disability premium in your benefit because you are entitled to the middle or higher rate care component of the Disability Living Allowance
- need an extra bedroom for a carer who provides you with the overnight care you need but who doesn’t normally live with you
- are 25 or over but under 35 and have spent at least three months in a:
- homeless hostel
- hostel specialising in rehabilitating and resettling within the community. To benefit from this exemption you need to have been offered and accepted support services to enable you to be rehabilitated or resettled in the community
- are managed under active multi-agency management under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
Shared accommodation rates
Find out your shared accommodation rate from the GOV.UK website.
