The rates are set by the Housing Executive for eight Broad Rental Market Areas (BRMAs). They run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Quick facts
- Rates run
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
- 2026/27 change
- Frozen at 2025/26 levels
- Areas
- Eight, by postcode
- Belfast 2 bed
- £155.77 a week
- Rent shortfall
- Ask for a Discretionary Housing Payment
- Housing Executive
- 03448 920 900
Weekly LHA rates, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
Your LHA rent level depends on the number of bedrooms in your home, and on which of the eight Broad Rental Market Areas (BRMAs) your home is located. Please note that Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rents for 2026/27 will remain frozen at their 2025/26 levels.
| Area and postcodes | Shared room | 1 bed | 2 bed | 3 bed | 4 bed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast BT1-BT16 | £75.75 | £139.34 | £155.77 | £173.08 | £219.76 |
| Lough Neagh Upper (Ballymena, Antrim, Larne, Magherafelt) BT29, BT36-BT46, BT80 | £71.08 | £96.91 | £118.56 | £133.76 | £141.62 |
| Lough Neagh Lower (Portadown, Lurgan, Craigavon) BT25, BT62-BT67, BT69-BT71 | £83.49 | £97.34 | £121.15 | £137.31 | £150.25 |
| North (Coleraine, Portstewart, Ballycastle, Ballymoney) BT51-BT57 | £74.22 | £119.79 | £123.32 | £133.48 | £147.62 |
| North West (Derry, Limavady, Strabane) BT47, BT48, BT49, BT82 | £88.21 | £99.23 | £118.20 | £133.34 | £153.70 |
| South (Banbridge, Newry, Armagh, Dungannon) BT32, BT34, BT35, BT60, BT61, BT68 | £65.49 | £110.08 | £124.61 | £138.46 | £164.81 |
| South East (Lisburn, Bangor, Newtownards, Downpatrick) BT17-BT24, BT26, BT27, BT28, BT30, BT31, BT33 | £79.70 | £109.62 | £144.23 | £162.48 | £199.12 |
| South West (Enniskillen, Omagh) BT74-BT79, BT81, BT92, BT93, BT94 | £71.28 | £88.68 | £105.16 | £113.44 | £133.27 |
If your rent is more than the allowance: Discretionary Housing Payment
If your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit does not cover all your housing costs, you may be able to get extra help. A Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) is extra help for people who are struggling to pay their rent and live in a private rental. You must already receive Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.
You may be considered for a DHP if there is a shortfall between your rent and the amount used to calculate your benefit, your income has reduced or your circumstances have changed, or you are having difficulty meeting your housing costs. DHP is usually awarded for a limited period. Apply online to the Housing Executive, using the form for Housing Benefit or the one for Universal Credit.
Help with your rates bill
Universal Credit does not include help with rates. You must apply separately for Rate Relief. See rates in Northern Ireland.
Common questions
Have LHA rates gone up for 2026/27?
No. Local Housing Allowance rents for 2026/27 remain frozen at their 2025/26 levels.
Can I get help if my rent is more than the LHA?
You may get a Discretionary Housing Payment if there is a shortfall between your rent and your benefit. You must already get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.