Search all content on GOV.UK

If a tenant is having difficulty paying their rent, apply for a Managed Payment to Landlord using the Apply for a Direct Rent Payment service to request payment of rent from a tenant’s Universal Credit.

This guide explains what rules landlords need to follow when they ask a tenant to pay rent at different stages of the tenancy.

• Updated: 13 November 2025

Universal Credit can include help with housing costs - paying your landlord, what to do if you cannot pay your rent, other help you can get.

• What you can get

  If you’re eligible for Universal Credit, you can get an extra amount of…

• Renting from a private landlord

  If you’re eligible for Universal Credit you can get help towards your rent…

• Renting from the local authority or housing association

  If you’re eligible for Universal Credit you can get help paying your rent…

• Living in a property you own

  You could get a Universal Credit payment to help you pay for service…

• How to claim

  If you already get Universal Credit, apply for support with housing costs…

Private renting as a tenant - repairs, rent increases and arrears, settling disputes, deposits and your rights and responsibilities.

The Universal Credit Landlord Portal allows social rented sector (SRS) landlords to verify rent, support tenants and manage payments online.

• Updated: 3 December 2025

Buy your rented home through the Right to Shared Ownership scheme: who can apply, how to apply, costs, paying rent, buying more shares, repairing and selling your home.

• Updated: 3 December 2025

Rent a property at a discount to help with the cost of saving for a deposit to buy a home. Information on who is eligible and how to apply.

Landlord responsibilities when renting out your property, including making repairs, health and safety, increasing the rent and changing regulated tenancies.

Guidance for landlords on Universal Credit and rented housing

• Updated: 3 December 2025