Eligible Rent(ER)

Eligible Rent (ER) is the maximum amount of rent a landlord or letting agent in the UK can charge for a property. It is set by the UK government and is reviewed annually. ER applies to private rented properties, including those let through a local authority or housing association, and is intended to ensure that tenants can access affordable housing. ER takes into account factors such as local wages, housing costs and inflation. It is calculated in accordance with the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate, which is the maximum amount that a tenant can receive in Housing Benefit to cover rent. ER is usually lower than the open market rent and must be advertised as such. It is designed to help tenants secure properties they can afford and provide landlords with a reasonable return on their investment.