DSS rooms to rent in Birmingham: Housing Benefit accepted

Tell us what you need and we will match you as rooms go live.

Local Housing Allowance, shared accommodation rate

£78.61 a week (Birmingham BRMA, 2026-27, DWP)

Check the LHA rate for your postcode · Universal Credit calculator

Team

Birmingham City Council

Phone

0121 303 7410

Housing options

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20207/homelessness/1191/homelessness_services

Duty to Refer

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20207/homelessness/1782/homelessness_reduction_act_-_duty_to_refer/2

• Washwood Heath B8, 15 available
• Handsworth Wood B20, 14 available
• Sparkhill B11, 13 available
• Bordesley Green B9, 11 available
• Selly Oak B29, 10 available
• Aston B6, 6 available
• Handsworth B21, 6 available
• Stechford B33, 6 available
• Small Heath B10, 5 available
• Quinton B32, 5 available
• Edgbaston B15, 4 available
• Acocks Green B27, 4 available
• Balsall Heath B12, 3 available
• Erdington B23, 3 available

• Universal Credit rooms in Birmingham
• Hostels and move-on in Birmingham
• Supported accommodation in Birmingham
• Care leaver
• Prison leaver
• Homeless applicant
• Domestic abuse survivor
• Mental health need
• Recovery
• Young parent

What does DSS mean for a room?

DSS is the old name for the Department of Social Security. A DSS room is one where the landlord accepts tenants whose rent is paid by Housing Benefit or the housing part of Universal Credit.

Can I rent a room in Birmingham on Universal Credit?

Yes. Supported and benefits only rooms in Birmingham are let to tenants whose housing costs are met by Universal Credit. The listing states which benefits you need before you enquire, so you never chase a room you cannot take.

What is the shared accommodation rate?

If you're single, under 35 and have no children, Universal Credit usually only covers the rent of a room in a shared house. You can get more if you're a care leaver under 25, have lived in a hostel for homeless people for at least 3 months, are managed under MAPPA, get PIP daily living, DLA care (middle or highest rate), Attendance Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment, or are a victim of domestic abuse or modern slavery.

How is the LHA rate decided?

Local Housing Allowance rates are set for each Broad Rental Market Area (BRMA), an area where rents are similar. For 2026/27 the rates are frozen at the levels first set in April 2024. The rate you get depends on your BRMA and how many bedrooms your household is allowed, up to 4.

How quickly can I move into a room in Birmingham?

Every listing shows its available from date. Once you enquire, the provider has one working day to respond, so most tenants hear back the next working day and arrange a viewing from there.

What if there is nothing suitable in Birmingham today?

Tell us what you need and we match you as new rooms go live in Birmingham. You get an alert the same day a room that fits your benefits and budget is listed.