Your home may be considered overcrowded if there are not enough suitable rooms for the number of people who permanently live with you.
Please be aware that many residents who contact us discover that, although their living situation feels very cramped, it does not meet the legal (statutory) definition of overcrowding.
What counts as a bedroom?
A room is considered suitable for sleeping if it is typically used as either a living room or a bedroom within the local area.
This may include:
- box rooms
- additional receptions
- rooms used as home offices
Bathrooms, kitchens, toilets, and hallways cannot be counted as bedrooms.
Bedroom size standards
We use the following standards to determine the number of bedrooms a household requires.
- A single parent is treated the same as a couple.
- People aged 21 or over who are not living as a couple should not be expected to share a bedroom.
- People of opposite sexes, where at least one person is aged 10 or over, should not be expected to share a bedroom
- No more than two people should be required to share a bedroom.
In exceptional circumstances, an additional bedroom may be approved on medical or welfare grounds, where a household member’s condition makes separate sleeping arrangements essential.
Applicants may also bid for properties with one bedroom fewer than their assessed need.
Approval for this lies with the Choice and Allocations Manager.
Shared care of children
For the purpose of this policy, a child is defined as a son or daughter of any age.
Children of the same gender can share a bedroom up to age 21.
Overcrowding assessment
If you believe you are living in overcrowded conditions, you can contact us for advice or complete the Housing Register form.
This may support an application to join the housing register.
To apply for a larger property, tenants will need to complete the Housing Register application form.
Any additional points you may be entitled to such as overcrowding, medical needs, decants, or management transfers are set out in the Allocations Policy.