Bedroom allowance

Fibleepy
Fibleepy Community member Posts: 35 Connected
in Housing and independent living
Hi,
Is it possible to be given a 3 bedroom house with only a 2 bedroom need? 
Thanks 

Comments

  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    edited August 2022
    'Given' by who?

    In respect of HB and UC, if you are renting, the Local Housing Allowance is set by the membership of household. This sets the maximum amount of help you can get - you are free to rent a larger property if you wish, but obviously you have to make up any shortfall in the rent.
  • Fibleepy
    Fibleepy Community member Posts: 35 Connected
    a housing association 

  • Fibleepy
    Fibleepy Community member Posts: 35 Connected
    “ you are free to rent a larger property if you wish, but obviously you have to make up any shortfall in the rent.”
    This was exactly what I hoped your answer would be.
    So there is no law about having a spare bedroom as long as it can be afforded?
    My HA is saying they can’t let me rent a 3 bed.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Yes it's possible but they will give priority to those who require the larger number of bedrooms rather than those who have no specific need for the extra room 
  • Fibleepy
    Fibleepy Community member Posts: 35 Connected
    janer1967 said:
    Yes it's possible but they will give priority to those who require the larger number of bedrooms rather than those who have no specific need for the extra room 
    I do understand that but there is no law to stop the HA from allowing me to rent a 3 bed is there?
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    In this situation it will depend on the reasons why you want the extra bedroom. If the house it larger than you need for your circumstances it is possible they could refuse. 
  • Fibleepy
    Fibleepy Community member Posts: 35 Connected
    poppy123456 said:
    In this situation it will depend on the reasons why you want the extra bedroom. If the house it larger than you need for your circumstances it is possible they could refuse. 
    Ok but that’s their opinion and their choice and nothing to do with law?
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Community member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    I don't think there is any law saying you can't or they wouldn't be able to charge bedroom tax if there is under occupancy

    Some housing associations may have their own criteria and not allow bids on bigger properties than required  
  • Fibleepy
    Fibleepy Community member Posts: 35 Connected
    janer1967 said:
    I don't think there is any law saying you can't or they wouldn't be able to charge bedroom tax if there is under occupancy

    Some housing associations may have their own criteria and not allow bids on bigger properties than required  
    Valid point!
    Of course, HA’s can always bend their own rules too.
    Thank you for clarifying.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    Fibleepy said:
    janer1967 said:
    Yes it's possible but they will give priority to those who require the larger number of bedrooms rather than those who have no specific need for the extra room 
    I do understand that but there is no law to stop the HA from allowing me to rent a 3 bed is there?
    What they are prepared to let is down to them.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    Fibleepy said:
    poppy123456 said:
    In this situation it will depend on the reasons why you want the extra bedroom. If the house it larger than you need for your circumstances it is possible they could refuse. 
    Ok but that’s their opinion and their choice and nothing to do with law?

    Nothing to do with the law. When you take into consideration how many people are probably over crowded in their homes and are still waiting for a bigger property then you can see the reason why some HA will not allow you to bid for extra bedrooms, if it's not needed.

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