Bedroom a boxroom. Am I owed money? Will I pay bedroom tax?

I hope someone can help me with answers to 2 questions. I have been living with my family in a council home for over 5 years. I am employed and have been paying rent for what is labelled as a 3 bedroom house, and, paying 3 times as much as some tenants that live in 2 bedroom properties. My issue is that the 3rd 'bedroom' is a box room measuring 45 square feet and can barely accommodate a small single bed (on the same wall as the window, so blocking the small radiator too).
So, as the authorities want more and more money off me, is there not any chance I am owed money for an incorrectly estimated rent for so many years? Also, am I safe from spare room 'bedroom' tax, if I lose my job and need to claim benefits? The thought of moving home would devastate us.
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Comments

  • fluffymovie
    fluffymovie Posts: 1,417 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Afraid not
    I currently manage a Housing Benefit service and have been working in Housing / council tax benefit (as was) since 2001.

    All views expressed in my posts are my own opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer.
  • princessdon
    princessdon Posts: 6,902 Forumite
    LeoFunk wrote: »
    I hope someone can help me with answers to 2 questions. I have been living with my family in a council home for over 5 years. I am employed and have been paying rent for what is labelled as a 3 bedroom house, and, paying 3 times as much as some tenants that live in 2 bedroom properties. My issue is that the 3rd 'bedroom' is a box room measuring 45 square feet and can barely accommodate a small single bed (on the same wall as the window, so blocking the small radiator too).
    So, as the authorities want more and more money off me, is there not any chance I am owed money for an incorrectly estimated rent for so many years? Also, am I safe from spare room 'bedroom' tax, if I lose my job and need to claim benefits? The thought of moving home would devastate us.

    The size only applies to over occupancy although you raise a valid point re if they changed it should you get money back as a payer, I'd think there was a good argument for that, but it won't be the case for above.

    Re if on benefits, yes, you'd have to pay if you are under occupying. My advice is to look at income protection insurance. You can only claim what you actually pay out but if your bills are higher than JSA and HB etc then it's worth looking at this as it would cover you for 12 months and the premiums are often lower than people think.
  • Thanks for your answers peeps. Any more thoughts from anyone?
  • MissMoneypenny
    MissMoneypenny Posts: 5,324 Forumite
    LeoFunk wrote: »
    I am employed and have been paying rent

    There is no bedroon tax; it is a Housing Benefit reduction for those that have more bedrooms than they need. In other words, the welfare state will not pay for extra bedrooms.

    If you pay your own rent, then this won't affect you. If you claim Housing Benefit, then this will.
    RENTING? Have you checked to see that your landlord has permission from their mortgage lender to rent the property? If not, you could be thrown out with very little notice.
    Read the sticky on the House Buying, Renting & Selling board.


  • mrs_motivated
    mrs_motivated Posts: 1,608 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Afraid not

    Totally agree, I'm afraid.

    Although are all 3 rooms used? Do you parents pay rent or are the on HB with you paying re Non Dep charge?
    Well Behaved women seldom make history

    Early retirement goal... 2026

    Reduce, reuse, recycle .
  • mysterywoman10
    mysterywoman10 Posts: 1,666 Forumite
    Leofunk I wouldn't worry too much about it at the moment if you are not affected.

    Many people do need these rooms that the bedroom tax is being forced upon. There is a long list but I won't go into it all now.
    The most wasted day is one in which we have not laughed.
  • Currently, all 3 rooms are being used and I understand I'm in a better position then some, but I still like to know where I stand, as much as is possible.
  • mysterywoman10
    mysterywoman10 Posts: 1,666 Forumite
    Absolutely very sensible and it would depend on individual situations and circumstances.
    The most wasted day is one in which we have not laughed.
  • MissMoneypenny
    MissMoneypenny Posts: 5,324 Forumite
    edited 18 March 2013 at 7:56PM
    Tax = "A compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers' income and business profits or added to the cost of"

    The government aren't asking for a contribution. They are making a reduction in benefits.



    Contribution = a gift or payment to a common fund or collection.

    Reduction = the action or fact of making something smaller or less in amount

    Therefore: taxes and state benefits are not the same.


    I think it is a 14% benefit reduction for 1 bedroom more than you need.
    RENTING? Have you checked to see that your landlord has permission from their mortgage lender to rent the property? If not, you could be thrown out with very little notice.
    Read the sticky on the House Buying, Renting & Selling board.


  • asdf1982
    asdf1982 Posts: 171 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    I dont understand, you pay rent so this wont affect you!

    there is no "bedroom tax", its a reduction in benefits
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