One bed occupancy/ tenancy laws

Pixie5740

tizzle6560 wrote: »

Sorry I should clarify the situation better - the flat was rented to a single female who was using housing benefits to pay for it. An unrelated male (boyfriend) and his son then subsequently moved in permanently.

Still all kosher?

Why wouldn't it be?

Who are you in this scenario? Does the scenario even have anything to do with you?

pinkshoes

tizzle6560 wrote: »

Just wanting some clarification on this really - Can a flat be marketed as a 1 bed only, but be rented out to a couple with a young child with a second bed in the living room?

And what obligations does the estate agent (who manages the property on behalf of the owner) have to ensure that it is not over occupied etc?

Thanks

I don't see this as over occupied.

The living room is a room, and if their bed is in it, then it is no different to a bedsit. The child then gets the bedroom.

So many families live like this and it is perfectly acceptable and certainly not over crowding. Quite sensible if thry are trying to save money.

I would be more curious if the benefits people know that the boyfriend lives there...

Heather2603

So is this really about the housing benefit? People meet, enter relationships, move in together, sometimes one or both of them have children. Still not seeing your issue or why you care?

starshapedbrick

Overcrowding is usually used in the context of social housing (council or housing association). A Registered Social Landlord would take into account occupancy at the point of letting the property. Changes to the occupancy/family composition after that happen. From the scenario you describe, this is 1) a private landlord and 2) was let to a single person who has now been joined by partner and child. Unless there are specific provisions in the tenancy agreement then this is fine.

Housing Benefit has no bearing on this whatsoever. The eligibility rules are strict but they are intended to ensure that you don't have more space than you need, not less.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Perhaps this enterprising couple are scrimping on space while they save up for a deposit on a larger place away from their nosy neighbours.

G_M

More relevant than your question is the possibility of benefit fraud.

The claimant is now in a relationship and (may) have another income coming in to the household.

The tenancy is not the issue.