Does a Bedroom Require a Window to be legally a Bedroom?

LeagueOfWolf

Hi,
Just wondering if in the UK a bedroom need's a window to be a bedroom?
Thus far I have only found forum posts and this:
http://www.rics.org/uk/knowledge/glossary/what-is-a-bedroom/
On there says they typically will have a window but it's not a legal requirement but I am finding a lot on forum posts that a lot say there needs to be a window and it be at least 70sqft to be a room.
http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/building-envelope-home-inspection-and-commercial-inspection/11273-window-required-bedroom.html
This room has no windows + has a door to hallway and is only 60sqft
If it can not be classed as a bedroom this property would be a studio flat right?

Any help appreciated thanks!

Becky

Cornucopia

What's the context of your question?

If it's about benefits (bedroom "tax"), it might get a better response on the benefits board.

Similarly if it's about mortgages, there's a board for that, too.

LeagueOfWolf

Sorry forgot to add:

It's about turning a studio flat + separate kitchen. Into an open plan kitchen living area + bedroom.
Kitchen -> Bedroom. To separate the sleeping area.

Doozergirl

Yes, a bedroom absolutely needs a window to conform to building regulations for means of escape. That window needs to be positioned and sized appropriately to conform.

There are no minimum standards for bedroom space, unfortunately, but it's fair to say that 70 square feet is tiny.

illusionek

I am currently renting 1 bed flat. It has got one proper double bedroom and another room with a tiny window. The smaller room could be easily a bedroom as it is much bigger than study or nursery room. I asked the EA why they advertised this as 1 bed if it has got two bedrooms and she explained they cannot legally advertise the second room as bedroom if it does not have a window large enough to allow escape in case of fire.

Funny enough a week earlier I viewed another flat with a tiny window in the second room and it was advertised as 2 bed, so you will be better off double checking this info. I hope it helps.

Cornucopia

Depending on the shape of the space, you could have a bedroom area, carved off from the main living area with curtains, or something similarly temporary.

I'm not sure about the window as an escape route point, as many flats are too high (off the ground) for that to be effective.

Probably need to check with building regs and the freeholder before beginning work on a redesign, though.

PasturesNew

Just think - you're lying in bed .... a bit tipsy .... and you've forgotten the chip pan that you put on for chips before bed after you came home from the pub. If that's not your lifestyle, then put it down to a simple electrical malfunction....

You hear crackling, you smell smoke.

Now - how are you going to get outside if you've no window and you have to get past your kitchen to reach the door?

There could be solutions to what you're trying to do that you've not thought of - if you upload a floorplan of now/then ... people might be able to make suggestions of alternatives.

I'm not sure about the window as an escape route point, as many flats are too high (off the ground) for that to be effective.

You can at least open the window and scream .... hoping for a nice fireman to arrive with a big ladder before your toes get hot.

Doozergirl

Cornucopia wrote: »

I'm not sure about the window as an escape route point, as many flats are too high (off the ground) for that to be effective.

Probably need to check with building regs and the freeholder before beginning work on a redesign, though.

The first route of escape is a fire protected stairwell. But the fire brigade can usually access windows that people cannot jump out of safely if people are trapped.

Planning regulations on good design do require natural light to rooms. If the windows are not at the correct size and level for building control then additional measures like a sprinkler system must be fitted to the entire building - if the building control officer can be persuaded. I get the impression that a block of flats will not be one of those situations, nor would it be financially or practically viable!

LeagueOfWolf

What about basement bedrooms that people have?
This room I want to change is off the hallway from the front door. The living area is at the end of the hallway. Just wanted to know if I could make the bedroom into its own space and have the living + kitchen together for my own comfort.
Thanks for your advice! I'm definitely going to contact freeholder to ask if not just get dividers.

LABMAN

Bedroom in a multi story flat and a fire breaks out....how's a window going to help?

Doozergirl

LeagueOfWolf wrote: »

What about basement bedrooms that people have?
This room I want to change is off the hallway from the front door. The living area is at the end of the hallway. Just wanted to know if I could make the bedroom into its own space and have the living + kitchen together for my own comfort.
Thanks for your advice! I'm definitely going to contact freeholder to ask if not just get dividers.

They absolutely need means of escape, no compromise. You need a light well.