Social housing - does this count as overcrowded?

cherrybakewell90

Hi everyone

I am living in social housing with my partner and their family. Our daughter is nearly 1 years old and the three of us share a room.

I would like to start a council application but I’m not sure if it would be rejected or not. Once she turns 1, will we count as over crowded?

Any advice would be appreciated. I am desperate for us to have our own place as living here is taking a toll on my mental health. 

Thank you 

unforeseen

4 adults and a 1 year old do not count as overcrowded in a 3 bedroom dwelling.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/check_if_your_home_is_overcrowded_by_law

cherrybakewell90

Thanks but what about the space standard? I believe the smallest room is 6.2m2 however we do have a living room. I’m not sure if that would have any impact?

thank you 

HampshireH

Are you really all tenants? That's quite unusual.

Normally only a single person or two people on a social housing tenancy.

IF you are and your partner are tenants then you would have to relinquish your rights to the tenancy to get your own. You could be deemed making yourself intentionally homeless in doing so.

But in the meantime you are housed so would be bottom of the list unless you have any other priority. 

Between homeless, medical or feeling overcrowded you can appreciate that medical or homeless people are likely to receive higher priority.


If however you are an occupant you can just leave when you find alternative accommodation.

Westminster had 4200 households on their waiting list in Jan 2020 and if their site has loaded correctly the wait for a 2 bed house is 10 years on average at the moment.

They are very honest in saying most people won't get housed and recommend people seek advice on other options like renting privately.

cherrybakewell90

Thanks for your reply. 

You may be right that we are just occupants. However I know that our income has previously affected the rent so I thought that we were tenants but you are probably correct.

If as you say we are simply occupants - does this mean I cannot apply as a social housing tenant to the council for rehousing / overcrowding? Does it affect my rights to apply at all?

Soot2006

Everyone has the right to make an application, but as per HampshireH's information, you would not be considered a priority and should expect to wait a very long time. It might therefore be better for you to explore alternatives such as private rental, housing benefits or whatever it's called these days, etc.

unforeseen

cherrybakewell90 said:

Thanks but what about the space standard? I believe the smallest room is 6.2m2 however we do have a living room. I’m not sure if that would have any impact?

thank you 

As you didn't mention the size of the rooms, I wasn't in a position to comment on the space standards. 

[Deleted User]

My partner lived in a 3 bed house growing up, had to share a bed - not just a room - a bed, with his two siblings. Mum and dad had one room and grandmother had the other, and at one point there were also two uncles kipping on sofas. 

Not that i'm trying to downplay your situation, but sometimes a little perspective is needed. 

Most sensible option would be look into what you can afford on the private rental market. If thats not an option for whatever reason, then perhaps adult brother and/or mother in law could move out? 

The main thing is you have a roof over your head. 

[Deleted User]

 No 1 is not a magic age for getting an extra room. Many HA will expect young children to share with parents 

theartfullodger

Iirc if child born after tenancy started then that's permitted and not considered overcrowding.  Check with Shelter, the experts, on either their website or free helpline 0808 800 44444

cherrybakewell90

Deleted_User said:

My partner lived in a 3 bed house growing up, had to share a bed - not just a room - a bed, with his two siblings. Mum and dad had one room and grandmother had the other, and at one point there were also two uncles kipping on sofas. 

Not that i'm trying to downplay your situation, but sometimes a little perspective is needed. 

Most sensible option would be look into what you can afford on the private rental market. If thats not an option for whatever reason, then perhaps adult brother and/or mother in law could move out? 

The main thing is you have a roof over your head. 

I understand and don’t mean to seem ungrateful. I would also never downplay the struggles any others go through. However I really mean it when I say it has taken a toll on my mental health and my gp has offered me medication to help. I suppose out of desperation (and currently not working) I thought this would be the most comfortable route for me at present. 

Thanks and hope you can understand