The UK’s first Good Landlord Charter unveiled in Greater Manchester
2 years ago | 5 comments
Selective licensing: Minimum bedroom size?
10:08 AM, 11th January 2024, 2 years ago
29
Hi, I rent out a 1 bed flat in Southend on Sea, the council have just introduced selective licensing. I have just had a compliance visit, the result being that the housing officer has said the bedroom is too small for someone to sleep in!
The room is 7.8m2, she says the housing act 2004 states that it has to be 9m2 for one person or 10m2 for 2 people.
The only information I can find relates to HMO’s and that is 6.5m2.
Does anyone know where I can find this information?
Thanks
Ben
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Related Articles
Selective licensing blamed as Nottingham faces alarming homelessness figures
2 years ago | 35 comments
Council extends and introduces Selective Licensing schemes
2 years ago | 2 comments
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 9
10:24 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
Possibly change living room to bedroom for next visit, end of day it is then tenants choice.
Member Since December 2019 - Comments: 42
10:26 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
The person making the statement has an obligation to provide you with the reference to the legislation. Ask her for the reference in the legislation and then take a read of it.
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 342
10:32 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
No idea where she is getting that minimum size from. see this link:
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/does-the-law-set-a-minimum-bedroom-size-in-england/
Member Since March 2017 - Comments: 317
10:39 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
https://www.southend.gov.uk/downloads/file/8061/private-sector-housing-guidance-for-selective-licensing
Sleeping rooms must not be less than a minimum area of 6.51m2 for a single
letting and 10.22m2 for a double letting.
Challenge it quoting their own recommendation’s. The 11 sq. metres is if includes kitchen facilities in the room.
Member Since April 2020 - Comments: 78 - Articles: 51
10:39 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
There are no minimum sizes for bedrooms in the Housing Act 2004 unless it is a flat in a licensable section257 converted building in which case the national minimum of 6.51m2 would apply.
(Note a s257 building coverted to flats is technically an HMO under the Housing Act, confusing though this is.)
The landlord and tenant act under overcrowding states these acceptable occupancies
Number of persons
110 sq. ft. or more
2
90 sq. ft. or more but less than 110 sq.ft.
1½
70 sq. ft. or more but less than 90 sq. ft.
1
50 sq. ft. or more but less than 70 sq. ft.
½
(1/2 person is child under 10yrs)
Your room is about 84sq ft so would
appear acceptable for 1 person
If you need further professional
assistance to fight this apparently nonsense by the council please contact Landlord Licensing & Defence on 0208 088 3400 or https://landlordsdefence.co.uk/contact
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 194 - Articles: 1
10:51 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Des Taylor & Phil Turtle, Landlord Licensing & Defence at 11/01/2024 – 10:39
Hmmmm. Would you mind putting the measurements quoted in square metres? Thanks – it would be easier to follow if all units quoted in this topic are directly comparable!
Member Since January 2016 - Comments: 472
11:35 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Ryan Stevens at 11/01/2024 – 10:32
Further to Ryan’s link above indicating that your housing officer does not know their own rules on room sizes, is your property actually within Southend’s selective licencing zone?
It’s shown here:
https://southend.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=a417422b8b0845b2b3918278386d3029
Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 763
11:39 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
Your tenant could sleep in the street – much more space there
Member Since April 2020 - Comments: 78 - Articles: 51
11:44 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by LordOf TheManor at 11/01/2024 – 10:51
Sorry it is a direct quote from the legislation and so must remain in sq ft as per the legislation
I did the necessary calculation for the OP
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1630 - Articles: 3
11:45 AM, 11th January 2024, About 2 years ago
When it comes to box-tickers, it doesn’t matter that there’s a rental crisis.