Side Extension and Minimum Space requirements?
Hello everyone, I recently had a side extension built next to our main home.
It has its own front and back door and there are no doors between our property and the new building.
It’s one room and is self-contained, meaning it has its own bathroom and kitchen.
If in the future we decide to rent it out, is there a minimum space requirement we have to comply with?
Many thanks
Imran
This can be a complex area and depends on the exact specification of the space and number of occupants.
Shelter have actually produced the best summary of this guidance we can find >> https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/check_if_your_home_is_overcrowded_by_law
Table: Floor space of each room
| Floor space in square metres (square feet in brackets) | Highest number of people allowed in each room |
|---|---|
| 10.22 square metres (110 square feet) or more | 2 |
| 8.36-10.21 square metres (90-109 square feet) | 1.5 |
| 6.5-8.35 square metres (70-89 square feet) | 1 |
| 4.65-6.5 square metres (50-69 square feet) | 0.5 |
| Less than 4.65 square metres (50 square feet) | 0 |
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Member Since June 2024 - Comments: 7
4:44 PM, 20th June 2024, About 2 years ago
Thank you all for the comments.
I measured it and it’s 20sqm this includes kitchen and bathroom.
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 28
3:40 PM, 22nd June 2024, About 2 years ago
Really your only option is reinstall the door, otherwise your planning approval is out the window, and use the rent a room scheme. Then assuming you live in the main part of the house there should be no problems.
Member Since June 2024 - Comments: 7
4:03 PM, 22nd June 2024, About 2 years ago
Thank you.
What about airbnb can i rent it out without installing a door?
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 28
5:17 PM, 22nd June 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Immi at 22/06/2024 – 16:03
Yes, until the council catch up with you and some will take you to the cleaners. Put the door back and lock it. You could use 2 flush doors so all you see is a crack around and a lock.
Member Since June 2024 - Comments: 7
6:34 PM, 22nd June 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Peter Collard at 22/06/2024 – 17:17
Thanks again. Is 20sqm small for a single occupant?
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 28
9:42 PM, 23rd June 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Dennis Forrest at 17/06/2024 – 11:38
Building regs override Airbnb
Member Since July 2017 - Comments: 462
10:57 PM, 23rd June 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Peter Collard at 23/06/2024 – 21:42
The OP questions were not about building regulations or planning permission. We were told the extension already had planning permission and we presumed it would have been built to comply with building regulations a well.
There were two points to deal with:
1. IMO the connecting door as part of the original planning permission should not have been omitted which is why I suggested it should be put in and I recommended a FD60 door which could be locked if needed.
2. The other point was concerning minimum room size and I think the poster was thinking of the minimum size for an AST tenancy.
You are aware of course that there would be no minimum room size if the OP wanted to take in a lodger.
You should also be aware that there is no minimum room size for an Airbnb. In fact an Airbnb meed not be a room at all. It could be a caravan or a railway carriage. Airbnb’s are intended for temporary accommodation. In fact HMRC rules for holiday lets stipulate stays of a maximum of 31 nights.
Member Since June 2024 - Comments: 7
11:38 PM, 23rd June 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Dennis Forrest at 23/06/2024 – 22:57
Thanks Dennis. I will finish this discussion and leave you the last word. Basically if I put the door between the extension and main home then minimum room size doesn’t apply and in the future if I ever wanted to rent it out I am ok to do this?
Member Since July 2017 - Comments: 462
11:52 PM, 23rd June 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Immi at 23/06/2024 – 23:38
Yes, but perhaps not on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy