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How we calculate bedroom need

We will usually look to allocate a property to a household who will occupy it fully, especially if those paying their rent using welfare benefits such as Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, would not have the rent met fully if they were under-occupying.

The table below shows property sizes and who would be considered to fully occupy that property:

Property type   Who would be considered to fully occupy the property
Studio flat
  • Single person
1 bedroom accommodation
  • Single person
  • Couple
2 bedroom accommodation
  • Family with one child
  • Family with two children (where children of either gender are under the age of 10 or of the same gender under the age of 16)
3 bedroom accommodation
  • Family with two or three children (children of either gender under the age of 10 years or of the same gender under the age of 16 are expected to share a bedroom)
4 bedroom house or larger
  • Family with three or more children (children of either gender under the age of 10 years or of the same gender under the age of 16 are expected to share a bedroom)