Under occupation for social sector tenants

Under occupancy rules restrict the size of accommodation you can receive Housing Benefit for based on the number of people in your household.

There are exemptions from these rules. See the document at the bottom of this page.

The rules allow one bedroom for:

• every adult couple (married or unmarried)
• any other adult aged 16 or over
• any two children of the same sex aged under 16
• any two children aged under 10
• any other child, (other than a foster child or child whose main home is elsewhere)
• a carer (or team of carers) who do not live with you but provide you or your partner with overnight care

How could you be affected?

It is possible that the amount of Housing Benefit you get to pay your rent and any service charges could go down.

If you are assessed under these rules as having more bedrooms than are necessary for your household you will be considered to be under-occupying that property.

If you are under-occupying there will be a reduction in your Housing Benefit. The amount allowed for rent and any service charges will be reduced by:

• 14% for under-occupancy by one bedroom
• 25% for under-occupancy by two bedrooms or more

If you are thinking of moving you need to consider these changes before renewing or making a new tenancy agreement.

You may be able to get a Discretionary Housing Payment to make up all or some of the reduction. This is if you do not have enough income to pay your rent and have a compelling case for remaining in their current home. We need to hear from you if you are a foster carer, your home has had disabled adaptations or you have a disabled child who requires their own bedroom. 

Where to go for more information

Citizens Advice provide a wide range of advice.

Shelter offers confidential housing, welfare benefits and debt advice through a network of advice services; freephone Housing Advice Helpline on 0808 800 4444 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Information about Housing Benefit can be found on the Gov.uk website.

Social Rented Sector Size Restrictions

(PDF 30 KB)

Discretionary Housing Payment claim form

(PDF 493 KB)