How we calculate bedroom need

From 23 December 2024, we will no longer be accepting new applications to join our housing register as we continue our work to integrate with Sanctuary. Please visit Sanctuary’s ‘Rent a home’ web page to find out how to apply for a Sanctuary home. If you are already registered, your application will continue to be considered. Further information will be shared about changes to the process after 31 January 2025.

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)