Crackdown On Rogue Landlords To Include New Minimum Bedroom Size

A new minimum bedroom size is to form part of a government crackdown on rogue landlords who cram tenants into overcrowded homes. As rents have risen in recent years some landlords have attempted to maximise profits by squeezing tenants into “rabbit-hutch” properties. Family homes have been divided into bedsits or advertising rooms that are shared with other tenants. The government’s proposals, which apply only to England, include introduction of a minimum bedroom size of 6.52 sq metres (70 sq ft) in shared houses classed as homes in multiple occupation (HMO). The size would be applied for each individual or couple living in the property, so landlords could not squeeze in bunk beds. Read more on the Guardian website.

20% of UK Households Home to Children Sharing Bedrooms

Children are sharing bedrooms in 20% of UK households, new research has revealed. According to Post Office Mortgage’s 'Step-up' report, in 9% of homes in which children are bedroom-sharing a lack of space is the cause. The report also reveals that the average size of a UK home has decreased dramatically over the last 90 years, from 1,647 sq ft to 925 sq ft. Over half (58%) of the parents polled wish their children had bigger rooms in which to study and play, and 63% would like to move in to a bigger house. Read more on 24dash.

'Beds in Sheds' Raid

A council raid as part of an investigation into 'beds in sheds' has uncovered a home where three tenants were each paying £55 a week for a nothing more than a mattress in a single shared room. Officers discovered that the semi-detached house in Waltham Drive, Harrow had been subdivided to accommodate around 11 adults. Harrow Council's investigators also found that mains appliances were being run from a customised power source next to a light fitting in the ceiling at the property. There were no smoke alarms present and rubbish had been left in sacks at the rear of the house. Read more on 24dash.

Tory Council to Force 21-Year-Olds to Share Rooms

A leading Conservative council is planning to require the children of social tenants to share a room up to the age of 22.  Kensington and Chelsea Council’s cabinet has approved reforms that could see new social tenants lose their homes if the property has become too big for their needs under the council’s strict size criteria.  It will allow one bedroom per adult or couple, but ‘children’, including young people aged up to 22, must share if they are of the same gender. Children aged under 10 must share regardless of gender. The size criteria are tougher than the rules the government intends to use for its controversial ‘bedroom tax’ social housing under-occupation penalty, which allow children separate rooms once they reach 16. Read more on Inside Housing.