Bedroom Reclassification Could Lead To Refinancing

A top housing barrister warned landlords could trigger a repricing of their stock by reclassifying the number of bedrooms in their property. Dean Underwood, head of the housing team at Hardwicke Chambers said the move, which had been considered by some landlords to prevent tenants under-occupying, was not without risk. ‘Financial institutions are looking for any excuse to refinance loans they have with social landlords, and reclassifying could be one,’ he said. Mr Underwood cast doubt on the strength of recent successful bedroom tax tribunals to survive appeal. Read more on Inside Housing.