How we calculate bedroom need

We will only allocate homes to people who will become statutorily overcrowded or under occupying in exceptional circumstances and with the agreement of the Operations Manager. We may consider an applicant to need an additional bedroom over and above the calculation set out above where:

• there is a medical requirement for a household member to sleep in a room alone. This may be assessed by an independent Occupational Therapist who will advise if an additional room is required;
• an additional room for medical equipment or an overnight carer is required. This may be assessed by an independent Occupational Therapist who will advise if an additional room is required; or
• the applicant is over pensionable age, moving into Independent Living accommodation or accommodation specially designated as age defined;
• there are no applicants who meet the criteria for the size of the property. If nobody who needs the size of property is suitable applicants under occupying will be considered if they can financially afford to do so.

We aim to make the best use of our homes. When determining the number and ages of the people who may occupy a property, Sanctuary will generally apply the bedroom entitlement set out below:

• one bedroom for every adult couple
• one bedroom for any other person aged 16 or over
• one bedroom for any two children under 16 of the same sex
• one bedroom for any two children aged under 10, regardless of sex
• one bedroom for any additional child under 16