Nottingham City Council investigates complaints of overcrowded houses and for this purpose uses the Housing Act 1985 which contains the only legal standard for overcrowding. The Housing Act standard has changed very little since the early 1900s and many people who contact us find that they are not legally overcrowded even though their living conditions are very cramped.

The Standard

Look at each of the three sections below. The lowest number is the maximum number of occupants allowed in the house. Depending on the circumstances the owner or the tenant of the house may be breaching the Act. It is also possible for no-one to be at fault.

A room includes a bedroom, living room, dining room, study etc. Do not include the kitchen, bathroom or hallway. If you have a kitchen/diner do not include the kitchen area of the room.

1. Room Standard (in all cases babies under 1 = 0 persons, children 1-10 years = ½ person, over 10 years = 1 person)
   1 room - 2 persons
   2 rooms - 3 persons
   3 rooms - 5 persons
   4 rooms - 7½persons
   
   
2. Sexual overcrowding. No two persons, over 10 years old, of opposite sex should have to sleep in the same room (unless living as a couple). This does not allow for couples to have a room to themselves - the standard would not be breached if the mother slept in the same room as the daughter and the father with the son.
   
   

Space Standard (people are defined as in 1. above)
10.2m2 or more = 2 persons
8.36m2 - 10.2m2 = 1½ persons
6.5m2 - 8.36m2 = 1 person
4.66m2 - 6.5m2 = ½ person

What to do next

If you think you may be overcrowded we can make an assessment for you. Please complete the following form and return it to us, we will advise you whether you are statutorily overcrowded or not. If you live in a council house a report will be sent to the local housing office with our recommendations. We may need to visit your house to carry out an inspection if you are statutorily overcrowded.

To view overcrowding form click here

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