The type and size of home you can bid for depends on your household makeup. This page explains how bedroom eligibility is calculated and the circumstances where exceptions may apply.
Bedroom entitlement
In general, you are allowed one bedroom for each of the following:
- each married or cohabiting couple or single parent
- each pair of children under 10
- each pair of children under 16 if they are the same sex
- any other child under 16 who doesn’t share
- any person aged 16 or over
| Household size | Studio/bedsit | 1 bedroom | 2 bedrooms | 3 bedrooms | 4 bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single person |
X |
X |
|
|
|
| Couple (such as wife, husband or partner) |
|
X |
|
|
|
| 2 separate adults (such as brother, sister or friend) |
|
|
X |
|
|
| Household with 1 child |
|
|
X |
|
|
| Household with 2 children (both under 10 regardless of sex) |
|
|
X |
|
|
| Household with 2 children (opposite sex and one is 10 or older) |
|
|
|
X |
|
| Household with 2 children (Same sex and one is 10 or older) |
|
|
X |
X |
|
| Household with 3 children (All under 10 regardless of gender) |
|
|
|
X |
|
| Household with 4 or more children |
|
|
|
X |
X |
This table is not exhaustive and does not consider every possible household; we have used it to show the most common family types and sizes that apply to join our housing register.
Only permanent members of the household can be counted as household members. Where access or shared custody arrangements are in place children can only be counted as a permanent member of 1 parental household.
Some flats and bungalows have age and other restrictions. Please check property adverts for details.
Rule flexibility
In some cases, we may allow additional flexibility for example:
- if a property is hard to let
- for First Come First Served homes
- where an extra room is needed for a registered carer
You can’t bid for properties larger than you need. If your household qualifies for three or more bedrooms, you may be able to bid on a home with one fewer bedroom, depending on availability.
If you're pregnant
If you’re expecting a child, your unborn baby can be included in your bedroom calculation from three months before your due date, but we must be satisfied that you can afford the larger home.
Exceptional overcrowding
In rare cases, if you have a very large household and little prospect of finding a home big enough, we may allow you to bid on smaller properties if doing so won’t make you statutorily overcrowded.
You’ll need to get permission before doing this.
If you accept a home with fewer bedrooms than you need and then reapply to the Housing Register, you won’t be awarded overcrowding priority unless your situation has changed significantly since that move.
Different landlord rules
Some housing associations have their own rules about household size and occupancy. These may differ from Sheffield City Council’s.
Shared parental responsibility
If you have a shared residence order or staying access for children, you are not automatically entitled to bedrooms for them in two homes. If a child has one home of an adequate size, we will not provide a second home for children.
We look at the following when considering each case:
- child benefit
- if you are their main carer and this is their main home
- whether the arrangement is permanent and regular
- court orders or shared residence arrangements
- percentage of time the child spends with you
- whether the other parent has suitable housing
- any medical or exceptional care needs
- whether you can afford a larger home
If your children are currently in foster care or looked after by the Council, they will only be included if Social Services confirm they will return to live with you once suitable housing is secured.
Additional bedrooms for health and/or social care needs
You may be considered for an extra bedroom if your health or social care needs are significant. Examples include:
- you have specialist medical equipment requiring space
- you need a room for a carer
- you have a disability or health need
You’ll need to provide evidence, and we’ll assess:
- the type and size of the equipment
- the need for a live in career who is not living with another member of the household and whether the carer lives elsewhere and receives Carer’s Allowance
- the nature of your health or disability and the impact on your daily life
Due to high demand, extra bedrooms are only granted in exceptional circumstances, and we must be satisfied you can afford the additional rent.
Age restricted properties
Some flats and bungalows are designated for people with mobility needs or a minimum age, usually 60+ for council homes.
If there is no demand from eligible applicants, we may offer the property to someone younger or redesignate the properties. This would involve consultation with affected tenants and will be made in accordance with the Leaders Scheme of Delegation.