Understanding size criteria can affect your priority for social housing and the number of bedrooms you are offered. This guide explains how local authorities and housing associations in Scotland decide household size, what counts as a bedroom, and how children, couples and carers are counted. It covers the official forms you may need, how to request a review if you disagree, and practical steps tenants can take to strengthen an application. If you are renting, transferring or facing overcrowding or under-occupation issues, the information here helps you know your rights, prepare evidence and communicate clearly with housing officers and landlords so you can pursue the most appropriate rehousing outcome.
How size criteria works in Scotland
Local authorities and registered social landlords use allocation policies to apply size criteria when offering social housing. The legal framework includes the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 and related guidance that informs how household composition is counted and how offers are made [1][2].
Who is counted and typical principles
- Couples are generally expected to share one bedroom, whether married or cohabiting.
- Children are usually counted so that pairs of children of the same sex may share a bedroom and lone children require their own room, subject to local policy.
- Carers providing regular overnight care may be entitled to an extra bedroom where evidence shows it is needed.
Common local rules and household examples
Examples used by councils include rules for lone parents, adult children returning home, and households with medical needs. Because allocation criteria are set locally, two neighbouring councils can reach different conclusions about the same household.
Official forms and when to use them
Social housing involves a mix of local forms and tribunal applications. Below are the main official documents tenants are likely to use and where to find them.
- Housing application form (local authority or housing association) — used to apply for social housing or a transfer; complete the form to list household members, ages and special needs. Example: a tenant applying to transfer to a larger property should list household composition and reasons for needing an extra bedroom.[2]
- Request for review / complaints procedure (local authority) — use your council's published review steps if you disagree with an allocation decision; submit supporting evidence, such as medical letters or care schedules. Example: request a review within the council's stated timescale after an offer you consider unsuitable.
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) — if internal reviews do not resolve your dispute, you can apply to the tribunal; the tribunal site provides application instructions and the correct form to use. Example: after a failed review you submit the tribunal application asking for a determination on bedroom entitlement or allocation fairness.[3]
FAQ
- How do I find out how many bedrooms I should be allocated?
- Check your local authority or housing association allocation policy and complete the housing application form accurately, listing ages and relationships; request a review if you disagree.
- Can I get an extra bedroom for a carer?
- Possibly. If a carer provides regular overnight care, provide written evidence such as care plans or medical letters when you apply or ask for a review.
- What happens if my review is refused?
- If an internal review does not change the decision, you may apply to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) for a determination.
How-To
- Gather evidence such as tenancy agreements, birth certificates, medical letters and photos showing overcrowding.
- Submit the housing application or transfer form to your local authority or landlord with up-to-date household details.
- Within the council's stated deadlines, request a review if you believe the size decision is wrong and include supporting documents.
- Contact the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) for guidance on applying if a review fails to resolve the issue.
- Hearing: attend any tribunal hearing prepared with original documents and a clear summary of why you disagree with the allocation decision.
Key Takeaways
- Check your local allocation policy early to understand bedroom entitlement.
- Document household composition and gather evidence before applying or requesting a review.
- Use the correct official forms and meet review deadlines to protect your rights.
Help and Support / Resources
- Scottish Government allocation of housing and homelessness guidance
- Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016
- First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber)
