You can choose whether you bid for a flat, house, bungalow or maisonette. The size of the property that you are eligible for is explained below. If you are unsure about the size of property you are eligible for, please contact us.
Bedroom sharing
Bedroom sharing is covered by the following rules:
One bedroom for each person or couple living as part of the household with the following exceptions:
- two Children under 16 of the same gender are expected to share
- two Children under 10 are expected to share regardless of gender
- a disabled tenant or partner who needs a non-resident overnight carer will be allowed an extra room
- foster carers will be allowed one additional room, so long as they have fostered a child or become an approved foster carer within the last 52 weeks
Applicants that are in North Dorset, West Dorset or Weymouth & Portland will ALSO have an assessment (known as the maximum bedroom entitlement) which is based on the ages and sex of children (who are under 18) who can share a bedroom, or who need separate bedrooms (except in exceptional circumstances):
- children that are of different sexes and are more than 7 years apart – separate room
- children of different sexes where one or more is over 7 years – separate room
- two Children of the same sex under 18 years – share 1 bedroom
- additional adults (defined as being 18 years old or over) living permanently in a household will require an extra bedroom
- a disabled tenant or partner who needs a non-resident overnight carer will be allowed an extra room
- foster carers will be allowed one additional room, so long as they have fostered a child or become an approved foster carer within the last 52 weeks
Please note that an additional bedroom would be allowed for household members in full time education where they are away from the home for term periods but have a need to return during holidays – this allocation would be subject to the overall financial assessment process.
Application rules
Priority for ground floor accommodation will normally be given to someone who requires level access on the grounds of age, disability or medical need.
In order to be eligible for bedroom spaces for children, the adult(s) must demonstrate that the child(ren) live(s) with them on a full time, permanent basis.
Individual partner housing provider letting policies or local planning policies may affect the size of households that may apply for particular properties. Any such restrictions will be included in the property advert.