Is your rental property overcrowded?

Non-compliance could result in fines of up to £30,000 for landlords

By Benham and Reeves

Sep 12, 2025, 9:51 AM IST

What is the Homes Act?

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act ensures rental properties meet minimum living standards and empowers tenants to take legal action

Why overcrowding is a legal issue

Too many tenants in one property increases health and safety risks and impacts hygiene and the local community

Understanding the room standard

If two unrelated people of opposite sex must sleep in the same room the property may be legally overcrowded

Understanding the space standard

The number of occupants allowed depends on total rooms or floor space with clear maximums based on age and room size

Know the legal space minimums

Rooms must meet required square metres depending on the number and age of occupants sleeping in them

Waste storage matters too

Lack of proper rubbish storage in overcrowded properties can result in additional fines for the landlord