Written question asked by Baroness King of Bow (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 November 2002. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Thursday, 7 November 2002 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what legislation is in force relating to overcrowding standards in housing; and when each provision came into force.

Answer: Ms Oona King: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what legislation is in force relating to overcrowding standards in housing; and when each provision came into force. [80092] Mr. McNulty: The current overcrowding standards are set out in Part X of the Housing Act 1985. The Room Standard is breached if two people of opposite sexes who are not living together as husband and wife must sleep in the same room. The Space Standard specifies the number of people who may sleep in a dwelling according to the number of rooms and their floor area. Both standards must be met. The 1985 Act is a consolidating Act. The standards were carried forward from the Housing Act 1957, which itself consolidates those which had originated in the Housing Act 1935. In respect of houses in multiple occupation, local authorities also have powers under section 358 of the 1985 Act to serve an overcrowding notice where they are satisfied that there are, or there may become, an excessive number of people living in a property having regard to the number of rooms available. Such notice must specify the number of people who can occupy the property. Contravention of the notice is a criminal offence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 392 c620W;392 c632W; 80092
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Housing Multiple occupation Overcrowding Standards Housing occupancy
Legislation: Housing Act 1985
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk