Homes and property Overcrowding at home

You may feel your home is too small for the number of people living there; but it may not legally be classed as overcrowding.

There are rules describing the maximum number of people who should live in a property.

If you are living in overcrowded conditions you should: 

  • find a larger private rented place. See Shelters advice on overcrowding or
  • apply for a council or housing association. If you are legally overcrowded, you will get a higher priority. But the demand for this type of housing is high, so how quickly you would get a place depends on a number things. Read our rehousing policy.