Private renting on Hb

[refmum]

I have looked at 2 houses,both are 3 bedroom,i have been told by council that i have a 4 bed entitlement,am i allowed to rent a 3 bedroom house?

yes

its up to you to 'spend' your lha on the property you feel is most appropriate for your family

Course you are. If you have 4 bed entitlement, any reason why you wouldn't use it? Nicer to have more space. :)

sometimes its more important to have bigger rooms/a garden/certain location/etc though

Thanks,the thing is,my oldest son is nearly 18 and if i rent a 4 bedroom house and say he moves out next year then won't i be expected to move to a 3 bed? If that's the case i'd rather rent a 3 bedroom house now,save having to uproot again.

I am not sure, but someone who works for me has a 4 bed house and no kids anymore because they have all left home and he has never been asked to move.

I strongly suspect that you're right, refmum - if the household's need changes (ie less people) then it's logical that the allowance will change. You wouldn't have to move, but the LHA would only pay at the appropriate level - you'd have to make up any shortfall.

(Not to be confused with people who are able to - currently - stay in council housing even when people come and go.)