Rooms, number of
Definition
The number of rooms in a household’s accommodation. The definition of a room does not include bathrooms, toilets, halls or landings, or rooms that can only be used for storage. All other rooms, for example kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, utility rooms, studies and conservatories are counted. If two rooms have been converted into one they are counted as one room. Rooms shared between a number of households, for example a shared kitchen, are not counted.
Classification
Total number of categories 2
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 01-99 | 1-99 rooms |
| XX | No code required - comprises household spaces with no usual residents |
Source question or variables
H8: How many rooms are available for use only by this household?
Do NOT count:
- bathrooms
- toilets
- halls or landings
- rooms that can only be used for storage such as cupboards.
Count all other rooms, for example:
- kitchens
- living rooms
- utility rooms
- bedrooms
- studies
- conservatories.
If two rooms have been converted into one, count them as one room.
- Number of rooms
Reason for asking
This information is used to help central and local government assess changes in overcrowding. It provides data to help identify households in unsuitable accommodation, to tackle deprivation, develop appropriate housing policies, plan future housing provision and allocate resources.
England & Wales (2011) and Scotland (2001) comparisons
The England & Wales (2011) question is identical to that in Scotland in 2011. The 2001 Scotland question was also the same however the 2011 data for rooms per person is not included in a standard table. However, the rooms per person data for both 2001 and 2011 are provided in Table A1 from the release 2C section of the downloadable files page.
Definition
This variable records the number of rooms in a household space. Bathrooms, toilets, halls or landings, or rooms that can only be used for storage are not counted. All other rooms, for example, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, utility rooms and studies are counted. If two rooms have been converted into one, they are counted as one room. Rooms shared between a number of households, e.g. a shared bathroom or kitchen, are not counted.
Classification
Total number of categories 2
Not applicable (XX) comprises: All household spaces with no residents.
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| 01 - 99 | 1 to 99 rooms singly |
| XX | Not applicable |