This comprehensive guide explains the UK spouse visa accommodation requirements you must meet when applying to join your partner in the United Kingdom. Whether you're staying with family, renting privately, or living in your own property, you need to prove your accommodation is adequate, not overcrowded, and complies with the Housing Act 1985. This guide covers everything from landlord letters and property inspection reports to sample templates and common refusal reasons.
Understanding UK Spouse Visa Accommodation Requirements in 2026
The accommodation requirement for spouse visa UK applications is set out in Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. Under paragraphs E-ECP.3.4 (for entry clearance) and E-LTRP.3.4 (for leave to remain), applicants must provide evidence that there will be adequate accommodation for the family without recourse to public funds. This requirement applies to both initial spouse visa applications and spouse visa extensions.
What is the Adequate Accommodation Requirement for UK Spouse Visa?
The UK spouse visa accommodation requirement means you must prove your home is not overcrowded under the Housing Act 1985, is owned or occupied exclusively by your family, complies with public health standards, and is available without relying on public funds. You need documentary evidence such as a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or property inspection report.
The Home Office assesses whether your accommodation will be suitable for you, your partner, and any dependents living together. The property does not need to be owned outright—renting is perfectly acceptable provided you have legal permission to reside there and the landlord consents to additional occupants.
Four Key Requirements Your Accommodation Must Meet
- Exclusive occupation: The property must be owned or occupied exclusively by you and your family (you can share with extended family but must have dedicated private space)
- Not overcrowded: The property must not breach overcrowding standards under the Housing Act 1985 (room standard and space standard)
- Public health compliance: The accommodation must not contravene public health regulations (safe, habitable, no serious hazards)
- No recourse to public funds: You cannot rely on housing benefits or public housing to meet this requirement
Documents to Prove Accommodation for Spouse Visa
The specific documents you need depend on your housing situation. Below is a comprehensive list of supporting documents commonly accepted by the Home Office:
Letter Signed by the Owner of the Property You Live In Stating That You Have Permission to Live There
If you live in a property you don't own or aren't named on the tenancy, you need a letter from the property owner confirming you have permission to reside there. This letter should state the owner's relationship to you, confirm they own/lease the property, grant permission for you and your spouse to live there, and confirm the property meets housing standards.
This requirement commonly applies when the UK sponsor lives with their parents, other relatives, or friends. The visa application form specifically asks about accommodation arrangements, and you need documentary proof that everyone who needs permission to live at the property has it.
What Should the Property Owner's Letter Include?
- Owner's full name and contact details
- Full address of the property
- Relationship to the sponsor (e.g., "I am the mother of [sponsor's name]")
- Confirmation of ownership or tenancy (attach proof)
- Explicit permission for the sponsor and applicant to reside at the property
- Property description (number of bedrooms, current occupants)
- Confirmation the property is not overcrowded and meets housing standards
- Signature and date
[Owner's Full Name]
[Property Address]
[City, Postcode]
[Date]
To: UK Visas and Immigration
Re: Accommodation Confirmation for [Applicant's Name]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I, [Owner's Name], am the owner of the property at [Full Address]. I am the [relationship, e.g., mother] of [Sponsor's Name], who currently resides at this address.
I hereby confirm that I give full permission for [Applicant's Name] to live at this property with [Sponsor's Name] upon approval of their UK spouse visa application.
The property is a [X]-bedroom [house/flat] with [X] reception rooms. Current occupants are: [list names and relationships]. The addition of [Applicant's Name] will not cause overcrowding under the Housing Act 1985, and the property complies with all public health regulations.
Enclosed: Copy of Land Registry title deeds / tenancy agreement and recent council tax bill.
Please contact me at [phone/email] if you require further information.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Owner's Printed Name]
Property Inspection Report for Spouse Visa
A property inspection report (also called a housing report or UKVI property inspection) is a document prepared by a qualified surveyor confirming that accommodation meets UK housing standards, is not overcrowded, and is suitable for habitation. While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended—especially for complex living arrangements or properties with multiple occupants.
Many applicants wonder whether they need a property inspection report for their spouse visa application. The short answer is that it is not a mandatory requirement in most cases, but it can significantly strengthen your application. Immigration tribunal decisions have shown that accommodation evidence is frequently scrutinised, and professional housing reports provide clear, objective evidence that can prevent refusals.
When Should You Get a Property Inspection Report?
A property inspection report is particularly valuable in the following situations:
- Multiple occupants: When several people already live at the property and overcrowding may be questioned
- Shared accommodation: When living with extended family or friends
- Previous refusal: If a previous application was refused on accommodation grounds
- Small property: When the property has limited bedrooms relative to the number of occupants
- Older properties: When the property may have health and safety concerns
What Does a Property Inspection Report Include?
A comprehensive property inspection report for immigration purposes typically includes:
Property inspection reports typically cost between £80-£150 and should be conducted by a qualified housing surveyor, environmental health practitioner, or chartered surveyor. Reports provided by estate agents or unqualified individuals may not be accepted by the Home Office.
UK Spouse Visa Accommodation Letter from Landlord
If you rent your accommodation, you need a letter from your landlord confirming they have no objection to your spouse living at the property. This landlord letter (sometimes called a No Objection Certificate or NOC) should confirm the tenancy details, grant permission for additional occupants, and confirm the property meets housing standards.
When renting, many tenancy agreements restrict who can live at the property or require landlord consent for additional occupants. The Home Office needs to see that your landlord permits your spouse to reside at the property—even if the tenancy agreement is in your name.
[Landlord's Full Name]
[Landlord's Address]
[Date]
Re: No Objection Certificate for [Applicant's Name]
To Whom It May Concern,
I, [Landlord's Name], am the owner/landlord of the property at [Full Address]. The property is currently let to [Tenant's Name] under a tenancy agreement dated [date].
I confirm that I have no objection to [Applicant's Name] residing at this property with [Tenant's Name] following approval of their UK spouse visa application.
The property is a [X]-bedroom [house/flat] which complies with the Housing Act 1985 and all applicable public health regulations. The addition of [Applicant's Name] will not cause the property to become overcrowded.
Please contact me at [phone/email] if you require any further information.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Landlord's Printed Name]
Housing Act 1985 Overcrowding Standards Explained
Under the Housing Act 1985 Part X, a property is overcrowded if it breaches either the Room Standard (two people of opposite sexes aged 10+ who are not a couple must sleep in the same room) or the Space Standard (too many people for the number and size of rooms). The Home Office uses these standards to assess spouse visa accommodation.
Understanding the overcrowding rules is essential because if your accommodation would become overcrowded with the addition of your spouse, your application may be refused. The Housing Act provides two tests—your property must pass both.
The Room Standard
The room standard is contravened when two people of opposite sexes who are not living together as a couple are forced to sleep in the same room. Important points:
- Children under 10: Not counted for the room standard
- Couples: Can share a room regardless of room size
- Same sex: Two people of the same sex can share a room
- Living rooms count: Rooms normally used as bedrooms or living rooms are counted as sleeping accommodation
The Space Standard
The space standard limits the number of people who can occupy a dwelling based on the number and floor area of rooms. Children under 1 year are not counted, and children aged 1-10 count as half a person.
Note: Rooms under 50 square feet (4.64 square metres) cannot be counted as sleeping accommodation. Kitchens and bathrooms are never counted, but living rooms can be counted if they could be used for sleeping.
- Accommodation must be available at the time of application—not prospective
- Property inspection reports are recommended but not mandatory in most cases
- If living with family or renting, you need written permission from the property owner/landlord
- The property must not be overcrowded under Housing Act 1985 standards
- For the 10-year route (paragraph EX.1), the accommodation requirement may not apply
For complex accommodation situations or if you've previously been refused on accommodation grounds, consider seeking advice from professional immigration solicitors. Common spouse visa refusal reasons often include insufficient accommodation evidence, so thorough documentation is essential.
For more information on the full requirements, including the financial requirement (currently £29,000) and relationship evidence, see our comprehensive spouse visa guides. For exceptional circumstances that may affect the accommodation requirement, including the 10-year settlement route, see our dedicated guidance.
For official guidance, visit the gov.uk family visa page and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a property inspection report for a spouse visa?
A property inspection report is not mandatory for most UK spouse visa applications, but it is strongly recommended—especially if you have multiple occupants, are living with extended family, or have a previous refusal on accommodation grounds. Professional housing reports typically cost £80-£150 and provide objective evidence that your property meets Housing Act 1985 standards.
What is the accommodation requirement for spouse visa UK?
Under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, you must prove that your accommodation is owned or occupied exclusively by your family, is not overcrowded under the Housing Act 1985, complies with public health regulations, and is available without relying on public funds. The accommodation must be available at the time of application—not prospective.
Can I use shared accommodation for a UK spouse visa?
Yes, shared accommodation can meet spouse visa requirements provided it does not result in overcrowding and you have dedicated private space (such as your own bedroom). You can share common areas like kitchens and bathrooms with extended family or friends. You'll need written permission from the property owner confirming the arrangement and that the property meets housing standards.
What documents do I need to prove accommodation for spouse visa?
Required documents depend on your situation. For owned property: Land Registry deeds, mortgage statement, council tax bill. For rented property: tenancy agreement, landlord permission letter. For living with family: letter from property owner with their proof of ownership. Optional but recommended: property inspection report and photographs of the property.
What is a letter signed by the owner of the property stating permission to live there?
This is a letter from the property owner (whether a parent, relative, friend, or landlord) confirming they grant permission for you and your spouse to live at their property. It should include the owner's full details, property address, relationship to you, confirmation of ownership/tenancy, explicit permission for the applicant to reside there, and a statement that the property is not overcrowded.
How does the Housing Act 1985 affect spouse visa applications?
The Housing Act 1985 Part X sets the legal definition of overcrowding that the Home Office uses to assess spouse visa applications. It includes the Room Standard (two people of opposite sexes aged 10+ who aren't a couple cannot share a room) and the Space Standard (limits on the number of people per room based on room size). If adding your spouse would breach these standards, your visa may be refused.
Can spouse visa be refused on accommodation grounds?
Yes, spouse visa applications can be refused if the Home Office is not satisfied with accommodation evidence. Common reasons include: no proof of legal right to occupy the property, evidence the property would be overcrowded, unclear or inconsistent documentation, or no landlord permission for rented accommodation. A professional property inspection report can help prevent such refusals.
Is the accommodation requirement different for the 10-year route?
Yes. For in-country applications where paragraph EX.1 of Appendix FM applies (the 10-year route to settlement based on private life or exceptional circumstances), the accommodation requirement does not need to be met. However, this exception does not apply to out-of-country applications—entry clearance applicants must always meet the accommodation requirement regardless of their circumstances.