UK Spouse Visa Accommodation Requirements
Having an address in the UK isn't enough on its own. A Partner Visa application must show the accommodation is legally occupied, won't be overcrowded, and doesn't contravene public-health regulations — separately from the financial requirement.
In brief
- Having a UK address is not enough on its own.
- Accommodation must be legally occupied, not overcrowded, and not in breach of public-health regulations.
- This is assessed separately from the financial requirement.
- You do not necessarily need to own the property — the guide explains what “adequate accommodation” means.
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Get a fixed-fee quoteWhat Is "Adequate Accommodation"?
This requirement applies separately from the minimum income or adequate-maintenance requirement. Accommodation will not be regarded as adequate if:
- It is not owned or legally occupied by the family unit
- The family doesn't have the required exclusive use
- It is or will become overcrowded
- It contravenes public-health regulations
The evidence needs to establish both the legal right to live there, and that there's enough accommodation for everyone who will occupy the property — including people already living there who aren't part of the visa application.
Do We Need to Own a Property?
No. Accommodation can potentially include an owner-occupied property, rented accommodation, accommodation provided by parents or another family member or friend, shared accommodation, or certain houses in multiple occupation. The key question is whether it satisfies the requirements below — not who owns it.
Sponsor Owns
Ownership documentation, mortgage evidence where applicable, room and occupant details.
Sponsor Rents
Tenancy agreement establishing legal entitlement to occupy. Council/housing-association correspondence is normally sufficient; private tenancies need more care.
Family / Friend's Property
A letter from the owner confirming the applicant can live there, plus evidence of their own right to the property.
Can We Live With My Parents?
Yes, potentially — this is expressly recognised in the Home Office guidance. A couple doesn't need an entirely separate house or self-contained flat.
What does "exclusive occupation" mean?
It doesn't mean the entire property must belong exclusively to the couple. Decision makers normally expect the applicant, sponsor and any dependants to have exclusive use of at least the bedroom(s) required for their family — other areas like the kitchen, bathroom, living room and hallways can be shared with the property owner or other occupants.
What evidence helps?
- A letter from the owner confirming the applicant can live at the property
- Evidence that the relative owns or legally occupies the property
- Details of everyone currently living there
- The number of bedrooms and other rooms available as sleeping accommodation
- Which bedroom(s) will be available to the applicant, sponsor and dependants
Where the sponsor isn't the head of the household, expect questions about the number of rooms, the number of occupants, and whether the arrangement is only intended to be temporary.
Related services
Adequate Maintenance
The alternative financial test where a qualifying benefit applies.
Learn more →Disclaimer. The information on this page provides general information about UK immigration law and does not constitute legal advice on any individual immigration application. Immigration requirements depend on your individual circumstances and may change. You should seek professional advice before making an application or relying on the information provided.
Source basis: the UK Immigration Rules Appendix FM (family life) and the related Home Office family-life caseworker guidance published on GOV.UK. Immigration Rules and guidance change; confirm the current version on GOV.UK before applying.
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