Adequate Accommodation for UK Visa Applications – What You Need to Know
By Evergreen Engineers Ltd – Experts in Property Inspection Reports for UK Immigration
Adequate Accommodation for UK Immigration and Visa application
Applying for a UK family visa, such as a spouse, partner, fiancé(e), or dependent child visa? One of the key requirements under Appendix FM of the UK Immigration Rules is proving that you have adequate accommodation in the UK. Failure to meet this can lead to refusal, even if you satisfy the financial and relationship criteria.
At Evergreen Engineers Ltd, we specialise in providing professional Property Inspection Reports in Birmingham and across the UK to help strengthen your visa application and demonstrate full compliance with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) standards.
What Does ‘Adequate Accommodation’ Mean for UKVI?
According to the UK Immigration Rules (Appendix FM), adequate accommodation must:
- Be available without recourse to public funds (no additional reliance on benefits for housing due to the applicant’s arrival).
- Be owned or legally occupied exclusively by the family unit (or with permission if shared – the family must have exclusive use of key areas like bedrooms and living spaces).
- Not be overcrowded (and will not become overcrowded upon the applicant’s arrival), as defined by the Housing Act 1985:
- Room standard: Persons over 10 of opposite sexes (not married/civil partners) cannot be required to share a bedroom.
- Space standard: Limits based on room sizes and number of occupants (e.g., a room of 50-69 sq ft counts for 0.5 person; detailed calculations apply).
- Comply with public health and safety regulations (no serious hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System – HHSRS, such as damp, fire risks, or poor ventilation).
Living with extended family (e.g., the sponsor’s parents) is perfectly acceptable, provided the above standards are met and permission from the property owner is evidenced.
Adequate Accommodation for Your UK Visa Application — Act Now
Ensure your UK visa application meets Home Office requirements with a professionally prepared Adequate Accommodation Report from Evergreen Engineers Ltd. Our experienced team delivers accurate, compliant, and timely reports trusted for UK visa and immigration purposes.
📞 Phone: 07500242494
📧 Email: info@egengineers.co.uk
🌐 Website: www.egengineers.co.uk
Contact Evergreen Engineers Ltd to book your inspection or request expert advice. Secure your peace of mind—let Evergreen Engineers Ltd support your UK visa application with confidence.
The UK Family Visa Accommodation Requirement
For UK visa applications, “adequate accommodation” means a safe, non-overcrowded home, owned or legally occupied exclusively by the family, available without public funds, and meeting UK housing/health standards, requiring documents like deeds, tenancy agreements, or landlord letters to prove legal right to reside and sufficient space for everyone, ensuring no statutory overcrowding under the Housing Act.
Common Evidence Required
UKVI accepts various documents, but a strong application often includes:
- Tenancy agreement, mortgage statements, or property deeds.
- Letter from the landlord or family member confirming permission for the applicant to live there.
- Council tax bills, utility bills, or proof of occupancy.
- Floor plans, photos, or measurements of rooms.
- A professional Property Inspection Report from a qualified surveyor – highly recommended for complex cases like shared housing to provide independent expert confirmation.
Why Choose a Professional Property Inspection Report?
While not strictly mandatory, a Property Inspection Report from qualified experts like Evergreen Engineers Ltd removes any doubt. Our reports:
- Are prepared by experienced surveyors compliant with UKVI guidelines.
- Include detailed measurements, overcrowding assessments, and HHSRS checks.
- Are accepted by the Home Office and help prevent refusals.
- Are delivered quickly – often within 24-48 hours of inspection.
Evergreen Engineers Ltd provides Adequate Accommodation reports for UK visa applications. Professional, accurate, and Home Office–compliant property inspections nationwide.
Who Needs a Property Inspection Report?
A Property Inspection Report is an important piece of evidence for many UK immigration applications where proof of adequate accommodation is required under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
This independent report is particularly valuable for the following visa categories:
- Spouse Visa
- Fiancé(e) Visa
- Partner Visa
- Family Visa / Dependent Visa
- Visit Visa (when detailed accommodation evidence is requested)
- Extension Visa Applications (Further Leave to Remain)
Solicitors and immigration advisers throughout the UK – including Birmingham, London, Manchester, and beyond – regularly recommend our professional Property Inspection Reports to their clients. They trust Evergreen Engineers Ltd to deliver clear, UKVI-compliant reports that strengthen applications and help avoid refusals due to accommodation concerns.
Whether you’re applying from abroad or extending your stay in the UK, our reports provide the expert assurance the Home Office looks for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is a Property Inspection Report mandatory for UK visa applications?
No, a Property Inspection Report is not mandatory. UKVI accepts other forms of evidence such as tenancy agreements, floor plans, photos, and letters from the property owner. However, a professional report is strongly recommended, especially for shared or extended family accommodation, as it provides independent expert confirmation that the property meets all UKVI standards and significantly reduces the risk of refusal.
2. What does ‘adequate accommodation’ mean under UKVI rules?
Adequate accommodation must be:
- Available without recourse to additional public funds.
- Owned or legally occupied by the family (or with permission if shared).
- Not overcrowded (according to the room and space standards in the Housing Act 1985).
- Safe and free from serious health and safety hazards (HHSRS compliant).
3. Can we live with extended family members, such as parents or siblings?
Yes, absolutely. Living with extended family is allowed as long as the accommodation remains non-overcrowded, meets safety standards, and you have permission from the property owner/occupier. A Property Inspection Report is particularly useful in these cases to clearly demonstrate compliance.
4. How long does it take to get a Property Inspection Report from Evergreen Engineers Ltd?
We aim to arrange inspections quickly – often within a few days of booking. The full report is usually delivered within 24-48 hours after the inspection.
5. Do you cover areas outside Birmingham?
Yes! Evergreen Engineers Ltd provides Property Inspection Reports nationwide across the UK. We travel to your property wherever it is located.
6. What qualifications do your surveyors have?
Our surveyors are fully qualified professionals (including chartered environmental health officers and members of relevant bodies) with extensive experience in preparing UKVI-compliant accommodation reports.
7. How much does a Property Inspection Report cost?
Pricing is competitive and transparent with no hidden fees. Please contact us or call 07500 242494 for a personalised quote based on your property location and size.
8. What happens if the property does not meet UKVI standards?
During the inspection, our surveyor will identify any issues and provide advice on simple remedies (if possible). We will only issue a positive report once the property fully complies with UKVI requirements.
9. Can the report be used for multiple visa applications?
Yes, as long as the accommodation details and household composition remain the same, the report can often be reused for subsequent applications (e.g., further leave to remain). We recommend checking with your immigration advisor.
10. How do I book a Property Inspection Report?
It’s easy! Simply call us on 07500 242494 or complete our online booking form. We’ll handle the rest.
The assessment is carried out by qualified professionals, such as environmental health surveyors or accredited property inspectors. It is often used for spouse visas, family visas, dependent visas, and other settlement applications. By providing this report, applicants reassure UKVI that they will have adequate accommodation during their stay in the UK—without needing public funds.
