Glossary
More than minimal
In one sentence
The threshold, set by case law, that care, support or supervision must pass for exempt accommodation.
No number of hours is set in law. In R(H) 7/07 a landlord's tenant liaison service was held to be minimal. Councils look at what the support is, how often it happens, who it is for and whether records show it took place.
Related terms
Where it comes up
- The four categories of specified accommodationSpecified accommodation is the group of supported housing types where rent is paid through Housing Benefit, even for people on Universal Credit. There are four categories. Exempt accommodation, managed properties, domestic abuse refuges and local authority hostels. Each has its own tests for who the landlord can be and whether support is required.
- What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.
- Needs assessments, support plans and support recordsEvery resident should have a needs assessment when they move in or within four weeks, a support plan built with them from that assessment, and records showing the support was delivered. These three documents are what councils check for Housing Benefit, what licensing will check against the national standards, and what protects residents when something goes wrong.