Definition - Housing occupancy status (2024)

Occupancy status defines the legal situations of households concerning the occupancy of their main residence.
Three main statuses can be distinguished :
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the status of owner applies to households who are owners, co-owners and becoming owners ;
the status of tenant and/or sub-tenant applies to households paying a rent, irrespective of the type of accommodation occupied ;
the status of free lodger applies to households which are not owners and which do not pay any rent.

Since 2004, households with a life tenancy to their main residence (by gift or by annuity sale, for example) are considered as being owners in the population census and housing survey. They were considered as being accommodated free of charge in previous censuses and surveys.

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The provided text discusses the definitions, methods, and quality considerations related to housing occupancy status. Let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:

1. Housing Occupancy Status:

   • Definition: Housing occupancy status refers to the legal situations of households regarding the occupancy of their main residence.

2. Three Main Occupancy Statuses:

   • The article identifies three main occupancy statuses:
     • Owner Status: Applies to households who are owners, co-owners, or becoming owners.
     • Tenant and/or Sub-Tenant Status: Applies to households paying rent, regardless of the type of accommodation occupied.
     • Free Lodger Status: Applies to households that are not owners and do not pay any rent.

3. Life Tenancy Consideration:

   • A noteworthy point is that since 2004, households with a life tenancy to their main residence (through gift or annuity sale, for example) are considered owners in the population census and housing survey. In previous censuses and surveys, they were considered as being accommodated free of charge.

4. Evolution Over Time:

   • The information implies a shift in the categorization of households with life tenancy, indicating changes in how occupancy status is assessed over time.

5. Data Collection:

   • The article mentions population census and housing surveys as the means through which occupancy status is determined. This underscores the importance of accurate and consistent data collection methods.

6. Legal Significance:

   • The occupancy status has legal implications, defining the rights and responsibilities of households based on their relationship with the property—whether as owners, tenants, sub-tenants, or free lodgers.

In conclusion, my expertise allows me to interpret and analyze the nuances of housing occupancy status, including the legal, demographic, and methodological aspects. If you have further questions or need additional insights into this topic, feel free to ask.