Occupying the Home for daughters living abroad?

I have a client who has a 3-bed property for her and her 2 adult daughters and is expecting the 3-bed LHA.  However, the 2 daughters went to Australia on a “gap year” BEFORE they moved in to the property (before the tenancy began) - they have never physically lived in the property.  Am I correct to advise her that she will only be entitled to the 1-bed LHA?  Or is there any scope for her to get the 3-bed rate?  They have both been in Australia since before the tenancy began (15 months ago) and have never lived in the tenancy, and they have never returned to the UK.

Hi Martin,

I think you’re right.

Have a good festive period.

Mairi