Can I give my tenancy to someone else?

If you are a secure tenant you may be able to assign (pass) your tenancy to a family member if you don't want to live in the property any more. You may be able to assign your tenancy to:

• A husband, wife or partner. (including same sex couples and civil partners).
• A son, daughter, parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece, who has lived with the tenant for the previous year as their only home. We will need to see evidence of this.

A tenancy cannot be assigned to friends who live in the property.

Introductory tenants cannot assign their tenancy.

We must give permission before a tenancy can be assigned.

Lodgers

Secure tenants have the right to take in lodgers, but introductory tenants do not.

However, there are a few things which must be taken into consideration if you take in a lodger, these are:

• There must not be overcrowding.
• If you receive housing benefit, you must inform the housing benefit team so that they can re-assess your benefit.
• Your lodger will not have security of tenure.
• You will be responsible for legally evicting your lodger if you want them to leave.
• You will be responsible for the behaviour of your lodger and may be liable if they breach any of the terms of your tenancy.

For further details please contact the lettings team on 01476 406029 or 01476 40635, email housing@southkesteven.gov.uk, or complete an enquiry form.