Is there such kind of a contract?

iclxl402

Hi, I have been on a AST contract for a 2 bed flat for over nearly 2 years (one extension already), and have recently moved job to the other end of the city, therefore the place is a bit far for me to commute.

I am looking to move out, but given the rent that I am paying for this property is quite good value for money, and the location is in high demand, I intend to sublet it to other people, who don't necessarily need to know each other, but each will occupy a room, thus could generate some profit for me if I manage it carefully.

I understand there is risk for financial lose if I cannot find suitable people for a while, but that is the risk I am prepared to take on with.

The question is, is there such kind of contract that would allow one to sign as primary tenant (or subleter, whatever the term is), who doesn't stay in the place, but just sublet it out to other people? I know this must be a bit uncommon, as most people do take on lodgers while they themselves still stay in the property.

I mean in my proposal, I will be fully responsible for the landlord as regards to the rent; those subletees will pay rent directly to me, and they are free to leave the property without being constraint with the length of the contract ( I will need to cover the rent if I can not find suitable person).

Thanks for any view on this.

bryanb

I doubt the landlord would allow this.

iamana1ias

Does your AST allow subletting then?

snapping_crocodile

I have never heard of an AST that allows you to sublet to others. It is normally a strict condition that you are not allowed to. I cant see the landlord agreeing to you subletting his property as you would be making profit from it

BitterAndTwisted

Even if your tenancy agreement allows for sub-letting, which I doubt, I would advise against doing this in the strongest possible terms. There are far too many possible problems lurking which could cost you much more than any possible profit.

adg1

iclxl402 wrote: »

The question is, is there such kind of contract that would allow one to sign as primary tenant (or subleter, whatever the term is), who doesn't stay in the place, but just sublet it out to other people?

You'd then, effectively, be a landlord with a superior landlord (the owner). I very much doubt he'd do this as there could be all sorts of problems. For example, he'll never know WHO is living in his house and the damage they are causing etc. Indeed, neither will YOU. and YOU'd be responsible for it.

Why would you want to pay rent on another place nearer work just so you can keep this one going at below market value? Sounds like you'd be taking a huge risk if the landlord actually was happy with the arrangement.

PasturesNew

Your contract probably doesn't allow this at all. Having people living together, who aren't related to each other, comes under the HMO legislation, which changes from area to area and may require a license and changes to be made to the building itself (re fire regs, etc).

It would be a very rare/unusual/one-off agreement that would allow you to do this at all. In trying to do it on the sly you'd break your AST, you'd probably break several laws, you'd leave your 'tenants' with no security of tenure at all and liable to immediate eviction, the insurance on the property would probably be invalid ... and we could go on.

Bottom line is: chances are 1,000,000:1 that this is achievable.