Can Council tenants take a lodger?

Bingaling86

Not sure what the rules are in this situation.

I'm hopefully being given a council property of my own. If this was to happen and I was to move out of my family home (also, a council property) would my partner be able to officially rent a room at my parent's council house? This would save him a lot of money as he rents an expensive room privately in a house share (we've never lived together).

I'm wanting to do everything above board, so with that in mind, is this doable?

G_M

Why would your partner want to live with your family rather than with you? Wierd! Just curious.

I'd guess it's 'doable', but I suggest your read the tenancy agreement.

Alter_ego

G_M wrote: »

Why would your partner want to live with your family rather than with you?

Could this be something to do with benefits?

theartfullodger

It depends on the tenancy agreement but, usually, yes. Has an effect (depending) on rent to be declared to tax man & benefit (HB, CTR..) payments: Often so complex the council staff don't understand the rules..

See Shelter on secure tenancies (there are other sorts.. )
http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/social_housing/about_council_housing/secure_council_tenancies

Lodgers or subletting in a secure tenancy

You automatically have the right to take in a lodger and can normally sublet part of your home (such as a bedroom) if you get written permission from the council first. The council can only refuse permission if it has a good reason, for example, if your home would become overcrowded if someone else moved in.

G_M

Alter_ego wrote: »

Could this be something to do with benefits?

Ah!

Makes sense.

Though I resent my council tax being diverted from essential services to 2nd homes and CT Benefits.....

Bingaling86

I'm being moved to an 'accessible' home, because my family home is no longer suitable for my physical disability. My partner isn't allowed to live with me, or I'd lose my benefits. So we must live apart.

Bingaling86

G_M wrote: »

Ah!

Makes sense.

Though I resent my council tax being diverted from essential services to 2nd homes and CT Benefits.....

It isn't a 'second home' because my parents house isn't suitable for me to live in any more. What's CT benefits?

Pete9501

Council tax benefits.

People come on here asking for advice about all sorts of things they are trying to do some of which are very questionable especially by those that ultimately pay for the council services.

Pete

Red-Squirrel_2

Bingaling86 wrote: »

My partner isn't allowed to live with me, or I'd lose my benefits. So we must live apart.

You are allowed to live together, it would just mean that you'd be assessed for benefits as a 'household' and he might have to put some of his income towards supporting you. Completely fair, if you're in a real partnership. Does he not want to do that?

Have you tried putting the figures into a benefit calculator to see what you might be entitled to if you did live together?

Lord_Baltimore

Red-Squirrel wrote: »

Have you tried putting the figures into a benefit calculator to see what you might be entitled to if you did live together?

I suspect that calculation will have been made as a priority.

Togetherness is just too expensive .

trevormax

I believe your parents would be allowed to rent a room to your partner provided they get the councils permission first and if they receive housing benefit/council tax benefit, they declare the income to the council also. At one point, my local council was encouraging their tenants to rent a room out if they were affected by the "bedroom tax". If they do rent a room to your partner, they should look up the rent a room scheme and tax implications. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rent-a-room-for-traders-hs223-self-assessment-helpsheet/hs223-rent-a-room-for-traders-2015

If your partner is claiming HB, they may have difficulty getting it in your parents place as the council may say it is a contrived tenancy or they may not.