Partner moving in

diamond_dave

Morning All, I rent out a house to a young man who has been a good tenant for some time now and has recently asked whether his gf can move in with him - probably to help with the bills! I have no objection to this in principal but want to avoid any problems.
If I agree to this would it create any legal problems? The original tenant is the only one named on the tenancy and he pays on time and we have a good relationship. Any advice would be appreciated.

G_M

1) credit check the partner - just in case (bankruptcy etc)

2) add partner as a joint tenant - you can then chase either, or both, for rent etc, so it doubles your secrity

3) either grant a brand new tenancy in joint names (return original deposit as that tenancy has ended; take and protect new deposit; do new inventory)

4) OR Execute a Deed of Assignment, adding the new tenant to the existing tenancy. Get all signitures witnessed as it's a Deed.

thesaint

How long has he been a tenant, and how long have they been in a relationship?

[Deleted User]

Hi,

I wouldn't see it as a problem, as long as you still get your payment.

It was good of him to ask, so not trying to hide anything from you, so seems genuine and honest.

He may have to inform the Council Tax, if getting the 25% single occupant discount.

mlz1413

Have you done regular checks whilst the tenant has been there or do you leave him alone whilst the rent is paid?

I'd probably ask to meet him and have a chat about adding the girlfriend, that way you can see the condition of the place and how he lives. He might explain why he wants gf to move in, personally I'd think its because he wants to spend more time with her than split the bills, after all he has lived there for some time already.

Explain the options as set out by GM and see what his first choice would be.

Tenant sounds like a decent chap, pays his bills, asks before doing something, so I'd work with him in the hope he stays

If she moves in make sure you check the place within 6 months so you know standards are being kept up.

Bogof_Babe

mlz1413 wrote: »

Have you done regular checks whilst the tenant has been there or do you leave him alone whilst the rent is paid?

I'd probably ask to meet him and have a chat about adding the girlfriend, that way you can see the condition of the place and how he lives. He might explain why he wants gf to move in, personally I'd think its because he wants to spend more time with her than split the bills, after all he has lived there for some time already.

Explain the options as set out by GM and see what his first choice would be.

Tenant sounds like a decent chap, pays his bills, asks before doing something, so I'd work with him in the hope he stays

If she moves in make sure you check the place within 6 months so you know standards are being kept up.

Would be a good idea to meet the girlfriend too, if only to establish that she isn't eight months pregnant!

[Deleted User]

Hi,

well, he's maybe had his girlfriend staying for an overnighter before, and the place hasn't collapsed, so why worry.

If he hadn't asked you would've have known?

audigex

I'd venture that in most cases, a girlfriend moving in is generally likely to make things tidier and better presented. Not all, of course, but more often than not.

Either way I agree with the poster above who said that the tenant sounds decent: most people wouldn't ask permission, and if he's paying the rent on time and the place is being kept in good condition I wouldn't have any objection.

G_M's options seem the best ways to proceed to me

Stevie_Palimo

Decent of him to even ask you to be honest, As long as you get paid on time with no dramas just leave things as they are.

diamond_dave

Thanks for all replies - I go to the house regularly and have a good relationship with him. I have met the GF and she seems really nice too. The place is immaculate and any problems he reports immediately so that they can be sorted out. He has asked for a few things to be done and I have willingly agreed to them.I don't really foresee any problems but will consider my options. IF she were to move in and,say he were to die or leave, where would I stand? Would she just be a guest/squatter?

mlz1413

She would if you don't add her to the tenancy.

As GM says if you add her then if anything happens to him (even he moves out and leaves her there) she will be liable to pay the rent.