Can I keep a housing association flat while studying abroad?

HampshireH

Most Housing Association tenancies state the property must be a person's main and principle home.

They also do not allow subletting as this is against the purpose of social housing.

I think you will find it unlikely a HA will grant you permission your best bidding on your return. But I'm not sure the council will allow you on the list if you don't need housing due to being abroad.

chillymoose

NameUnavailable said:

chillymoose said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

chillymoose said:

I'm on a low band on my council housing register so I have never yet been successful when bidding for a flat (in over 5 years). Amazingly, I am currently in first position for a flat I bid on. Great. But I'm supposed to be spending the next academic year abroad, studying at a foreign university (I'm doing a languages degree as a mature student).

If I do get this flat, does anyone know if the council/housing association is likely to agree to me sub-letting it or having a family member stay there for the time that I am abroad? Are there any procedures in place for council house/housing association tenants who have to move temporarily for work/study?

Personally, I don't see anything morally wrong with asking a family member to live there for the 8 months I'll be away... but legally, is this even remotely possible?

Unlawfully subletting a housing association property can be a criminal offence. 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/subletting-and-lodging/subletting/unlawful-subletting-of-social-housing-criminal-offences/

Who will pay the rent whilst this family lives up in the property? 

Cheers for stating the obvious.

What was obvious?

Never a good tactic for seeking help to get sarcastic when people try to help you.

It was obvious that subletting without the approval of the HA would be a criminal offence (hence why I asked if the HA was likely to agree). Posting just to say that was not helpful so I make no apologies for replying as I did.

chillymoose

Mildreds_Earrings said:

chillymoose said:

cymruchris said:

I'll let the experts answer definitively - but from my understanding you won't be able to sub-let without the housing associations permission - and I believe mostly they say no. If the flat is immensely important - could you consider completing your qualification locally instead?

Unfortunately going abroad is a requirement of the degree, no way out of it. Yes, I will need their permission - I guess I'm just asking, are they likely to give it?

Possibly but if you were our HA tenant, you would have to be a tenant for more than 12 months before we would even consider it. To be fair, it is a good reason but we would require evidence and you would have to prove how the rent would be paid whilst you were away. We do the same for tenants who go to serve in the Military. Before anyone jumps down my throat, yes I know these are different circumstances. My point is there is a possibility but its up to the HA. Read the Tenancy Agreement and see if there are any mission statements on the HA website that can assist you with your request. 

Thank you - this was helpful. I will speak to the HA if I do end up getting the flat. At the moment its still hypothetical because the bidding process has not finished, although I am still in first position at the moment.

[Deleted User]

chillymoose said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

chillymoose said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

chillymoose said:

I'm on a low band on my council housing register so I have never yet been successful when bidding for a flat (in over 5 years). Amazingly, I am currently in first position for a flat I bid on. Great. But I'm supposed to be spending the next academic year abroad, studying at a foreign university (I'm doing a languages degree as a mature student).

If I do get this flat, does anyone know if the council/housing association is likely to agree to me sub-letting it or having a family member stay there for the time that I am abroad? Are there any procedures in place for council house/housing association tenants who have to move temporarily for work/study?

Personally, I don't see anything morally wrong with asking a family member to live there for the 8 months I'll be away... but legally, is this even remotely possible?

Unlawfully subletting a housing association property can be a criminal offence. 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/subletting-and-lodging/subletting/unlawful-subletting-of-social-housing-criminal-offences/

Who will pay the rent whilst this family lives up in the property? 

Cheers for stating the obvious.

It wasn’t obvious that you’d attempted to find out the answer for yourself at all. 

You answered a question I didn't ask. I'm really not sure what your point is.

If you had taken the time to read the information in the link you would have found out HA tenants’ rights with regards to subletting. Your opening post also says you want to know if subletting is legally possible. 

CKhalvashi

With permission and on a time limited basis, theoretically it will be possible. This basis is normally for a maximum of a year from experience as an advisor.

I am not experienced with the newer 5 year tenancies, and as this is what you're likely to be offered, I do not know the answer to this. It may also be HA-dependent, as again, my experience is with a limited number of the larger groups.