Adding another tenant onto contract

Adding another tenant onto contract

16:11 PM, 26th March 2020, About 5 years ago 4

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I’ve just had a proactive call from a tenant asking if her friend can move into her flat. She is already worried about her job situation and ditto for friend so they want to move in together into my property.

Do I simply issue a new contract with both names now on the agreement? Would I need a new TA start date or can I attach an amendment to the existing contract?

I don’t plan on charging them to do this, but as never been asked this before, I am sure there are a number of other things I need to consider?

Both are working not claiming benefits at this stage and the existing tenant has already said she would be contacting the Council to declare the change of circumstance to the Council tax dept.

What should I do next?

Reluctant Landlord


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Comments

Neil Patterson

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16:13 PM, 26th March 2020, About 5 years ago

Hi Reluctant,

I would treat this as a brand new tenancy eg AST, Deposit etc.

Paul Shears

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20:04 PM, 26th March 2020, About 5 years ago

I have been doing this for years.
Some tenancy deposit people will charge you every time you amend a contract.
Others will only charge you at the end of a contract.
In your case, this will definitely be a new contract and so there will be a small fee to pay the deposit people of about £25.
To me you are mitigating your risks of default in the rent and that will be worth a lot in the next six months or more.
Of course checking out the new tenant for yourself is an absolute must. Meet them personally and get the standard information for new tenants. Good luck. 🙂

Jo Westlake

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11:26 AM, 27th March 2020, About 5 years ago

I'd agree to it subject to referencing and treat it as a new tenancy. Email both of them the standard How to Rent guide, gas safety cert, EPC, GDPR policy, etc. Do your Right to Rent check. Unprotect and then reprotect the deposit.
There will be a small cost to all of this but well worth paying if it means a good tenant can continue living in your property.

Gunga Din

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15:11 PM, 27th March 2020, About 5 years ago

I agree with above - leave no loose ends. Ensure they know the meaning of "Jointly and severally liable". I don't see why the rent shouldn't rise a little. Last time I did this, it was £350 for one guy, £400 when his buddy moved in. It'll be a reduction for your existing tenant, and a heck of a deal for the newcomer. As long as they understand what a rent holiday is they will surely see sense.

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