Inform us of change
This guide explains the types of tenancy changes you can make and how we will help you along the way.
Have your circumstances changed?
Throughout the life of your tenancy, we know that your circumstances are likely to change. If this is the case, please let us know as soon as possible so that your records are kept up to date. Here are some examples of the changes we need to know about:
- A change in the number of people living in your home
- A joint tenant or family member has passed away
- A relationship breakdown
- A change in your household income
- If you need to go away for more than a few weeks
You can tell us about any change in your circumstances in the following ways:
We will keep you informed from the moment you request a tenancy change. You will know what’s needed, how long things will take, and what the next steps are. Every decision we make follows clear guidelines, so you can be confident the process is fair and consistent. If we need more information, we will let you know quickly.
Types of tenancy changes
Name changes
If you’ve changed your name (e.g., through marriage, divorce, or deed poll), let us know, and we will update your tenancy records. All we need is official proof, like a marriage certificate or legal documentation of your name change.
Will this affect my tenancy rights? No, updating your name won’t change any rights or responsibilities in your tenancy agreement.
Tenancy assignment (Transferring your tenancy)
Tenancy assignment means transferring your tenancy to someone else, but it’s only allowed in certain situations. When can I assign my tenancy?
- Through Mutual Exchange: You can swap homes with another social housing tenant.
- Succession: If you want to pass the tenancy to a family member with succession rights.
- By court order: Often related to relationship breakdowns or divorce.
What’s the process? Contact us, and we will review your application. We might ask for supporting documents, but we will aim to keep things as quick and simple as possible. We will clearly explain the decision and what happens next.
Tenancy succession (When a resident passes away)
Succession allows a family member or spouse to take over a tenancy when the tenant dies. Who can succeed to a tenancy depends on the type of tenancy and their relationship to the tenant. Who can succeed a tenancy:
- Spouses or Civil Partners: If you were living with the tenant at the time of their death.
- Family Members: You might be eligible if you were living with the tenant for at least 12 months before they passed away.
What if I don’t qualify? We sometimes grant what’s called a Discretionary Succession. Even if you don’t have a legal right to the tenancy, we will carefully consider your circumstances and may offer a new tenancy.
Joint tenancies
A joint tenancy allows two or more people to share responsibility for the home.
How do I apply for a joint tenancy?
If you’re a sole tenant, you can apply to share your tenancy with a spouse, civil partner, or someone you’ve been living with for at least 12 months. There are certain conditions to need to be met:
- The current tenant must agree to the joint tenancy.
- The property must have been the applicant’s main home for at least 12 months.
- If the tenancy is in arrears or there’s been a breach, we won’t approve the request.
What happens if one person wants to leave? If one tenant in a joint tenancy wants to leave, they can end their part of the agreement. We will work with both tenants to make the process as smooth as possible.