Tenant wants to move brother in

by Readers Question

8:34 AM, 24th June 2014, 12 years ago 5

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Landlord News Landlords Questions

I have a DSS tenant who lives in a two bed house with her young daughter ( 3yrs old). She has now asked if her 18 year old brother can move in.

My questions are;

Is this allowable?

Will it affect her benefits?

If it’s allowable would I have to add him to the tenancy agreement?

The existing tenant has been with me for two and a half years but has recently been asking if I have any houses with bigger kitchens and possibly three bedrooms, the afore mentioned may be the reason why.

Thanks

David

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Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118 Read Full Bio

Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12217 - Articles: 1412

8:38 AM, 24th June 2014, About 12 years ago

Hi David

I would probably treat this in exactly the same way as a new tenancy application, i.e. referencing, guarantor request where appropriate, new AST and deposit protection etc. etc. That way you’re covered.
.

3 Report Comment Reply
Julie Ford

Comments: 60

10:00 AM, 24th June 2014, About 12 years ago

HI David, in short, yes this will affect her beneifts, it will be up to her to inform the counicl of the new occupant.
However if you are known to beware of the brother moving in and you know the tenant has not informed the council then the responsability also lies with you to inform them im afraid.

I would take Marks advice above, add the brother as a tenant so he is jointly liable for the rent and easier to evict if you need to.

2 Report Comment Reply
Sally T

Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 128

11:29 AM, 24th June 2014, About 12 years ago

Is the brother still in full time education or is he working ? It makes a big difference as one would increase her benefits as he could be considered a dependant, the other would reduce her benefits as he would be earning money.

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Colin McNulty

Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 161

8:46 AM, 28th June 2014, About 12 years ago

As I understand it, this could be a very good thing. If the brother is also entitled to housing benefit in his own right, you can up the rent and have them both claim for LHA. Seek out Aki Ellahi who’s an expert in this area.

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david Earnshaw

Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 12

1:49 PM, 28th June 2014, About 12 years ago

Thanks all for your input, I will gather more info on the brothers status and come back to you all.

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