Could a tenant’s boyfriend moving in turn the property into an HMO if they split?
4 months ago | 19 comments
Tenant refuses to sign joint tenancy agreement?
12:01 AM, 6th January 2026, 4 months ago
43
Categories:
Hello, My tenant, aged 60, moved into the property in May 2022 as a sole tenant. He has been a good tenant and the house is kept in good condition.
I became aware his girlfriend had moved in around April 2025 when I did an inspection visit. We had a discussion about the need to add her to the tenancy agreement, but he was adamant this was something he didn’t want to do, as he said it’s still his home and he wants to be responsible for it alone.
Any advice on what to do would be welcome, please, as I plan to do a new tenancy agreement in preparation for the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1st May 2026.
Thanks,
Deborah
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Related Articles
The tenancy agreement template trap that cost a landlord dearly
4 months ago | 3 comments
What sort of tenancy agreement for this odd situation?
2 years ago | 10 comments
Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 559
10:04 AM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
You cannot compel either the tenant or his girlfriend to enter a new agreement. This situation happens frequently; if the tenant is good then you have little to worry about.
It can be more straightforward if others are named (joint and several liability for one reason, death of the named tenant for another), but generally things work out ok.
Member Since December 2025 - Comments: 2
10:09 AM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
You could offer to make her a permitted occupier rather than a joint tenant if you feel you need something in writing.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 374
10:12 AM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
He probably doesn’t want to pay the council tax or thinks he can kick her out more easily.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 13
10:22 AM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
He may have multiple girlfriends move in (separately of course) over time. I am not surprised he wouldn’t want them on the tenancy agreement.
You wouldn’t put a girlfriend on your house deeds if she moved in.
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
10:35 AM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
You could just ignore the situation but make sure your tenancy agreement includes a no sub letting clause.
Member Since September 2025 - Comments: 29
10:36 AM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
Karen May is correct …. Had a similar situation with a tenant of 13 years and a new boyfriend about 2 months ago. I made the new boyfriend a permitted occupier last month. I also got both my tenant and the new boyfriend to sign a copy of the letter allowing him to be a permitted occupier. This means she is still responsible for the tenancy and the rent.
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 205
10:50 AM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
I must admit I would find it surprising if he was happy to have his gf on the contract at such an early stage. In any case, he should be liable on the contract for any issues she causes as a guest.
I would definitely express concern to him that he did not inform you of the change of circumstances and left you to find out instead.
In the meanwhile, I would send him a formal email or letter stating that you understand that she is staying as his guest and remind him of the liabilities that she generates for him.
I would also review it in 6 months to see if it has become a permanent partnership rather than the casual arrangement that it seems to be atm and then suggest a joint tenancy, if appropriate.
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
11:50 AM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
His girlfriend may not want to be on the tenancy agreement.
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 620
12:31 PM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 06/01/2026 – 11:50
You could add her to the agreement as a permitted occupier.
That way he would still be solely responsible for the rent and she would have no rights as a tenant.
I don’t think that this will change with the new legislation but not 100% sure.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1172
3:50 PM, 6th January 2026, About 4 months ago
I don’t blame him. Landlords have no business trying to force tenants into legal and financial entanglements with other people and putting their home at risk if the relationship breaks up.
I always recommend adding the partner as a Permitted Occupier through a side letter or addendum. That way they don’t owe any rent, (and none should be accepted from them) and they don’t gain any rights. a landlord would have to do a right to rent check though.