Sometimes, your living situation changes. You might want to:
- Tell us that someone has moved in with you
- Change your tenancy from just you (a sole tenancy) to one shared with someone else (a joint tenancy)
We’re here to help explain what this means and how to do it.
Do I have to add someone who lives with me to my tenancy?
No, you don’t have to add someone who lives with you to your tenancy. But you must tell your housing officer in writing if someone moves in with you.
You should also let Universal Credit or Housing Benefit know, as this could affect your benefits. Need advice? Speak to your housing officer or our welfare advice team before making any changes.
What information will Apex need?
If you want to apply for a joint tenancy, we may ask you to prove that the person:
- Lives with you; and
- Has done so for at least 12 months (in some cases)
You can use things like:
- Utility bills
- Bank statements
- Letters from official organisations
Who can be added as a joint tenant?
We will only approve a joint tenancy if one of the following is true:
- The person is your husband, wife, or civil partner
- They would be legally entitled to take over your tenancy if you passed away
- They were already living with you when you were given your tenancy
- You’ve been living together in the same household for at least one year
What happens if a joint tenancy is approved?
When a joint tenancy is approved:
- A new joint tenancy agreement will be signed
- Both tenants will have equal rights and responsibilities
- Either person can end the tenancy, and this will end it for both
Note: If one joint tenant ends the tenancy, Apex is not legally required to offer the other person a new tenancy. However, we may allow the remaining person to stay and sign a new agreement.
Not sure what to do?
We’re happy to help. Please contact your housing officer, if you want to:
- Add someone to your tenancy
- End a joint tenancy
- Talk through your options
Telephone: 028 7130 4800