Lodgers and subletting your council home

If you want someone to live in your council home and pay rent, you may be able to take in a lodger or sublet part of your home. The rules depend on the type of tenancy you have.

Taking in a lodger

A lodger is someone who lives in your home and pays you rent. You continue to live in the property and share facilities such as the kitchen or bathroom.

You do not need our permission to take in a lodger. However, you must meet the responsibilities outlined below.

Subletting part of your home

Subletting means renting part of your home to someone else while you continue to live there. Unlike a lodger, a subtenant has exclusive use of part of the property.

Whether you can sublet depends on the type of tenancy you have. Check your tenancy agreement if you are unsure.

If you are a secure tenant

You can apply for permission to sublet part of your home if you continue to live in the property as your main home. 

Before you apply, make sure you understand your responsibilities and the conditions for subletting part of your home (see below).

Use our online form to request permission. 

You will need:

• your name, address and contact details
• the name, address and contact details of the proposed subtenant
• the part of the property you want to sublet
• the date the arrangement will start

Request permission to sublet your council home

Do not make any firm arrangements until you have received written permission from us.

If you are an introductory or demoted tenant

You cannot sublet any part of your home. 

If you want someone to live with you, you may be able to take in a lodger instead.

Your responsibilities 

If you take in a lodger or are given permission to sublet part of your home, you must make sure that:

• the total number of people living in the property does not exceed the property's capacity
• the property remains your main home
• you carry out Right to Rent checks if required by law
• you take responsibility for the behaviour of anyone living in your home

If you claim benefits

Taking in a lodger or subletting part of your home may affect the benefits you receive.

If you claim benefits, you should tell the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before making any arrangements. Your benefit entitlement may change depending on your circumstances.

If you are a leaseholder

Different rules apply to leaseholders.

See Subletting your leasehold property.