If you want someone to live in your council home, 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 make sure that:
- the total number of people living in the property does not exceed its capacity
- the property remains your main home
- you carry out Right to Rent checks if required by law
- you take responsibility for your lodger's behaviour while they live in your home
Subletting your property
Subletting means renting part of your home to someone else while you continue to live there. Unlike a lodger, a subtenant has their own rented part of the property.
Whether you can sublet depends on the type of tenancy you have.
If you have a secure tenancy
You can apply for permission to sublet part of your home, provided you continue to live in the property as your main home.
To request permission, write to us and tell us:
- which part of the property you want to sublet
- who will be living there
- when you want the subletting to start
- you will continue to live in the property as your main home
Do not make any firm arrangements until you have received written permission from us.
If you have an introductory or demoted tenancy
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. See the guidance above.
If you are a leaseholder
Different rules apply to leaseholders. See Subletting your leasehold property.
If you receive 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.
Contact the Tenancy Management Team
Speak to customer services
If you need to speak to someone about this topic, you can ring or visit our customer service centre.
