Housing tenancy

[Jams1]

Hi all! So my partner had been living with me for a while now with my little one. I’m looking into putting him in my tenancy and If I HAVE to do it. Can anyone tell me what it means for me and what changes there maybe be. To benefits or anything. Thankyou

Is it a tenancy with a private landlord or a council tenancy?

If it is a private tenancy, you may want to contact the landlord to see if he's okay with your partner living there. We have clauses on our tenancy agreements about the maximum time people not on the tenancy are allowed to stay or visit without being on the agreement. Also if you are claiming housing benefit for the tenancy you will need to let them know as the allowances are different for singles and couples.

If he’s already living with you then presumably you’ve declared that for benefits and tax credits already? Adding him on the tenancy won’t create any additional changes.

Once he’s on the tenancy, it will be his home and he will have the same rights to the property as you do. You won’t be able to make him to leave if you separate; if it’s a social housing tenancy he will be able to end the tenancy unilaterally even if you disagree. On the other hand, he will also be legally liable for the rent and for any arrears or damage to the property - if he isn’t on the tenancy all this is down to you even if he has caused the arrears or damage.

No, you don't have to add him, you only have to tell the benefits agencies. I would not add him. As pointed out, then you can't kick him out and if he's insisting it's a red flag to you that he should not be living with you and your 'little one'.

If it’s a private tenancy you need to tell your landlord or managing agent. I’d bet my bottom dollar there is a clause about it.
He doesn’t need to be a tenant but he will need to be a permitted occupier.