Different tenancy types have different rules about who can live in the property and who can move in e.g whether you can have a lodger. This section explains what to do if you want to change occupants or the occupants have changed beyond your control. You must live in the property as your main or only home. If you do not live in the property as your main home or you sub-let it, you will no longer have a secure tenancy and can be evicted. You can get more information and advice from your managing agent.
You must not transfer, hand over or sub-let the whole property to another person, or allow the property to become overcrowded by other people living or staying there. If you are a secure tenant, you must not sub-let or hand over a part of your property without first obtaining the written permission of the Director of Housing (which will not be withheld unreasonably). You are allowed to take in lodgers, but you must tell us immediately if you do and you must not allow your home to become overcrowded. If you are an introductory tenant, you must not sub-let or hand over a part of your property in any circumstances and you are not allowed to take in lodgers. Note: To allow the property to become overcrowded may be an offence. A full definition of overcrowding, together with the permitted number of people that are allowed to occupy the property, is stated in your rent book.
You must tell estate manager if you are going to be away from the property for more than 12 weeks. We will then know you have not abandoned the property. This information will be kept confidential.
We recognise that you may wish to change your tenancy, for example if you get married or want to set up a joint tenancy with your partner. If you wish to apply for a joint tenancy please contact your managing agent. If you are already a joint tenant you may want to set up a tenancy for just yourself, for example if you have divorced or separated from your partner. Again contact your managing agent to discuss the options available. When a tenant dies housing law enables the tenancy to automatically pass to a spouse, civil partner or resident members of the tenant's family, subject to certain conditions. Your managing agent can provide you with more information on this and the conditions that apply. You must notify the council, in writing, within 28 days, of any permanent change in the people living in the property.
Empty council properties are usually awaiting repair, redecoration or re-letting and we are keen to ensure that they stay empty so someone on the waiting list has the opportunity to find a new home. The laws on squatting are complex and the council cannot simply evict a person who is squatting. However, if you become aware of squatters in a council property that you know should be vacant, please do tell us so we can then begin action. This applies generally to unknown and suspicious occupants. If you see anyone suspicious or who appears to be squatting in a council property, please contact your estate manager or call the Illegal Lettings Hotline number on 020 8871 6556. Any contact will be strictly confidential. 
Further information
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