If you are looking to move a partner, friend, or family member, into your home, it is essential that you consult with your landlord before taking any action. If you move someone in without the landlord’s consent, you will likely be breaching the terms of your tenancy agreement.
Whether a landlord can consent to another person moving into a property depends on several factors:
House Share
If you are renting a single room in a house, the property may be a licenced House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO). HMO’s have strict requirements regarding the maximum number of tenants. This may limit your ability to move in a partner.
Sole Occupancy
If you are renting an entire house or apartment, there are fewer restrictions on moving in a partner or family member. However, space must be a consideration, as landlords have a duty of care to ensure that properties are safe and not overcrowded.
If a landlord can consent to another person moving into the property, you have two options as to how this person can join the property:
Tenant Permitted Occupier The new person may be added to your tenancy as a tenant, sharing all the rights and responsibilities you have.  Pros:  Equal responsibility for rent and property maintenance. Full legal rights associated with being a tenant. Cons:  The new tenant may need to undergo referencing, which could incur a fee. A new tenancy agreement will need to be signed.  A permitted occupier is authorised to live at the property but is not a tenant and does not have the legal rights of one.  Pros: No referencing process or additional costs. Flexibility to leave at any point during the tenancy. Cons: No shared responsibility for rent. No legal rights associated with being a tenant.
Do be mindful that tenants and permitted occupiers must be able to prove their right to rent in the UK.
If you have any questions or would like to proceed, please contact pickard@pickardproperties.co.uk.