This page is for shared owners.
There’s different guidance for homeowners (you own 100% of your home).
You can only sublet in exceptional circumstances
For example, you:
- Need to temporarily relocate for work, study or caring reasons.
- Can’t sell your home because there’s a fire safety issue with your building.
- Can’t live in your home because of a medical reason.
You must get our permission before you sublet and you will need to provide evidence.
Unfortunately, we can’t give you permission to sublet if you receive Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
If we give you permission
You then need to:
- Understand the rules on subletting and being a landlord.
- Get the required documents.
You will also need to pay a £90 admin fee.
Rules around subletting
You should read the following information on GOV.UK to make sure you’re following the law:
Your tenant must sign an assured shorthold tenancy agreement, which should be no longer than 12 months.
We’ll only communicate with you, not the tenant. This means you’re still responsible for reporting communal repairs and paying your service charge.
You can’t rent out your home as an Airbnb or house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Documents you will need
You need the following documents before you can sublet. We will ask for these documents if we’ve given you permission.
- An electrical safety certificate (EICR)
- A gas safety certificate (if your home has a gas supply).
- The letter from your mortgage lender giving you permission to sublet.
You may also need a ‘property licence’ from your local council, which gives you permission to rent out your home. Not all councils require a licence. Check with your local council to see if you need one.
Request permission to sublet
You will need to provide evidence of why you need to sublet.
If you have any questions about subletting, contact us online.