Do you rent to sharers?
What happens if one of them wants to move out?
All landlords will come across this situation at one time or another:
- The student in a shared student house who drops out of the course
- The tenant in a shared property whose job moves him to another city
- The couple who split up
Changing the tenants seems a simple and straightforward thing to do - but because you are dealing with legal interests in land, it's actually not:
- It’s not a good idea to just cross the outgoing tenant’s name out in the tenancy agreement and write in the new tenant. That won’t be legally effective
- Assignment is unnecessarily complex and may prevent you claiming money due before the assignment took place
- Allowing tenants to sort it out themselves is a recipe for disaster (particularly as breach of the right to rent rules now carries a custodial sentence)
- You also need to be VERY careful about recouping any costs in view of the provisions of the Tenant Fees Act 2019
What you need is a clear straightforward guide which will explain the law in an understandable way and give you a step by step guide on what you need to do
Help is at hand!
Developing a solution
I’m Tessa Shepperson, a specialist landlord & tenant lawyer. For many years I ran my own solicitors firm and now I provide training and information services to landlords and letting agents.
Managing rented property is not straightforward as you are dealing with legal interests in land. One problem area I have seen is where a property is let to sharers for a fixed term but one of the sharers wants to move out before that term is ended.
It is a tricky situation as there are a number of possible courses of action and it is easy to get things wrong. Which is why I have created this kit to help you.
The Changing Tenants Kit
- Guidance section on how to use the kit
- A legal background section which looks at:
- Tenancy Types
- Fixed terms and periodic tenancies
- The different ways that sharers can rent property
- The step by step guide which looks at
- Preliminary issues and an alternative option
- The options available to you during the fixed term
- The options available to you if the tenancy is periodic
- Some further resources
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So, the kit can easily be accessed, for example on your smart-phone, while travelling or waiting in a queue.
Be aware that the kit is wholly electronic. Nothing is sent out by post.
Users feedback on the kit:
Your questions answered:
Q: What if I can’t access the kit or if it does not work on my computer?
A: It should do, this is a standard WordPress website. However, if you have a problem check out our support section, and/or contact us. If the problems cannot be resolved, you can claim your money back under our guarantee.
Q: I am based in Wales, can I use the kit?
A: Only parts of the kit will be valid for you as some legislation, for example the Tenant Fees Act, do not apply in Wales. If you manage property in Wales this kit should be used with caution.
Q: I am based in Scotland, can I use the kit?
A: Scotland has a different legal system, as does Northern Ireland. So although some of the practical points may be relevant, the legal points will not.
Q: How long do I get access?
A: You get ‘lifetime’ access – this means that you will be able to use the kit as long as this site is up and running (ie for the lifetime of this website). Although we only guarantee a 12 months access – so if the site gets taken down for any reason during the first 12 months after purchase, you can claim a refund of a proportionate part your purchase price.
Q: I am a Landlord Law member – do I need the kit?
A: No. This kit is included as part of your membership entitlement.
Q: Can I ask you questions about my particular issues?
A: The kit does not include any ‘one to one’ advice element. However, if you are a Landlord Law member you will be able to ask questions via our members’ forum.
Q: I prefer not to pay online – can I pay by BACS or cheque?
A: No. We only accept payment via our online system. However, you can elect to pay by either credit / debit card or pay pal.
Q: I only let to families – do I need the kit?
A: The kit is a reference to help you deal with the situations where one of joint tenants wants to leave early. If both partners are on the tenancy agreement, this is a situation which could arise – for example, if one partner moves out leaving the other in occupation (maybe with the children). So it could well be relevant for you. But I agree that you are less likely to need it than if you rent to a group of young professionals or students.
Q: What do I do if I want to cancel?
A: See our guarantee below
Our guarantee to you
If you find the kit is unsuitable for you in any way – all you need to do is email us requesting a cancellation not later than 30 days after purchase, giving your reason why.
We will then cancel your purchase (and your access) and refund your money within 14 days.
How to buy the kit
- If you have bought anything else from us in the past – eg the Property Inspection Kit – you will need to log in. Use your email as your username and if you can’t remember your password, click the lost password link to get a new one
- Come back to this page and click the buy now button
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*Note – Do not buy this kit if you are a Landlord Law member as it is included with your membership.
