The most typical scenarios include:

• A joint tenancy. Everyone shares the property and its facilities. No-one has exclusive possession of any part, even though in practice you may agree to occupy a particular bedroom. There is one tenancy agreement for the property which everyone signs.
• A sole tenancy. Everyone in the property has their own tenancy agreement. They each have exclusive possession of one specific room but share the other facilities such as the kitchen.
• Or one person in the property has a sole tenancy and then sub-let rooms to others as sub-tenants or lodgers.

Your rights and responsibilities will vary depending on whether you have a joint or sole tenancy or whether you are a lodger or sub-tenant. Please see here for further information on:

• Paying the rent
• Ending your tenancy
• Deposits in shared accommodation
• Paying bills in shared accommodation
• Paying Council Tax in shared accommodation
• TV licence

House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

You can check online to see if a property has a HMO licence. If you have concerns about the condition or maintenance of a property that you are living in please get in touch with the Private Sector Housing Team.

 

More information is available in the Tenants Handbook.