Subletting your home FAQs

Your shared ownership property received grant funding for us to be able to provide affordable housing. It continues to receive public subsidy while it's not owned outright.

We as the landlord and you as the shared owner remain bound by the terms of the lease. Those terms prohibit subletting.

However, we understand that circumstances change and we're willing to consider requests for temporary consent to sublet (maximum 12 months). This can only be granted based upon exceptional circumstances. 

We're not permitted to grant consent:

• Where it's clear the shared owner has no intention of returning to live at the property.
• For an indefinite period.

You should refer to the terms and conditions of your property lease/transfer agreement. It will outline the sublet requirements that apply to you and your property.

Even though you own 100% you may require consent or need to register with us to sublet.

As a leaseholder, you don't require permission to have a lodger. However it would be helpful if you could notify us by completing our form (see below). 

As a shared owner, we can give consent for you to have a lodger. However, you would need to ensure the following: 

• You inform us that you're taking in a lodger.
• You don’t give the lodger a tenancy agreement.
• You don't move out.
• The lodger doesn’t have exclusive use of any part of the property except their bedroom.

You would still be responsible for paying any service charge and making sure your lodger is a good neighbour. If your lodger breaches the terms of your lease; for example, by causing anti-social behaviour; it's you as the leaseholder who we'll take action against.

If you've successfully applied to sublet your shared ownership home, whom you let the property to must meet the shared ownership eligibility criteria:

• The tenant(s) will be at least 18 years old.
• The annual household income will be less than £80,000 (less than £90,000 inside London).
• The tenant(s) do not already own their own home.
• The tenant(s) are not in any previous mortgage or rent arrears. They must be able to demonstrate that they've a good credit history (no bad debts or County Court Judgements) and can afford the regular payments and costs involved in renting your home.

As long as you remain at the property family members are able to live there with you.

If you live in a building with age requirements you'll need to check that there is no age restriction within your lease.

No. Short term lets and Airbnb are strictly prohibited for shared ownership properties.

This isn't usually granted if you've chosen to work abroad. It may be considered for temporary relocations.

You may wish to sell your property to work abroad indefinitely. It makes the property available for others looking who are for opportunities to buy their own home through an affordable route.

You're not permitted to profit from the subletting of a shared ownership property. We'll calculate the rental you're able to charge a prospective tenant. This will cover outgoings on the property. For example; mortgage, rent and service charges.

If you're a shared owner, yes. The sum you're allowed to charge your tenant will be affected. We'll calculate the rental you're able to charge a prospective tenant.

Please contact us to review your individual circumstances. You may be able to sublet whilst cladding issues are resolved.

You don't have to use a letting agent. However, it's advisable.

If you're a shared owner, as part of your application you'll need to ensure a fixed-term assured shorthold tenancy agreement is provided.