Joint council tenancy

What is a joint council tenancy?

Some council tenancies are held by a single person, this is called a sole tenancy. Joint tenancies are held by more than one person, usually married couples or partners living together.

If you are a joint tenant, you are responsible for all aspects of the tenancy both separately and jointly, including paying the rent. You cannot share or divide up the rights and responsibilities. If one tenant breaks the conditions of tenancy it is the responsibility of both tenants. If one joint tenant gives notice to terminate the tenancy, the whole tenancy will end. If you leave the property you are still responsible for the tenancy until you sign to terminate or assign it.

Can I make my partner a joint tenant to my council home?

If you want to change your council home sole tenancy to a joint tenancy you should contact Housing Services to discuss the matter.

Email: housing.services@eastriding.gov.uk

Tel: (01482) 393939

If you are a joint tenant, you are responsible for all aspects of the tenancy both separately and jointly, including paying the rent. You cannot share or divide up the rights and responsibilities. If one tenant breaks the conditions of tenancy it is the responsibility of both tenants. If one joint tenant gives notice to terminate the tenancy, the whole tenancy will end. If you leave the property you are still responsible for the tenancy until you sign to terminate or assign it.

I am a joint council tenant but have moved out of the property. Am I still responsible for the rent?

As joint tenants you are individually responsible for the whole of the tenancy, for example, if any rent payments are missed, one or all of the joint tenants can be held responsible for the money due. This applies to all of the conditions of tenancy. If you leave the property you are still responsible for the tenancy until you sign to terminate the tenancy or assign it.

If you are a joint tenant, the whole tenancy will end if you, or the other tenant, end the tenancy on their own. The council does not legally have to allow the other tenant to stay in the property but we will not end their tenancy without a good reason. If you are a joint tenant but have left your council home, please contact your area housing office for advice on how to remove your name from the tenancy.

Email: housing.services@eastriding.gov.uk
Tel: (01482) 393939