Long term "guest"

[Ollie2000]

Hi,

I have a very small flat let out to a single tenant. The tenancy agreement states the maximum number of occupants as one.

The tenant now wants her mother to stay with her as a guest for several months (she would have nowhere else to stay as she is not a UK resident).

Does anyone know where we stand on this?

Thanks in advance.

[Interlaken]

You don't have to allow this. I wouldn't A guest staying for 3 weeks is more than reasonable but no longer.
Is this person needing a tourist visa?

[Ollie2000]

Thanks Interlaken. Not sure about the visa. So I can legally refuse to allow this? Is there any legislation regarding this?

[theartfullodger]

Check room sizes against overcrowding law -see details on Shelter's website.

Landlord can be fined for permitting overcrowding.

[davetg]

Letting the mother stay for 3 months wouldn't bother me at all - what are you worried about?

[jpkeates]

The best approach is for the landlord not to know about the mother staying.

[gnvqsos]

Make sure council are told so 25pc discount is removed.Could invalidate insurance.

[DoricPixie]

Thanks Interlaken. Not sure about the visa. So I can legally refuse to allow this? Is there any legislation regarding this?

I don’t see how you can legally prevent the tenant having a guest stay for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months. It’s the tenant’s home, she has exclusive occupation of the property. At best you could issue a Section 8 using ground 12 for breach of contract but that’s a discretionary ground for eviction so unlikely to be worth doing.

I disagree with the comment about about the council tax discount because the mother is a visitor, is it not her main home. In any case as the resident the council tax is the tenant’s issue not yours.

https://www.tameside.gov.uk/CouncilT...asked-Question

[Ollie2000]

Thanks everyone for your input.