Monday 12 May 2008
Joint Tenancies
A joint tenancy is when more than one person is named in the tenancy agreement.
Responsibilities
- Each tenant is jointly and individually responsible for the conduct of the tenancy.
- Each tenant is responsible for the full rent being paid – so if one of you doesn’t pay their share, the other must pay the whole amount.
- If one tenant breaches the tenancy agreement, the other can be held responsible.
Each tenant has equal rights
- Either tenant can apply for Housing Benefit.
- If one dies, the tenancy automatically transfers to the other(s).
- If the household breaks up, the joint tenancy can only be changed if all parties agree to the change. If not, a court may have to sort out the matter.
- If you want to transfer the tenancy to a single tenant or to other tenants, all joint tenants must agree, unless a court orders the transfer.
