Joint tenancies

A joint tenancy is when more than one person is named in the tenancy agreement.

• Each tenant is responsible for the conduct of the tenancy – if one tenant breaches the agreement, the other can be held responsible.
• 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.
• Each tenant has equal rights.
• Each tenant can apply for benefits to support with housing costs (Universal Credit or Housing Benefit).
• If one dies, the tenancy automatically transfers to the other(s).
• If you want to change from a joint to a sole tenancy, you should think about this carefully and get legal advice, as it has lots of implications for both parties. This is usually done by getting a Property Adjustment Order from the courts.