A permitted occupier is an individual who is allowed to reside in a rental property but is not named as a tenant on the tenancy agreement. This means that they do not have legal rights to the property, and their occupancy is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the tenancy agreement.
Permitted occupiers can include family members, partners, and friends of the named tenant(s). Landlords may require that they are informed of any additional occupants, and some tenancy agreements may specify the maximum number of permitted occupiers.
It is important to note that a permitted occupier does not have the right to make decisions about the property, such as making alterations or subletting. They are also not liable for any rent or damage to the property unless they have explicitly agreed to do so in a separate agreement with the landlord.
There are several reasons why a tenant may want to add a permitted occupier to their tenancy agreement. For example, they may want to live with a partner or spouse but are not yet ready to commit to a joint tenancy. Alternatively, a family member may need to move in for a temporary period to provide care or support.
However, it is essential to ensure that the landlord is informed and has given permission for any additional occupants. Failing to do so may be a breach of the tenancy agreement and could result in legal action being taken against the tenant.
Landlords may also have their own criteria for allowing permitted occupiers, such as requiring a background check or a reference from an employer. It is important to check the tenancy agreement to understand the specific requirements and procedures for adding a permitted occupier.
In summary, a permitted occupier is an individual who is allowed to live in a rental property but is not a named tenant on the tenancy agreement. They do not have legal rights to the property and their occupancy is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the tenancy agreement. Landlords should be informed and give permission before any additional occupiers are added to the tenancy agreement.