Common tenancy questions

On the death of a tenant, the tenancy can be inherited by another member of the household if it has been their main home. This is called succession.

One of the following people can inherit the tenancy:

• spouse
• any other joint tenant
• partner (of either sex) who was living with you for at least six months beforehand

If none of the above people qualify or choose to inherit, the tenancy can pass to:

• another member of your family who was living with you when you died
• a carer who lives with you in your home and gave up their only or main home to care for you or a member of your family

These conditions do not always apply if the house was designed or substantially adapted for a person with special needs.

The tenancy can only be inherited twice.

For further information about succession please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Office.

To pass the tenancy to someone else, the house must have been the only or main home of the person for at least 12 months before the date of your written request. This is called assignation.

Contact your Neighbourhood Housing Office for an application form, complete and return to us. You need to tell us their:

• name
• address
• date of birth

We will reply within one month of receiving your application and we will not unreasonably refuse permission.

Please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Office for an application form, complete and return to us. You need to tell us the lodger's:

• name
• address
• date of birth
• proposed rent charge
• and the date you want this to start

We will reply within one month of receiving your application and we will not unreasonably refuse permission.

You and anyone who lives in, or is going to stay in your house and use it as their only home, can apply for a joint tenancy.

The other person(s) must use the house, or intend to use the house as their only or main home.

You must all apply to your Neighbourhood Housing Office in writing.

We will not unreasonably refuse permission.

A mutual exchange is where two or more tenants have mutually agreed to swap houses and have approached us to seek our permission.

You can exchange with tenants from other councils or any registered social landlord. You must first get our written permission before you move house.

Both parties are required to complete an application for mutual exchange and send it to your Neighbourhood Housing Office.

Visit our mutual exchange page for more information and how to apply.

Yes. Please visit SEARCH common housing register and complete a SEARCH for housing application form.

When you download the PDF you can fill in the application form, save the document and return to us by email.

Application forms are also available from any Neighbourhood Housing Office or Customer Service Centre.