Sub-letting:
In a sub-letting arrangement, the tenant rents part or all of the property to another person. The tenant remains responsible for the tenancy, including the actions of the sub-tenant.
Transferring or Assigning the Agreement:
A tenant can transfer or assign the agreement to someone else, essentially inviting them to take over the tenancy. This transfer includes the existing terms, such as the remaining fixed term and rent, without needing to sign a new agreement.
Additional Occupants:
Informally inviting someone to stay with the tenant constitutes an additional occupancy arrangement. This could involve family, friends, or even strangers, either temporarily or permanently.
Landlord's Consent:
For sub-letting or transferring any part of the property, a tenant must obtain written permission from the landlord. Proceeding without consent breaches the tenancy agreement. However, adding additional occupants within the maximum allowed doesn't require explicit permission.
Landlord's Right to Refuse:
A landlord can reasonably refuse sub-letting or adding co-tenants if it would exceed the agreed-upon number of occupants, local council regulations, involve individuals listed in a tenancy database, or potentially overcrowd the property. If a refusal seems unreasonable to the tenant, they can seek resolution through the Tribunal.
Costs and Bonds:
Landlords or agents cannot charge tenants for sub-letting or adding co-tenants except for reasonable consent-related expenses. Co-tenants can transfer bond money among themselves by submitting a Change of Shared Tenancy Form to update the bond records.