You have the right to take in lodgers or rent your flat to anyone you wish. You do not have to ask our permission, but you must let us know. Before sub-letting your home, you must:
- Obtain the consent of your mortgage lender if there is an outstanding mortgage on the property. This includes a Council mortgage.
- Ensure that any tenancy agreement requires your tenant to comply with the terms of the lease referring to the use of the property, building and estate. You should provide your tenant with a copy of the lease. If your tenant creates a nuisance the Council will look to you as the leaseholder of the property to remedy the problem.
- Make provision for the property to be insured as required by the lease. You will need to advise your insurer that you intend to sub-let and ensure that your insurance cover remains effective whilst the property is let.
- Advise the Council’s Legal Services by written notice of the sub-tenant, as required by your lease. You will be required to pay a registration fee to the Council.
- Provide details of your contact address, or the address of your appointed managing agent during the period of subletting, as the ground rent, insurance and service charge will remain your responsibility as the leaseholder.
If you let your property you will become a landlord in the private sector. As such you will have obligations towards your tenants. Lewisham Council operates an accreditation scheme for private sector landlords. If you are interested in getting this accreditation, please contact
London Borough of Lewisham Private Sector Leasing on 020 8314 6753.
Do we have your correct details?
We know that many of our leaseholders do not live in the leasehold property for various reasons. Whatever reason for not living in the leasehold property, we need to have your correct contact details.
This is particularly important in an emergency situation, e.g. leaks from or into your property. The quicker that we can contact you, the less damage is likely to both your property and neighbouring properties.
Contact the Leasehold team to update your contact details.
