UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi there, Could anyone please clarify this for me?

I rent a property out to a 'sole' tenant on an AST agreement.  When he goes out of the country, on holiday, can he move a group of people into the property to stay there whilst he is away? (without checking with me first)

Do you have a clause on subletting in your conract with them ?

If they're guests - house-sitting while the Tenant is on holiday - there is probably little anyone can do, except express your frustration. Tenants are allowed guests. Paying guests... well, no. But, still, it is actually quite hard to have a blanket ban on subletting and assignment.

Thanks very much for your replies. I did expect that to be the case.  It is, as you say, very frustrating when a tenant goes away for a couple of weeks on holiday and you get a call from a neighbour to say that a group of 'undesirables' have moved into the property.  To me this seems a very different situation to tenants having guests to stay for a few weeks. You rent a house to a couple who have been 'vetted' and then end up a group of people you don't even know living there.  Sorry... just having a rant!!! Thanks again.

The standard AST lease used by my agents does have a clause which  I think requires the tenant to inform me if they are going to be away for more than 14 days.I would certainly feel uneasy in your situation.Did the tenant advise you about the length of the holiday,and the nature of the "housesitters" ? If the tenants don't return within a reasonable time,I would send them 24 hours notice of my intention to visit and inspect.Also ask the neighbours to inform you of any suspicious going-on,and the number of people staying there.