UK Landlord Forum / Life

Where a couple are renting your property, should they both be named on the tenancy agreement, or only one?  What are the pros and cons for  this?   A friend of mine has stated that couples will often have the agreement only in one name, so that they can claim for housing benefit .   It seems to me that if both are on the agreement, that doubles the number of people responsible for  paying the rent .   As my property is currently up for rent, I'd be interested in feedback from more experienced landlords.  Should I insist that both people, in a couple should be named, or be happy to accept just one? 

Thanks in advance.

Quote from: impis on February 21, 2019, 10:04:57 PM
A friend of mine has stated that couples will often have the agreement only in one name, so that they can claim for housing benefit .

The only way that would make any difference is if they are commiting benefit fraud. I'm not sure if that's your target tenants.

Quote from: impis on February 21, 2019, 10:04:57 PM
It seems to me that if both are on the agreement, that doubles the number of people responsible for  paying the rent .

You already know the answer to your question.

Quote from: impis on February 21, 2019, 10:04:57 PMShould I insist that both people, in a couple should be named, or be happy to accept just one?

Both. They are "jointly and severally liable"... which is good for you. In effect it means you have 2 parties to chase and - even better - you can choose which one of them is your better target (if it's obvious that one might pay and one won't then you can focus your efforts on that party). Good, innit?

Thank you for taking the time to reply.   It is as I thought, and I have instructed my agent accordingly.