Subletting your home
Shared ownership leases do not allow subletting, and you must live in your home as your main residence, although in exceptional circumstances we may agree to a temporary subletting arrangement.
If you are a leaseholder, your ability to sublet will depend on the terms of your lease and whether our permission is required.
Subletting means renting out all or part of your home to someone else who has exclusive use of the whole property or part of it.
Shared owners
Shared ownership leases do not allow subletting. You must live in your home as your main residence.
In exceptional circumstances, we may agree to a temporary subletting arrangement. Please contact us to discuss your circumstances. In some cases, selling your home may be a more appropriate option.
If permission is granted, it will be time limited and subject to the conditions set out below. Any rent charged must be reasonable and should broadly reflect your mortgage, rent, service charges, and associated costs. Subletting must not be used for commercial gain.
Leaseholders
If you are a leaseholder, your lease will confirm whether you can sublet your home and whether you need our consent. Where consent is required, we will not unreasonably withhold it, but you must apply before subletting.
If permission is required and granted, it will be subject to the conditions set out below.
Conditions that apply to all subletting
- You must not sublet for commercial purposes, including holiday lets, short-term lets, holiday home swaps, or Airbnb.
- Any tenancy must comply with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and the terms of your lease.
- You remain fully responsible for your tenant’s behaviour and for resolving any breaches.
- You must provide your contact details and an address for service in England or Wales.
- You remain responsible for all rent, service charges, and lease obligations.
- You must obtain your mortgage lender’s consent, where applicable.
There is a fee for providing consent. Please see our Administration Fees.
Your responsibilities as a landlord
Whether you are a shared owner or a leaseholder, if you sublet your home, you will become a landlord and must comply with your legal responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and other relevant legislation.
This includes:
- Keeping the property safe and well maintained.
- Carrying out required gas and electrical safety checks.
- Providing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where required.
- Complying with all relevant legal obligations.
You are also responsible for your tenant’s behaviour and must address any issues or breaches.
Important: LiveWest will deal only with you as the leaseholder or shared owner, not your tenant.
Before you sublet, you should also consider:
- Obtaining your mortgage lender’s consent, where required.
- Considering landlord insurance to protect your interests.
- Ensuring your tenant arranges their own contents insurance.
- Checking any tax implications.
- Ensuring your tenancy reflects the terms of your lease.
If you sublet without permission
Subletting without permission (where required), or breaching the conditions of consent, is a breach of your lease. We will take enforcement action.
Can I sublet my home?
Shared owners: You are not usually allowed to sublet your home and must live in it as your main residence.
Leaseholders: You may be able to sublet, depending on your lease. You may need permission from us before doing so.
If you would like to request permission to sublet, or if you are unsure what your lease allows, please contact us at Homeowner@livewest.co.uk.
What does subletting mean?
Subletting means renting out all or part of your home to someone else who has exclusive use of the property (or part of it).
Can I use AirBnB or short-term lets?
No. You must not use your home for:
- Holiday lets or holiday home swaps.
- Short-term or serviced accommodation.
- Airbnb or similar platforms.
This is a breach of your lease and applies to both shared owners and leaseholders.
Do I need permission to sublet?
Shared owners: Yes. Permission is required and only granted in exceptional circumstances.
Leaseholders: Check your lease. If consent is required, you must obtain it before subletting.
Do I need my mortgage lender's consent?
Yes. If you have a mortgage, you will usually need your lender’s written consent before subletting.
Do I become a landlord if I sublet?
Yes. Whether you are a shared owner or leaseholder, if you sublet your home, you become a landlord and must comply with your legal responsibilities under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 and other relevant legislation.
What are my responsibilities as a landlord?
You are responsible for:
- Keeping the property safe and well maintained.
- Carrying out required gas and electrical safety checks.
- Providing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms where required.
- Complying with all relevant legal requirements.
You are also responsible for your tenant’s behaviour and must deal with any issues or breaches.
Will LiveWest deal with my tenant?
No. We will deal only with you as the leaseholder or shared owner, not your tenant.
What information do I need to give to LiveWest?
If you sublet, you must provide:
- Your contact details.
- An address for service in England or Wales.
- Any information we reasonably request in connection with your application.
Is there a fee for permission?
Yes. A fee applies where consent is required. Please see our Administration Fees.
What else should I consider before subletting?
- Obtain your mortgage lender’s consent, where required.
- Consider taking out landlord insurance.
- Ensure your tenant arranges their own contents insurance.
- Check any tax implications.
- Ensure your tenancy reflects the terms of your lease.
What happens if I sublet without permission?
Subletting without permission (where required), or breaching the conditions of consent, is a breach of your lease. We may take enforcement action.
Can I take in a lodger?
Yes. Shared owners and leaseholders can usually take in a lodger, provided this is allowed under the terms of your lease and you continue to live in the property as your main home.
A lodger does not have exclusive possession of any part of the property and will usually share facilities with you. You must not grant a tenancy agreement to a lodger, as this would create a tenancy rather than a licence arrangement.
You remain responsible for your lodger’s behaviour and for complying with the terms of your lease. LiveWest will deal only with you and not with your lodger.