As a rule, a lodger is someone who lives with you but does not have use of any rooms that no-one else can use, (for example they share meals with you and they do not have a room of their own that they can lock). A sub-tenant is someone who lives in your home and does have exclusive use of a room that no-one else uses.
You have the right to have a lodger or sublet part of your home as long as it does not result in overcrowding your whole accommodation. You do not need our permission to take in a lodger, but you do need to write to us requesting permission to sublet part of your home. In both circumstances, we would ask that you tell us your lodger or tenant’s name, age and if you are charging them rent.
Please remember that you are responsible for the behaviour of any one who lives with you and if you want them to leave, you will have to arrange it your self. If you receive Housing Benefit, your entitlement could be affected if you have a lodger or a tenant.
You are not allowed to sublet the whole of your property, i.e move out and let someone else live there. If you do this we will take action to end your tenancy with us.