Tenant request for parents to stay for 1-2 months

[Frederick]

Hi - looking for advice on best practice in how to handle a situation.

Current tenants moved in Jan, a couple with a little boy. Two bed flat. They have paid on time and are generally good tenants, some issues with cleanliness but after 6 monthly 3rd party condition check they have improved.

They are foreign nationals but all correct RTR checks etc in place. They have advised they are pregnant with another child due December and that due to lack of support network here, they would like to bring mothers parents over to help with birth, arriving Nov and staying for a couple of months. The mum to be works for the NHS, dad uber.

All reasonable enough, from a human perspective. It’s not massive flat by any means, and previous tenants caused significant damage by subletting to multiple extra people without consent, so I am wary of facilitating natural extra ware and tear from two additional adults, but also don’t wish to be unreasonable/over bearing in trying to get more rent etc at a time when money will be tighter; having literally just had a child myself.

What is accepted best practice in this situation, on both handling legal/documentation side, and also just any advice generally. I have no reason to distrust the tenants or assume the worst, but obviously my previous experience is fresh in my mind.

Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[mod_harry]

Hi @Frederick,

Many landlords take a relaxed attitude to guests staying over once in a while but clearly anything which could be deemed “semi-permanent” would require your approval, which you could withhold if you’re not comfortable.

[A_Z]

My tenants did similar . They alleged it was a guest that was staying three months which was increased to six months and then when one visa expired the next in law came over
I charged £100 pcm per head
My reasoning is that my price was based on two adults and a child not three adults and they need to pay for wear and tear

[David122]

Its petfectly reasonable for a tenant to have guests to stay for extended periods. Its good that they asked your consent. You should ask for the request formally in writing and signed, to cover yourself. They would not be regarded as permanent residents for at least the first 6 months or so.

[tatemono]

if you agree to it, you will need to inform your insurance co and, if you have one, your mortgage lender.

[Gary]

But is it reasonable for 4 adukts and a child to ALL sleep in a 2 bed flat?

[David122]

On a temporary basis, yes. However, if the bedrooms are big enough and there is a separate lounge, it wouldnt even be statutorily overcrowded on a permanent basis.