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.