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All existing tenants, the incoming tenant, and the landlord sign a written addendum that identifies the original tenancy agreement and records the new tenant's details. From the date specified in the addendum, the new tenant becomes a joint tenant and shares full responsibility for the rent and tenancy obligations alongside the existing tenants.

Landlords must complete a right-to-rent check on the new tenant before they take up occupation, as required by the Immigration Act 2014. This involves inspecting and copying original documents proving the person's right to be in the UK. Failure to carry out the check carries a civil penalty of up to 3,000 pounds per adult occupier found to have no right to rent.

Yes. A landlord has no obligation to accept additional tenants and may refuse. The original tenancy agreement may also require the landlord's written consent for subletting or assignment, which adding a new joint tenant could implicate. If the landlord does agree, the addendum formalises the arrangement and protects all parties clearly.

The existing deposit does not automatically increase. Parties may agree to a top-up, subject to the deposit cap under the Tenant Fees Act 2019. Any deposit held must remain in an approved tenancy deposit scheme, and the prescribed information must be re-issued to all tenants, including the new one, within 30 days of any material change.

Generally no. The addendum should specify clearly that the new tenant is liable for rent and obligations accruing from the date they are added, and should not be made jointly liable for historic arrears. Both parties should ensure the addendum's effective date is stated clearly and that any pre-existing arrears are dealt with separately.

No administration or processing fee beyond the permitted payments under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 may be charged to the tenant for adding a new occupier. Charging an unlawful fee is a civil offence and may result in a penalty of at least 5,000 pounds for a first breach. Landlords and agents must not charge for preparing or signing the addendum.

An occupier who moves in without being formally added to the tenancy may not have the full rights of an assured shorthold tenant. They may lack clear protection against eviction as a contractual tenant. Formalising the arrangement promptly with a signed addendum protects everyone and ensures the tenancy terms are clear and enforceable.

Not necessarily. Where the core terms remain unchanged and only the party composition is updated, a signed addendum is sufficient. A new tenancy agreement would typically be used if the parties also wish to update the rent, change the term, or substantially revise the conditions at the same time as adding the new occupier to the property.