Stafford and Rural Homes

What is "Assignment"?

In most cases, a new tenancy can only start after the existing tenancy has ended.  The exception is when a tenancy is "assigned".   This means that a new person takes over the existing tenancy, which continues with a change of name . 
 
When can a Tenancy be Assigned?

Tenancies can be assigned in the following circumstances:

• As required by a property transfer order made by a court in matrimonial proceedings
   
• To a person who would have qualified to "succeed"  the tenant,  if that tenant had died immediately before the assignment. This is called "assignment to a potential successor".   This may be used to prevent a dispute between several potential successors, but does not give a blanket right to assign tenancies to relatives.   Please click here to see more informationon "Succession".
   
• By a mutual exchange where a Stafford and Rural Homes tenant exchanges his dwelling with another tenant,  or a tenant of another Registered Social Landlord.   Please click here to see more information about Mutual Exchanges.

What are the consequences of Assignment?

A person who takes over a tenancy by assignment becomes responsible for any existing breaches of the tenant’s obligations e.g. rent arrears, and has to perform those obligations from the date he becomes tenant.   A new tenancy is not created and the assignee becomes a tenant, not a lodger in possession or any other type of occupant.

For further information, please  Email or contact us on 0800 111 4554