Can a Carer Move In? Your Rights as a Renter in England

If you are renting your home in England and need a carer to live with you, you may be unsure about your rights or worried about your tenancy. Whether your carer is a family member, friend, or professional support worker, it’s important to know the legal position and what steps to take. This guide covers your rights, how to approach your landlord, and what official processes or forms may be needed.

Understanding the Basics: What is a Carer?

A carer is someone who supports a person with a disability, mental health concern, or age-related need. In rented housing, you may want or need a carer to live with you to assist with daily life. English law offers protections in these circumstances, including reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010¹.

Your Right to Live with a Carer in Rented Property

Renters who have a disability or significant health issue are protected from discrimination under UK law. Landlords must consider equality and anti-discrimination laws if you request to have a carer live with you.

• Assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) are governed by the Housing Act 1988².
• Landlords must not act in a way that disadvantages disabled tenants compared to others (Equality Act 2010).

However, your tenancy agreement may include clauses about who can live in the property or require written permission from the landlord for someone new to move in.

When You Need to Inform Your Landlord

• Most tenancy agreements require you to notify the landlord before someone moves in permanently.
• If your need for a carer is due to a disability, you are entitled to request a ‘reasonable adjustment’.
• Insert your request in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Official Forms and Practical Steps

While there isn’t a specific ‘carer moving in’ form for renters in England, some formal processes may help:

• Request for Reasonable Adjustment (under the Equality Act): Put your request in writing, explain why a carer’s presence is needed, and reference your disability if applicable. The Equality Act guidance provides a template and practical advice.
• Change of Occupant Form (private landlords or councils): Some housing associations or councils will have a specific form—ask your landlord or check the council website. For council tenancies, this is often called an ‘application to add occupant’ or ‘request to alter household’.
• Housing Ombudsman Complaint Form: If you believe your request was unfairly refused, you can complain using the official Housing Ombudsman complaint form. Submit this if informal resolution fails.

Example: Sam, a disabled council tenant, wants her sister to become her live-in carer. She writes to the landlord with a doctor’s letter and fills out the local council’s change of household form, supplying proof of need.

What If My Landlord Says No?

If your landlord refuses for reasons not allowed under the law (for example, because they don’t want a disabled person to have a carer), this could be considered discrimination. In England, housing disputes and discrimination claims can be addressed through the Housing Ombudsman or by applying to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

• Try to resolve with your landlord first by explaining your needs and rights.
• If resolution fails, seek advice or make a formal complaint.

The tribunal and ombudsman can rule on disputes around reasonable adjustments and tenancy terms.

Can My Landlord Increase Rent or Change My Tenancy?

Landlords cannot raise rent or change your tenancy terms simply because you’ve asked for a carer to live with you in relation to your disability. Rent increases have separate legal processes under the Housing Act 1988.

If your request is refused or you face retaliation (such as threats or rent increases), document all communications and seek prompt advice from an official source, such as Shelter or your local council.

Summary of the Steps Involved

Getting approval for a carer to live with you usually involves:

• Reviewing your tenancy agreement for occupancy clauses
• Making a written request to your landlord stating your needs
• Providing supporting information (e.g., doctor’s letter)
• Using official forms for council or housing association tenancies if required
• Escalating to formal complaints or the tribunal if necessary

This approach ensures you are protected under current English housing law.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to tell my landlord if a carer moves in with me?
   Yes, in most cases you must notify your landlord if someone moves in permanently. This is typically stated in your tenancy agreement.
2. Can my landlord say no to a live-in carer?
   Your landlord cannot unreasonably refuse your request if having a carer is a reasonable adjustment for a disability. If they do, you may have grounds for a complaint or tribunal claim.
3. Is my carer allowed to have their own key?
   Yes, if your carer is living with you as part of your household, they will usually need a key. Let your landlord know as part of your written request.
4. Where can I get help if my landlord refuses my request?
   You can seek free advice from your local council, the Housing Ombudsman, or organisations like Shelter. You may also apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
5. Can my housing benefit or Universal Credit be affected if I have a carer living with me?
   In some cases, having a live-in carer who is not part of your family can affect how your benefits are calculated. Always check with the official Housing Benefit service.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• You have the right to request a carer live with you if you need one for disability or health reasons.
• Always make requests in writing with supporting documents and check if forms are required by your landlord or council.
• Help is available from the Housing Ombudsman, tribunals, and official channels if you face problems or discrimination.

Knowing your rights allows you to live safely and get necessary support in rented housing in England.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Housing Ombudsman Service – free, impartial complaints resolution for renters
• Official Equality Act Guidance – government information on your rights as a disabled renter
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – handles housing and tenancy disputes
• Equality Act 2010: Guide for Tenants
• Find your local council for direct tenant support in your area

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1. See Equality Act 2010 for anti-discrimination and reasonable adjustment guidance.
2. See Housing Act 1988 for rules on private and council tenancies, occupancy, and rent.

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