Request to sublet
At times, homeowners may wish to sublet their property, either as a whole or on a room-by-room basis.
Hastoe will always review requests on a case-by-case basis. Before applying for permission to sublet, please read through this guide carefully and make sure you understand what it means to become a landlord.
Hastoe reserves the right to withdraw permission at any time. Any homeowner in arrears will not have their case reviewed; arrears constitute a breach of the lease, and we therefore cannot proceed.
Types of subletting
There are two main types of subletting: long-term subletting and short-term subletting. Hastoe does not, under any circumstances, allow short-term subletting.
- Short-term subletting: defined as renting out a property (in full or in part) for a period of less than six months. This includes platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and other holiday or temporary accommodation services. It also applies to short-term lodgers, regardless of whether the homeowner is living in the property at the time.
- Long-term subletting: defined as renting out a property (in full or in part) for a period of more than six months. This is done on a long-term basis, where a tenancy agreement is issued.
Short-term subletting
We understand that holiday letting or short-term letting may seem like a harmless way to generate additional income. However, it is important to be aware that Hastoe does not permit any form of short-term or holiday letting.
While we appreciate the financial motivations behind this practice, it brings a number of serious concerns:
- Increased security risks
- Higher instances of anti-social behaviour
- More frequent neighbour disputes
- Elevated noise nuisance
- Greater fire and health and safety risks
- Overall liability concerns, including potential increases in insurance premiums
Where we identify instances of short-term subletting, we will initiate legal proceedings.
Long-term subletting
Shared owners
Shared owners who have not staircased to 100% are not permitted, under any circumstances, to sublet their entire home. Where a shared owner wishes to rent out a room on a long-term basis with a tenancy agreement in place, Hastoe will consider these requests.
Leaseholders
Leaseholders and shared owners who have staircased to 100% are permitted to sublet their home, provided they have express approval from Hastoe and comply with the terms of that approval and all relevant safety legislation.
Long-term subletting conditions
Please be aware that even when the property is tenanted, you remain fully responsible for your tenants’ actions and any associated legal consequences.
Your lease obligations still apply, and your tenancy agreement should clearly reflect these responsibilities.
Permission to sublet is granted on the following conditions:
- The tenancy must be longer than six months; anything shorter is considered short-term subletting.
- If your tenants are involved in anti-social behaviour, we reserve the right to withdraw permission.
- All rights and covenants under your lease remain in place.
- Permission may be withdrawn if your account falls into arrears.
- You must provide an alternative correspondence address.
- You must inform us when the property is tenanted and notify us of any changes in circumstances.
- Your tenants or agents must not contact Hastoe directly; our relationship is with you as the leaseholder.
- The property must be used as a private main residence for a single household and must not be overcrowded.
- The property cannot be sublet as temporary accommodation or as an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation).
- Tenants are not permitted to carry out alterations or additions to the property.
If your tenants damage communal areas or breach estate rules, you as the homeowner will be held responsible. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Excessive noise and nuisance to neighbours
- Using allocated parking bays only and not parking in restricted areas (e.g. blind spots, speed humps, yellow/red lines)
- Keeping pets without prior permission from Hastoe
- Smoking inside flats, on balconies, in corridors, or in communal areas
- Using BBQs in communal areas or on balconies
- Use of illegal substances or involvement in unlawful activities
- Running a business from the property
Becoming a landlord
As a landlord, you become the responsible person and must comply with a number of legal health and safety requirements.
When you use your home to generate income, you must adhere to government regulations. You are fully responsible for the health and safety of anyone living in your property. It is advisable to seek legal advice to ensure full compliance.
General requirements
This includes, but is not limited to:
- A valid Energy Performance Certificate
- A valid Gas Safety Certificate (where applicable)
- Checking with your mortgage provider before letting the property
- Checking whether your local council requires you to obtain a licence
- Seeking consent from your home contents insurer
Health and safety
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Identifying and addressing potential hazards
- Ensuring there is no damp and mould in the property
- Ensuring extractor fans are in full working order
Please note this is guidance only and not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.
Fire safety
When you have tenants, you legally become the responsible person. If any tenants have reduced ability to evacuate quickly and safely, Hastoe must be notified immediately.
As a landlord, you must read, understand, and comply with government fire safety guidance. You must:
- Carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment
- Ensure adequate fire safety measures (e.g. escape routes and alarms)
- Take steps to prevent fire risks
- Regularly review fire risk assessments
- Maintain fire safety measures in good working order
- Ensure furniture complies with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended)
- Keep cooking appliances clean and well maintained
Please note this is guidance only and not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.
Seeking approval
Once you are confident that you meet the requirements for long-term subletting, you must obtain permission from Hastoe.
Using MyHastoe, you should request permission and include the following information:
- How long you intend to sublet for
- Who will be living in the property (e.g. 2 adults, 1 child, 1 dog)
- Confirmation you have checked council requirements
- Confirmation you have checked with your mortgage lender
- A correspondence address for future contact
We will respond within 28 days.