Young tenants

[F-Prop]

Hi All,

Not quite sure how to deal with this one, so I'll throw it open to the group...

I've been approached by a young couple wanting a property I have available. Between them they are earning enough to pass the credit check, but ones 18, and the other is 18 in July.

If I grant a tenancy, how should it be done? Should I just put it in the name of the 18 year old, or include the 17 year old too? I don't think anyone under 18 can be granted a tenancy anyway. Can I add the 17 year old in July when she turns 18... or should I just walk away!!??

Any advice??

Many thanks,

Trevor.

[Simon Dewsberry]

Had same situation some years ago - letting agent found tenant for me and signed them both onto lease which i questioned at the time - but they also had both sets of parents as gaurantors. Luckily there were no problems and they stayed for 2 years but not sure what the legal position would be if there was a problem !

Simon

[Melboy]

The 17 year old will need a Guarantor...below legal age.

Both can go onto Tenancy agreement.

Be absolutely certain when dealing with youngsters though......make sure everything is very watertight.

Mel.

[GPEL]

Just to firm up Mel's point, 17 yr olds cannot be tenants as they are minors in law so don't put them on tenancy agreements as a tenant. Put them on as permitted occupiers. A guarantor would effectively be underwriting everyone's obligations on the agreement if joint & several. I would get a guarantor for anyone under 21 as most problems are known to occur within this age group.