Assignment means you transfer your tenancy to someone else. They become the tenant.

You need to sign a document called a 'deed of assignment'.

Always speak to your landlord first. Get them to agree in writing.

You can only assign a council or housing association tenancy in certain situations.

When you can assign your tenancy

You could give your tenancy to someone else if you want to:

• swap homes with another tenant

• change who keeps the tenancy if you and your partner split up

• pass your tenancy to a family member

How to start

Check what kind of tenancy you have. It should be on your tenancy agreement.

Ask your landlord if you are not sure what your tenancy is.

You need to know what tenancy you have because there are different rules. For example, secure and assured tenants have different rights.

Swapping homes with another tenant

You can usually swap with another social housing tenant if you have a secure or assured tenancy.

This is called a mutual exchange.