If a joint tenant moves out and is replaced, it's often best to:

• end the original tenancy

• sign a new agreement that names everyone who now lives there as a tenant

Otherwise, the person who left is still a tenant. The new person could be a lodger.

Talk to your housemates if you want to leave

Ask your housemates:

• if you need to look for a replacement tenant

• if they could pay more rent if they do not want a new housemate

Agreeing to a replacement

All joint tenants and your landlord need to agree if you find someone to replace you.

Your landlord has to do checks and might want references.

If the replacement tenant moves in without your landlord's agreement:

• you might break your tenancy agreement

• the person who moves out is still a tenant and responsible for rent

• the person who moves in has fewer rights - they could be your lodger

Sign a new joint tenancy agreement

These people should sign the agreement:

• the joint tenants who want to stay

• any tenant moving in

• the landlord or agent

The new joint tenancy agreement replaces the old one.

The person moving out is not responsible for rent with the new agreement. But they could be responsible for unpaid rent from the old agreement.

More on tenancy agreements.

Ending the tenancy

Any joint tenant can give a notice to end the tenancy but this ends the tenancy for everyone.

Check your landlord is happy to start a new tenancy with the people who want to stay.

If you do not end the tenancy, you are still a joint tenant even if you move out.

This means the landlord can still ask you for unpaid rent or damage to the property.

Your deposit

You need to agree what happens to your deposit. For example, if your landlord pays your share back to you.

If you are moving in

It is best to:

• sign a new agreement with your name on it

• pay your share of the rent straight to the landlord or letting agent if you can

If you pay your rent to another tenant

Get evidence that you have a direct agreement with the landlord if another tenant collects and pays the rent money.

Examples of a direct agreement with the landlord include:

• a tenancy agreement

• an email or letter

If you do not have a direct agreement, you might be a lodger. Lodgers have fewer rights.