Guidance for Tenants: Adding Someone to Your Tenancy
We understand that many families are worried about future housing security, especially with rising private rental costs and long waiting lists. This guidance explains what happens when someone asks to be added to an existing public sector tenancy.
Can I add my adult child or another family member to my tenancy?
In most cases, NO you cannot add an adult child or other family member to the tenancy.
Joint tenancies are only approved in very specific circumstances. Joint Tenancies cannot be used to guarantee that someone can stay in the property after the original tenant is no longer living there.
If you ask to add someone for the purpose of “passing on” the home in the future, your request will not be approved.
Why can’t joint tenancies be used this way?
The Isle of Man does not have succession rights for tenancies. This means:
- A tenancy cannot be inherited, and
- A tenancy cannot pass automatically to a family member, even if they live in the property or provide care.
Allowing people to add family members to avoid this rule would be unfair to other applicants who are waiting, often for long periods, for suitable housing.
When can someone be added to a tenancy?
A joint tenancy may be considered only when:
- Both people share equal, long‑term responsibility for the home
- Both contribute to rent, bills, and household decisions
- The arrangement reflects a genuine long-term partnership, not a future inheritance plan
Requests may be declined if these conditions are not met.
What about carers or family members who help with support needs?
If you rely on a relative or another person for care, this does not automatically qualify them to be added to your tenancy.
However, we will support you to look into alternative housing that meets your immediate needs, or options for supported accommodation if required. We assist your relative in submitted in their own housing application.
Will having Power of Attorney help someone join my tenancy?
No. A Power of Attorney cannot be used to create or guarantee housing rights.
A Power of Attorney:
- Allows someone to help manage your affairs
- It does not give them a right to live in your home
- It does not entitle them to be added to your tenancy.
What happens if something happens to me?
If a tenant passes away or moves into care, the tenancy will come to an end. Anyone living in the property will need to move out, unless they have their own tenancy through the normal allocation process.
We understand that this can feel worrying, and we encourage families to talk to the Housing Team early so that you can consider your options in order to plan ahead.
How can my adult child or family member get housing?
Anyone over the age of 18, living in the home can apply for housing in their own right by completing the housing application form. The form will request information about their circumstances, and their application would be assessed under the uniform criteria, like all other housing applicants.
If someone has lived in the household for a long time or provides essential care, we encourage them to apply early so that they can plan their future housing needs.
We are here to help
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Housing Team.