Additional Person Added To Tenancy Contract For Uk Spouse Visa Application

[ssetho]

My wife will be applying for her UK Spouse Visa next month in China and I have just signed a tenancy agreement (AST) with an estate agent for a studio flat. I have asked him, for immigration purposes, to provide me a letter stating that one additional person will be allow to stay at the flat (ie. my wife when she comes over) with me but he told me the correct way to do it is a letter stating that the property is suitable for a couple. He also said it's not possible to put her name in the tenancy contract because she is not in the country yet. Below is the exact letter given to me by the estate agent:

To Whom It May Concern

RE: LIVING CONDITIONS AT (FLAT ADDRESS)

This is to certify that the above property is suitable living quarters for a couple to reside in. We are the managing agents of the property and have had couples living at this address on numerous occasions. Mr (my name) was looking for an apartment that is suitable for a couple and this property fits the criteria.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below. Thanks.

Regards,

(Agent signature)

Has anyone done this before? Any comments regarding whether the above letter is sufficient for UK Spouse Visa application purposes will be greatly appreciated. Somehow, it seems to me the letter is only stating the flat is suitable for a couple and not my wife is allowed to reside in it - maybe I have interpreted it wrongly. On the other hand, I could also interpret the letter as confirmation from the managing agent that there will be no objection to an additional resident (ie. my wife) moving into the accommodation later on.

By the way, the estate agent also said if the Immigration Office communicates with them, they will charge £300 to reply to them because it costs them to register with the Immigration Services. I have never heard of this one before!!!

[ThaiVisaExpress]

A tenancy agreement is fine insert pictures of the property if you feel the need.

All we generally do is submit the above or a mortgage agreement some utility bills and a council tax bill.

[ssetho]

A tenancy agreement is fine insert pictures of the property if you feel the need.

All we generally do is submit the above or a mortgage agreement some utility bills and a council tax bill.

Thank you very much for your advice. Have a great day.

[ThaiVisaExpress]

A letter from the landlord will not harm your case however this is my experience of what my company do.

[ssetho]

A letter from the landlord will not harm your case however this is my experience of what my company do.

I have pushed the estate agent many times to give me a letter for an additional person but, he said the best he can do at this stage is the letter above. Also, because my wife is not in the country yet, he can't include her in the tenancy contract. On hindsight, I should have gone to another agent. Once again, thanks for you advice.

[paully]

The estate agent could, alternatively, at the end of the tenancy agreement where it (normally) states 'other conditions', insert your wife's name and state that she is permitted to live there during the tenancy and initial to indicate his/her agreement to this condition. Your wife would indeed have to be there in person to sign the agreement as a named co-tenant, but not for a licence to reside there.

[ssetho]

The estate agent could, alternatively, at the end of the tenancy agreement where it (normally) states 'other conditions', insert your wife's name and state that she is permitted to live there during the tenancy and initial to indicate his/her agreement to this condition. Your wife would indeed have to be there in person to sign the agreement as a named co-tenant, but not for a licence to reside there.

Thanks for the advice Paully. I have checked the tenancy agreement and it didn't have the "other conditions" section. Nevertheless, he can always add the section into the contract. I guess licence to reside there as you suggested means the landlord has confirmed he will not object to her living there when she arrives in the UK, am I correct? I will definitely ask for it.

[7by7]

The letter in your OP is fine.

Once she is here, it will be a good idea to have her name added to the tenancy agreement, as it can then be used as evidence of you living together when she applies for ILR.

When she arrives, don't forget to tell your local council that you are no longer eligible for the single occupant discount on your council tax.

[paully]

I guess licence to reside there as you suggested means the landlord has confirmed he will not object to her living there when she arrives in the UK, am I correct? I will definitely ask for it.

Yes.

Have her added to the council tax due on the property. The council tax assessment can then also be used as evidence of her living there with you.

Edited May 2, 2010 by paully

[ssetho]

Thanks very much Paully and 7by7, really appreciated it. I will add her onto the tenancy agreement and council tax bill once she arrived in the UK. Nevertheless, I will still ask for a licence to reside in the property from the estate agent as suggested by Paully. I am expecting problems because this agent don't seems to be honest when it comes to money, I will have to fight for it without incurring additional cost. Both of you have a nice day, cheers.

[ssetho]

The letter in your OP is fine.

Once she is here, it will be a good idea to have her name added to the tenancy agreement, as it can then be used as evidence of you living together when she applies for ILR.

When she arrives, don't forget to tell your local council that you are no longer eligible for the single occupant discount on your council tax.

Hey 7by7, Can you please let me know what OP means?

[paully]

Original Post

[ssetho]

Original Post

Thanks Paully