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Please help, what is the difference between a Tenant and a permitted occupier?

I shared a flat with a friend (tenant) as she recently signed a 2-year contract and my name is included as a permitted occupier. However, due to circumstances, I decided to leave with the Tenant's consent. The Tenant and I had an internal agreement that she will return the deposit and agent fee to me and we both signed a handwritten document. Now, I asked her for the deposit and agent fee but she said she will no longer return anything to me as I breached the contract. As a permitted occupier, what rights do I have? Did I really breach the contract to the Landlord? Is a permitted occupier bound to the Tenancy Agreement between the Tenant and the Landlord?

Appreciate your replies. Tks!
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4 Answers

Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of the roles and your situation:

### **Difference Between a Tenant and a Permitted Occupier**

1. **Tenant**:
- **Definition**: The person who has signed the lease agreement with the landlord and is legally responsible for the rent and terms of the tenancy.
- **Rights and Responsibilities**: The tenant has full legal rights and obligations under the lease agreement, including paying rent, maintaining the property, and ensuring compliance with lease terms.

2. **Permitted Occupier**:
- **Definition**: An individual who is allowed to live in the rental property with the landlord’s permission but is not a party to the lease agreement.
- **Rights and Responsibilities**: The permitted occupier does not have legal responsibilities to the landlord regarding the lease and is typically not involved in the financial aspects or contractual obligations.

### **Your Situation**

1. **Internal Agreement**:
- **Agreement Details**: You and the tenant had a personal arrangement for the return of the deposit and agent fee, not covered by the lease agreement.
- **Written Document**: The handwritten agreement may serve as evidence of your arrangement but may not have formal legal standing without signatures from both parties and proper documentation.

2. **Deposit and Agent Fee**:
- **Return of Money**: The tenant’s obligation to return the deposit and agent fee is based on your internal agreement and not on the lease agreement with the landlord.
- **Breach of Contract**: If you left the flat early, you might have breached your internal agreement with the tenant, which could impact the return of your deposit and agent fee.

3. **Permitted Occupier Status**:
- **Rights to Contract**: As a permitted occupier, you are not directly bound by the tenancy agreement with the landlord. Your rights are limited to living in the property as allowed by the tenant.
- **Breach of Agreement**: Any breach would be related to the internal agreement with the tenant, not the lease with the landlord.

### **Steps to Take**

1. **Review the Handwritten Document**: Assess the terms of your agreement with the tenant. This document may be useful in resolving disputes but might lack formal legal enforceability.

2. **Negotiate**: Attempt to resolve the matter amicably with the tenant. Mediation or discussion might help settle the disagreement.

3. **Legal Advice**: Consider seeking legal advice if you believe the tenant is not honoring the agreement. A lawyer can provide guidance on potential actions or claims based on your specific circumstances.

4. **Documentation**: Ensure you have all communication and agreements documented to support your case if legal action becomes necessary.

**Summary**:
- **Tenant**: Legally responsible for the lease and rent.
- **Permitted Occupier**: Not legally bound by the lease but allowed to live in the property.
- **Your Rights**: Limited to your internal agreement with the tenant; any breach would be related to that agreement, not the landlord’s lease.

I hope this clarifies the situation and helps you understand your position better.
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