Change your name on a council or housing association tenancy
General UK name-change information, not individual legal advice. Requirements can vary by organisation and UK jurisdiction; where a decision matters, check the relevant official guidance.
If you hold a council or housing association tenancy, your tenancy record should show your current name. After a deed poll you can ask the housing provider to update their records, your rent account and the deposit or housing register entries.
Telling the council or housing association
Contact your housing officer or the tenancy team and send a copy of your deed poll with a short covering note. They will update the tenancy file and rent account. Most providers issue a confirmation letter rather than reprinting the whole agreement.
Secure, introductory and demoted tenancies
The type of tenancy does not affect your right to change your name. Whatever the tenancy type, the terms continue unchanged — only the name on the record is updated.
Joint tenancies
For a joint tenancy, tell the council about your new name so the records for both tenants are consistent. The other tenant does not need to change their name.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to update my council tenancy after a name change?▼
Yes. You should tell your council or housing association so their tenancy records, rent account and any repairs or reference requests match your new name.
Will the council reissue my tenancy agreement?▼
Not usually. Most councils update their records and issue a confirmation letter or addendum rather than a brand-new tenancy agreement. The tenancy terms stay the same.
What if I am a joint tenant?▼
Only your name changes; the other joint tenant and the tenancy terms are unaffected. Tell the council so the joint tenancy records are updated correctly.
Free tools to help your name change
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