Maximum number of occupants
This term refers to the maximum amount of people who will be living in the property, with the property being their main residence. This covers people who you may not usually include on a tenancy agreement, such as children.
For example, if you had a married couple with two young children who wanted to apply for the property, the maximum number of occupants should be set at four to take account of the children, even though only two people will be named on the tenancy agreement.
Who counts as a tenant? Who should I name on the AST?
We recommend that all adults (over the age of 18 years old) that are going to be living in the property as their main UK residence, are named on the tenancy agreement.
This is so each person that is living in the property has a joint and several liability to uphold the conditions of the tenancy agreement, for example, paying the rent and maintaining the condition of the property.
Naming all tenants will also safeguard both the landlord and other residents in the property, in case at some point there is ever a tenancy dispute, each person's responsibility is clear and legally binding.
What about referencing?
Being named on the tenancy agreement is separate to who is referenced and who isn't. It is completely up to the landlord who is referenced as part of a 'Rent Now' application. A tenant can still be named on the contract and not referenced, however, this may impact your eligibility for Rent Guarantee Insurance.