Living with Family: Accommodation Evidence for UK Spouse Visas

Living with Family: Accommodation Evidence for UK Spouse Visas

The Home Office allows partners applying for the UK spouse visa to live with family members. If you’re applying for a UK Spouse Visa and plan to live with family members after your partner joins you in the UK, you must show that the accommodation is suitable and legal.

This article what counts as adequate accommodation when living with family, the documents you’ll need to submit, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Read our article on 🔗 UK Spouse Visa Accommodation Requirements

Why Is Accommodation Evidence Important?

When applying for a UK spouse visa under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, you and your British partner need to show evidence of adequate accommodation in the UK, without relying on public funds. The Home Office has strict guidelines on what qualifies as adequate accommodation. To satisfy these requirements, the accommodation must:

• Be owned or legally occupied by you, your family, or your partner.
• Be available exclusively to you and your partner.
• Not be overcrowded as defined in Part X of the Housing Act 1985

This is especially important if you intend to live with family members such as parents or siblings, as the Home Office will want to ensure everyone has enough space and the living situation is stable.

Check out our article on what qualifies as adequate accommodation under UK Immigration Rules 🔗 What Constitutes Adequate Accommodation

What Counts as Adequate Accommodation?

To be Adequate accommodation must meet the following criteria:

• It is not overcrowded according to the statutory overcrowding standards.
• It does not contravene public health regulations.
• You have permission to live there.

You can read more about overcrowding standards under the Housing Act 1985.

Can You Live with Family When Applying for a UK Spouse Visa?

Yes. Many couples initially stay with family members in the UK due to financial or transitional reasons. This is allowed under immigration law as long as the accommodation is adequate and properly documented.

Required Evidence When Living with Family

If you’re staying in a family member’s home, you should prepare the following documents to submit with your UK Spouse Visa application:

1. Letter from the Family Member Providing Accommodation

The letter from your family member should confirm the following information:

• Their relationship to the sponsor
• That they own or rent the property
• That they give permission for both the sponsor and applicant to live there
• How long they plan to offer this accommodation

2. Proof of Ownership or Tenancy

Included one or more of the following:

• Title deeds or mortgage statement
• Tenancy agreement (if rented)
• Council tax bill or utility bills

3. Property Inspection Report (Highly Recommended)

This optional but useful document confirms:

• The number of rooms and occupants
• Whether the property meets the legal standards

Professional inspections are typically carried out by qualified surveyors. It’s a helpful way to show the Home Office the property is not overcrowded. You can read more about this at Shelter UK.

4. ID and Immigration Status of the Homeowner

If your family member is providing accommodation, provide a copy of their British passport or residence

5. Photographs and Layouts (Optional)

Images of the home and room layout can further demonstrate the suitability of the property.

Example Scenario: Living with Parents

Fatima, a British citizen, is sponsoring her husband Yusuf’s UK Spouse Visa. She lives with her parents in a 4-bedroom house. Her parents write a letter confirming Yusuf and Fatima can live with them. They also provide the mortgage statement, a utility bill, and arrange a property inspection report.

This evidence is submitted with the visa application to prove that there is enough space for the couple and that the arrangement is lawful and stable.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

No Permission Letter: If you don’t provide a letter from your family confirming they allow you to live there, the application may be refused.

Insufficient Evidence of Property Ownership: The Home Office must be satisfied that the property is under the control of the person offering accommodation.

Ignoring Overcrowding Rules: Many refusals result from overcrowded living conditions. Use official guides to calculate room occupancy or request a property inspection report.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Always provide updated documents (within the last 3 months).
• Include a detailed cover letter explaining the living arrangement.
• Submit all evidence in English or with certified translations.

In conclusion

Living with family is a perfectly acceptable accommodation option for UK Spouse Visa applicants. However, the key is providing the right evidence to prove that the space is suitable and that you have permission to live there.

Get in touch with Gateway Immigration Services Limited to ensure your application is strong, complete, and ready for approval.