This is a new one for me, but as long as he has some sort of tenancy agreement, why not ?

Second thoughts...a TOURING caravan. Hmm. Not sure whether the UKBA would be too impressed by that.

I think your partner may have to be prepared to make some changes to his lifestyle (even if temporary) to keep the box-ticking civil servants at UKBA happy.

I would rent a cheap flat and get a tenancy agreement.