Quote Originally Posted by chrissy_uk View Post
Having contacted the council, they seem only willing to provide me with a copy of the tenancy agreement. I requested a letter of consent for my wife to live with me in the UK, but they have indicated that they are unable to provide this. They also do not provide an inspection report, so I will need to get this done by a private surveyor.

How essential is it that I obtain a letter of consent from the council? I really would not want a visa application to be refused just based on this piece of evidence being missing. Perhaps I should ask to speak to someone else about the matter to explain the necessity for a letter?
Don't get overly hung up on this just yet.

Read the tenancy agreement, what does it say about extra occupant(s)?
If it says it's allowed, it will be OK for UKBA. If it's really vague or if it says something like "..to occupy personally and not assign, sub-let or share nor permit use or occupation by anyone else.."
Then naturally you'll need a separate letter from the landlord (council) that your wife can live there.

In my opinion, when living in a council property, there is a legal requirement on the council to comply with all requirements. You really don't need to go to the expense of securing an independent a property inspection report.
Especially if the tenancy agreement with the local council shows the accommodation to be 'adequate'
An independent a property inspection report is more relevant to the private sector and in particular to house of multiple occupancy.

Does the tenancy agreement indicate anything about the living space/rooms etc?
Usually even a 1-bed flat for a couple would be fine.

Please take some time to review your tenancy agreement and satisfy yourself that it says just what the UKBA/ECO is looking for.
Ideally it should confirm details of tenure and occupation of the accommodation, together with a description of the accommodation.

In principle the ECO needs to be satisfied that:-

- The accommodation is availability and adequate
- That (where applicable) the permission of the owner of the accommodation has been given
- That no additional public funds will be necessary for accommodating the applicant in cases where the sponsor lives in accommodation from public funds.
- It is (or will be) owned or legally occupied for the exclusive use of the couple
- It is capable of accommodating the couple, and any children, without overcrowding as defined in the Housing Act 1985
- There is no breach of any tenancy agreement as regards sub-letting

Hope this helps you