How much rent to charge for a room in my house?

mlz1413

check this page of direct.gov out
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/TaxOnPropertyAndRentalIncome/DG_4017804

It states the limit for the rent and clearly states that income from extras (meals, laundry) will be added to income of the rent.

I think most private lodgers expect to pay a set rent that includes fair use of all the facitlies (ie heating, cooking) but as hearts points out HB lodgers may not be the same.

PasturesNew

Yes, if a rent includes bills (electricity, gas, water, etc) then an amount will be deducted from HB as the tenant will be expected to pay these out of their JSA.

bluejosiah

Thanks all,
Pasturesnew - yes littlemissmoney was right, I only said that because the person who had crossed my path in search of a room is on housing benefit.

Yes, I knew from previous experience that the council will deduct the charges for the extra's, that is fine. I have listed them all on the form, and broken down the rent charged in my letter to the tenant. I would have preferred to have the rent as stand alone but it was the agreement the tenant and I came to.

Thanks for the advice about the mortgage, it is not an issue on this occasion.

And as for the tax-man, I won't be above the tax-free threshold.