getting a lodger

roses

00ec25 wrote: »

it is irrelevant if there is a lock on the door or not - if the lodger has a TV (does not matter if it's their own or one provided by the LL) in their own room then legally they must have their own TV licence. The house will therefore need 2 licences, the lodger's and the LL's

the LL can be fined if discovered, you must word your contract accordingly

see TV licence website for proof here

That's interesting. Is this a new requirement? I don't remember seeing it before.

What happens if the lodger has a tv but no license? Who gets prosecuted, the lodger or the landlord?

00ec25

roses wrote: »

That's interesting. Is this a new requirement? I don't remember seeing it before.

What happens if the lodger has a tv but no license? Who gets prosecuted, the lodger or the landlord?

no idea when it came in but all that matters is that is now the law!

as stated on the link both the LL and the lodger are liable and they can do either or both. A resident LL in their own home has much more control over knowing if a lodger has a TV and therefore is liable as well

in reality of course they have to catch one of them first, this can come about because of a) informants or b) the TV licence database throws out a warning, the usual one being that someone buys a new TV and their details are different to those already on record

PS you should NOT evade your TV "tax", otherwise where will Jonathon Ross get his next £1M from

DKLS

The last 3 lodgers I had were all Doctors, they were ideal, working long hours and studying lots. They paid on time, and were respectful of the house.

I placed a simple ad in the local hospital and had plenty of interest.

mlz1413

Ensure your lodger knows they are welcome to use the house as their home but to respect that it is not their own.

Ask them what their morning routine is so that you know if your taking on someone who has the same timings as you, ie bathroom & kitchen in use at same time. My lodger started work after me but also got home after me so we never had an issue with this.

Ensure they know that as its your house you get first choice of the tv channel, they can have a tv in their room if they want it. This also applies to internet and computer use if you have them.

Also no friends round without asking first and no sleep overs, be considerate and tell them when you are having friends over.

All utiliy bills should be part of the rent including the fact you lose your 25% council tax allowance. Telephone is outside rent and must be paid for if used. All food is outside rent, if you want to cook for each other that's up to you as you get to know each other. I used to charge enough to cover soap, loo roll, washing powder etc, but shampoo/conditioner and skin lotions are all indiviual choice and not to be shared.

I did all the housework but not lodgers room without asking first, ie do you want me hoover this weekend whilst I've got the hoover upstairs.

I never had internal locks but then I had nothing of value! If this could be a concern buy a small personal safe and keep money and valuables in that.

I'm still friends with my old lodger and I think its important to choose someone you like and trust your gut feeling when you met prospective lodgers.

ITtim

i had a friend lodging with me for a year. I would note these as things to keep an eye out on..

1. smokers. My lodger was a smoker, despite having been told in advance he often had a crafty fag in the room. I think smokers find it hard when they've been used to smoking where they like. In the end its why we told him to go.

2. Be prepared for someone to treat your house poorly. I ended up with broken crockery, dirty walls. I think its true that those who haven't owned their own house don't really appreciate the effort that goes into keeping your house tidy and smart.

3. carefully explain how your appliances work. our lodger would overload the washing machine.

4. Make sure you agree on tv useage. Ours thought that because he had started watching something before we'd come home he could continue to do so .(he had his own tv in his room) I pointed out that he was welcome to watch sky if he was prepared to pay half.... he didn't watch it again.

5. Be prepared to offer some storage space in your loft/garage.

orangeslimes

mlz1413 wrote: »

Ensure they know that as its your house you get first choice of the tv channel, they can have a tv in their room if they want it. This also applies to internet and computer use if you have them.

I wouldn't want to live with someone who thought like that- it is the lodger's home too. I think the nice way to deal with stuff like that if you have any particular program you really like then you can say to your lodger 'I can't live without watching Neighbours every day - do you mind if I reserve the tv at that time?' rather than saying 'I own the house therefore I am better than you' (even better find a Neighbours fan to move in and join you)

Also no friends round without asking first and no sleep overs, be considerate and tell them when you are having friends over.

I suppose that some people might be happy with that - but I wouldn't. especially not if we are just talking about inviting a friend over for a cup of tea.

I'm still friends with my old lodger and I think its important to choose someone you like and trust your gut feeling when you met prospective lodgers.

I agree with that bit though. I think you just have to think about the sort of person who would fit in with your lifestyle and be upfront with them about what you expect. I would sit all prospective tenants down for a cup of tea to suss them out.

Catbells

I've got a lodger at the moment and its working out very well after 4 months. I would suggest contacting businesses direct to find out if any of their employees need lodgings. Secondly (I didn't do this but would in future) specify a trial period - 2 months maybe to see how things go. I change their bedding and do a quick clean up once a week but this depends on how much time you have. My lodger has a radio but no TV - he works long hours and watches dvds on his laptop. We meet every now and again for a cuppa and a meal if I'm cooking one. He doesn't use our kitchen though is free to but his company has a fab canteen so he uses that mostly. I would proide a microwave or a cooking ring if I had another lodger though. He's had his girlfriend to stay for a week for which he paid a bit extra and when he goes on holiday he pays half rent.

ali-t

I have had 3 lodgers over the last 4 years and it has worked well with very few issues. One was asked to leave as he had an annoying habit of leaving the patio doors wide open or unlocked all night. He was also a smoker despite stating initially that he wasn't.

I get round a lot of the problems regarding tv etc by giving my lodger 2 rooms. there is a single bedroom with storage and a double room that functions as a 2nd living room. they are more than welcome to come down to my living room but none of them have done this regularly as they prefer to have a private den and it feels less like living in someone elses house because they have a space I don't go into.

Rimo2021

anotherginger wrote: »

when it comes to deciding on times for central heating, discuss it with your lodger!

anotherginger wrote: »

it's reasonable to give your lodger at least a couple of cupboards and half the fridge.

its easier if you don't specify times that your lodger can use the kitchen - thats not very nice and its their home too.[/QUOTE]

anotherginger wrote: »

it'll be first come first served unless you state what time you will be in there at. if you miss this time, you can't get annoyed if they are in there, you were late afterall.

anotherginger wrote: »

don't expect to be able to change the channel if your lodger is watching something.

anotherginger wrote: »

i would say no to the suggestion of a lock on the door. it makes the house feel less like a home

anotherginger wrote: »

it is likely that there will be a boyfriend/girlfriend or whatever, you'll have to accept this!

anotherginger wrote: »

in terms of housework - i'm a lodger in someones house, i'm not sharing with friends. therefore it's my landlords job to take care of the property including the cleaning. i don't buy cleaning products for the house.

i think i've made enough points for now! any questions feel free to ask!
thanks,
v

Sounds like you want your landlord to do everything in his power to make you feel his home is your home too - and yet clean up after you ... (after all you walk across those carpets too don't you ?)