Friend in need of a room

Uniscots97

Hi, I've lived on my own now for over five years. Recently was let down by boyfriend and a few friends so they aren't about at the moment and I'm not keeping too well at the moment. Another friend (known about seven years), called me this morning to say he needs somewhere to stay. His relationship has broken up. I used to house and dog sit for this friend before I bought my house (he sold his house and moved in with his partner so he has nothing to fall back on now they've split), so we get on ok. I'm very lucky that my house has one shower room and a bathroom so we'd have our own space there. What does everyone think? Is this a good idea? Would my boyfriend understand (trying to sort things out with him)? What sort of rent do I charge my friend? Any other advice? The extra money would mean I could pay off my debt a little faster.

Pollybear

Can you agree on a trial period of, say, 3 months? Takes time to get used to living with somebody else and this would give you a chance to see how you really get on. Make sure you've got something in writing so that either of you can agree to end the arrangement.

summerday

Ask around/ look in paper to see what going ratwes are for renting out a room in your area. Be clear on what bills you are including in the price (eg a lot of people don't include phone bill as a lodger could run up a huge bill).

If I was you I'd find out how much money could be made then speak to bf about what he thinks. Make sure it looks like your'e consulting him but the extra money would be a good thing to talk him round!

Might be worth searching the web to see if you can find a lodger's agreement anywhere that you could use. I'd defo say a trial period would be wise as people can be very surprising to live with sometimes even if you think you know them well!

woodfairy

Hi,

You could try looking at

http://uk.easyroommate.com/

to get an idea of rent in your particular area.

From personal experience I'd do a price including all bills - it makes things easier and you don't have to chase up your friend for money when the gas/ electric bill comes in.

The last time I rented a room, I banned outgoing phone calls on the landline as I didn't want any arguements about the phone bill. If you do this with bt, it will still allow you to dial access codes/ free telphone numbers you need to use others phone companies (eg telco - the line itself is provided through BT and you need to pay them line rental, but all the calls are made through another company and you pay that company directly for them. I'm sure there's a thread/ article somewhere on here which discusses the best one to use!). That way you can set up accounts with different companies and be responsible for your own calls. Or you may find that they're happy just using mobiles.

Finally, I believe it's difficult legally to organise a tenant's agreement when you're living with a lodger as a landlord (sorry, don't know the ins and outs of this as I've only looked into it superficially). But putting down some house rules in a less formal agreement may be a good starting point and avoid arguements later.

Good luck - hope it goes well!

Uniscots97

bf didn't live with me but as we've only just started speaking again I don't want him getting wrong idea about a bloke renting a room! Thanks for the advice will check out the website.

lynzpower

I hate to say this, buit if you BF who things are rocky with DOESNT understand that you would temporarily rent a room ( not share a bed!) which would benefit you ( income) & mate ( vulnerable time & all that) THEN I personally wouldnt give the relationship a second thought.

If theres no trust there isnt a relationship - Im pretty militant about this- can you tell!!!!!

j4m35

Go for it. Here's why:

- The money will be useful.

- If it's meant to be with the boyfriend it'll happen regardless of this decision.


J4m35