Renting a room (house share) - advice please

littlesparkles

My partner and I are in the process of selling our current property and buying a new build house. We will have a gap of around 6-7 months between sale completion and purchase completion so we need to rent. We are looking at either renting a full furnished place (and putting all of our stuff into storage) or the possibility of a house share. The house share appeals because utilities and internet seem to be already included so we wouldn't have to set this up. If we were to house share, is there an official lease or something for this?

BitterAndTwisted

Yep, a tenancy agreement would be required for a house-share and a lodger's agreement if you'll be living in the same property as the owner. Not sure which of these you had in mind.

Couples aren't particularly popular in either set-up in my experience.

HappyMJ

Agreed couples in a house share are unlikely. You would normally be single and get a double room and be allowed to have a one night a week in which your partner can stay over for no extra charge....but as a couple staying every night the bills will be much larger so don't expect a 50/50 split. If it says £60 for a room all bills included then expect a couple to pay £90 a week all bills included for the same room.

littlesparkles

Yes some ads seem to say no couples. Is it just the added expense thing? Or another reason why couples are not liked?

DVardysShadow

littlesparkles wrote: »

Or another reason why couples are not liked?

Imagine being single in a house share with a couple. Everyone will feel their style is cramped.

I suggest you rent unfurnished or part furnished and keep your stuff. If you look at the cost of storage, it is a sizeable contribution to the rent you might pay on a property where you could keep your stuff.

inmypocketnottheirs

I have done a house share just recently. There were 4 rooms that were all single occupancy when I moved in. A couple then moved in later andit really upset the balance of the place. Often in the kitchen at the same time, loud talking and generally treating the pace like it was theirs exclusively.

I am not saying OP that you would be lie this, but a general outline as to why couples may not be popular.

littlesparkles

Thanks for the replies. We are a nice couple and lived as a couple in house shares during university so we are trained in living with other people, including singles!

I can see your points though. The only reason that a house share is appealing is due to the issue of bills. For example, am I right in thinking that broadband and phone providers want a 12 month contract? If we are only staying for 4-5 months then this would be difficult for us. Also most lets seem to be for 6 months or more.

PasturesNew

Just accept it ... it's the way it is. At least you can split up.... the trouble I am facing is that nobody wants to houseshare with somebody older than their mum and I can't change my age!

Sharon87

I've lived with couples in a house share, it's fine most of the time. Some house shares it's advantageous having a couple as it brings the house bills down as the couple pay a bit more towards the bills usually.

As for bills if you rent by yourself some utilities don't require 12 month contracts. BT can do a 3 month contract for the basic package. Electric and Gas aren't on contracts unless you have a special deal package.

R_P_W

you can transfer your phone/broadband when you move!!

dimbo61

If a couple move into a double room in a house share it can lead to overcrowding !
The single girl/guy in the next room then decides he wants he/her partner to also move in!
Bathroom ratio of 1/4 in any HMO
You would be better to rent a place of your own and arrange for the purchase of your next place to take 6/12 months