Contract/Aggreement for Lodger

JessFox

I rent my flat privately from my Mum and decided to take on a lodger to help with the rent and bills. It's the first time I've ever lived with some one else and we decided against having a contract/agreement, as long as the house rules were understood and when the lodger wanted to move on, they would give a decent amount of notice (2-3 weeks at least). Today (29th) my lodger informed me that they would be moving out on the 1st (2 days time). And they can do this because we have no written agreement. So when I find a new lodger I want a written agreement/contract so that this won't happen again. I've looked at tenancy agreements but this is far too indepth for what I need. Any suggestions as to where I can find examples of agreements specificly for live in tenants/lodgers?

G_M

Whilst an agreement is a good idea, to ensure both your and you lodger's responsibilities to each other are clear (glad to hear you also have written 'house rules'!), I would advice against a long notice period.

Yes, it has the advantage that if/when your ledger leaves you can plan for the next one in advance, but the downside is when you find yourself with a lodger who is making your life hell.

there have periodically been posts here from people with terrible lodgers, in a few cases where they were being intimidated in their own homes.

Far better to be able to get rid of an unwanted lodger asap.

LODGERS (Licencees)
A lodger (broadly) lives in the same property with their resident landlord, and shares facilities. Unlike tenants, lodgers have few rights.

The Housing Act 1988 provides definitions of 'Resident Landlord' and 'same property'.

There is advice for landlords considering taking in lodgers here:

LodgerLandlord (General information site)

Landlordzone (General advice on taking in lodgers)

Renting out rooms in your home (Government info)

Rent a Room Scheme (Government scheme for tax-free income from lodgers)

I believe WH Smiths and/or Staples do basic lodger agreements that you could adapt.

JessFox

Thank you so much for your help. I understand that there are always downsides to being stuck with a lodger or tenant that is troublesome, but seeing as my finances depend on having some one else around to help pay bills I need the security that I don't get stitched up (again). I'll check out those websites and I will have a look in WHSmiths for those agreements.

jc808

G_M wrote: »

Whilst an agreement is a good idea, to ensure both your and you lodger's responsibilities to each other are clear (glad to hear you also have written 'house rules'!), I would advice against a long notice period.

Yes, it has the advantage that if/when your ledger leaves you can plan for the next one in advance, but the downside is when you find yourself with a lodger who is making your life hell.

there have periodically been posts here from people with terrible lodgers, in a few cases where they were being intimidated in their own homes.

Far better to be able to get rid of an unwanted lodger asap.

LODGERS (Licencees)
A lodger (broadly) lives in the same property with their resident landlord, and shares facilities. Unlike tenants, lodgers have few rights.

The Housing Act 1988 provides definitions of 'Resident Landlord' and 'same property'.

There is advice for landlords considering taking in lodgers here:

LodgerLandlord (General information site)

Landlordzone (General advice on taking in lodgers)

Renting out rooms in your home (Government info)

Rent a Room Scheme (Government scheme for tax-free income from lodgers)

I believe WH Smiths and/or Staples do basic lodger agreements that you could adapt.

I think youll struggle to attract decent lodgers on a notice periood of less than a month... if youre getting that !!!!!! a class of lodger, you need to look at your vetting procedures ... in the meantime just kick them out that day and cite a brieach of contract, theyre only lodgers...

G_M

and of course make sure you vet them thoroughly before accepting them, and take a deposit too.

Deposits from lodgers in Eng/Wales donot have to be registered in the Tenancy Deposit Schemes.