Renting Spare room to unemployed friend

missbiggles1

RAS wrote: »

He can collect housing benefit

You can accept a lodger and use the rent a room scheme. You can also kick him out at little or no notice providing you do not give him a contract.

You would need to check the maximum local housing allowance for a shared house.

Can he afford a deposit?

However, if he is on JSA, he will struggle to afford the cost of utilities on top of any rent.

You will lose your single person's discount and may have to apply o the basis of his low income. Messy.

And it really is not a good idea to mix personal and business relationships. If he struggles to live with auntie, he is likely to struggle to live with you or anyone else.

Everybody has to pay utilities out of their JSA and a half share is better than paying the whole lot in your own flat or bedsit. The rent from the room will cover the 25% discount several times over.

Many house/flat sharers choose to share with friends, some specifically don't like sharing with strangers.It sounds like a win win situation to me.

RAS

missbiggles1 wrote: »

Everybody has to pay utilities out of their JSA and a half share is better than paying the whole lot in your own flat or bedsit.

Not necessarily those who live with family. Often not asked to contribute at all.

I totally agree it is cheaper to share but if the friend is under 25, he gets £54 ish to pay for everything including CT, utilties food etc.

summerholiday

You say you have lived with him as a student and 'know what he's like....'

What does this mean? You have just got on the rung of buying your first property? Are you excited to own your own place? How do you want to live? Are you keen to keep it in a good state or re-live your student time again. Would you be prepared to live with this friend on the same basis as before? Would it matter is tea bags are left to stain on the kitchen surface or beer cans thrown into bin upside down and beer running spilling out onto floor and not wiped ... that kind of thing

Will he respect the fact that you are his live-in landlord or be jealous of you - being that he is about to be turfed out by his aunt?

Personally, I would tell him it will not be possible because you have worked hard to get this far and simply are keen to experience and enjoy owning your own space for a while. Also as a working person you will need to spend time on work-related matters after-hours and have plans for decorating etc, etc.

gazter

Don't ignore the extra costs. He'll be sitting at home all day, watching TV, leaving lights on, the heating will be all nice and cosy as well....

dimbo61

My friend lived with me for over two years as my lodger.
No problems and happy for the company
He may find a job in a few weeks/months and pay Full rent.
Lay down the house rules from day one.
This is my home so
1 No smoking
2 Clean up after using the bathroom and kitchen
3 Do not move your girlfriend/boyfriend in with you ( decide how long a friend or partner might stay each week ie one/two nights )
4 Electric/Gas/Water all cost money so wear a jumper rather than the heating while I am at work all day.
Etc