Can I take in my dad as Tennant?

ming_the_mercyless

This may sound a bit odd but..................

My father in law (75 years old) after suffering years of domestic abuse has finally had enough and left my mother in law some time ago.

My wife and I took my father in law in and he has been living with us for the last 2 years.

Based on his age, fragility and lack of world experience (ex wife controlled all finances etc etc) My wife and I have agreed that as he would not be capable of living on his own will come to live with us. This will be a permanant and life long commitment, which we happy to accept..

Father in law is happy with this arrangement but is adamant that he wants to "pay his fair share".

This sounds all well and good but I'm worried that should the taxman see that he is giving us money each month they'll see it as some sort of fiddle (post divorce he'll have more than £320k estate).

Is it legal to have a family member as a lodger and charge them rent?

paddedjohn

Of course it is, look at it another way and think how parents charge their kids keep.

payless

So long as no means tested benefits are involved I can't see a problem

AnotherJoe

There is an amount you can be paid each month by a lodger which means you don't need to pay tax. Google it.i suggest your father pays just under that amount.

Should he feel it's not enough he can always contribute in others way, say by doing the odd shop for you,taking you out for a meal, etc.

You might wish to suggest to him he updates his will as well to avoid accidentally leaving anything to anyone he wouldn't want to

Mossfarr

Look at it from a different perspective - he isn't paying rent - he's just contributing to the running of the household.
Suggestion: If he's agreeable just divide your total household expenses by three and he pays 'his' third. Agree to review the costs every six months to allow for any increases. Simples!!

G_M

LODGERS (Licencees/Excluded Occupiers)
A lodger (broadly) lives in the same property with a resident landlord & shares facilities. Unlike tenants, lodgers have few rights.

The Housing Act 1988 provides definitions of 'Resident Landlord' & 'same property' (S31 & Schedule 1 (10).

See:

LodgerLandlord (21 tips from solicitor Tessa Shepperson + General information site)

Landlordzone (Various articles on taking in lodgers)

Renting out rooms in your home (Government info)

Rent a Room Scheme (HMRC guide for tax-free income from lodgers)