Tenant/Lodger Insurance Dilemma

tlc678910

Hi,
I'm getting the impression that you pay under the going rate to live in the house (could be totally wrong about this?).

I think people being very down on your relative and suggesting change the locks on them etc are being unfair and unrealistic. You have chosen to move into a house which you knew your relative uses as their own property on a pretty informal basis (no deposit, no tenancy agreement) partly because you get cheap rent so it suits you. If you want exclusive rights of use you need to get and pay for an exclusive tenancy.

You sound like you are compiling a list of things to throw at your relative who owns the house (no EPC etc). I think this is a very bad idea. This is likely to result in the breakdown of your arrangement. It sounds like you don't have the money for tenant checks, a deposit and to pay rent at the going rate for an exclusive tenancy it sounds like you want. If you don't why get yourself kicked out? If you do great - tell your relative thanks for the room but I am now moving on (without all the agro).

I hope you can find the insurance you need but if you are not able to don't blame your relative as they went into this arrangement on the same laid back basis as you did. If you can't sort it out and it is a deal breaker for you then you will need to move on.
Tlc

Thrugelmir

Dragon90 wrote: »

I can't change the minds of the insurance companies by just telling them they're wrong over and over.

They are not wrong. They set the terms on which they'll underwrite the cover.

You need to find the solution. As it's your problem to resolve.

essjae

You should have another look at Endsleigh - their normal contents cover (not the student insurance) allows you to specify that you are renting in a shared house (and doesn't specify whether tenant or lodger), and you can choose to cover either just yourself or everyone there.
It is recommended by the website Spareroom as being suitable for people in shared houses (though I haven't checked the Ts&Cs myself).

A quick run-through of the quote system with those options selected comes out with an annual premium of about £50 for £10k cover, though I assume this will vary by location!

Jhoney_2

tlc678910 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm getting the impression that you pay under the going rate to live in the house (could be totally wrong about this?).

I think people being very down on your relative and suggesting change the locks on them etc are being unfair and unrealistic.

You have chosen to move into a house which you knew your relative uses as their own property on a pretty informal basis (no deposit, no tenancy agreement) partly because you get cheap rent so it suits you. If you want exclusive rights of use you need to get and pay for an exclusive tenancy.

You sound like you are compiling a list of things to throw at your relative who owns the house (no EPC etc). I think this is a very bad idea. This is likely to result in the breakdown of your arrangement. It sounds like you don't have the money for tenant checks, a deposit and to pay rent at the going rate for an exclusive tenancy it sounds like you want. If you don't why get yourself kicked out? If you do great - tell your relative thanks for the room but I am now moving on (without all the agro).

I hope you can find the insurance you need but if you are not able to don't blame your relative as they went into this arrangement on the same laid back basis as you did. If you can't sort it out and it is a deal breaker for you then you will need to move on.
Tlc

If this was aimed at my post regarding putting a lock on their door

a) I meant the bedroom door to avoid access from anyone until OP could get insurance. Nor did I suggest it be done without asking. We already know that visits take place and OP is going to discuss matters, so why not ask then?

b) OP says he cannot get insurance so why would this be a bad suggestion to consider?

c) If OP is in agreement that this second part that I put in bold above is still the case post BTL/Jan when things were formalised and as a result cannot obtain insurance, then it is he who is being unfair to his relative and unrealistic.

tlc678910

Jhoney - apologies - a lock on the bedroom door sounds a reasonable interim measure to request. (I thought you mean't to lock the owner out of the house).

OP - good luck if you decide to check out Endsleigh.

The only point I was trying to make in my post is for OP to tread carefully as I fear due to the nature of the arrangement (no tenancy agreement/owner frequently stays) they will have few/ no rights if they fall out and are asked to leave. OP might have to put up with some unreasonable behaviour/rules in this instance (and be glad the person is usually out of the country) or decide the cheap rent is not worth it and move.

Tlc

Jhoney_2

@Tlc No harm done.

I just wanted to clear that up as I didn't intend for it to read like that at all.

I do agree with the point you make regarding the arrangement as I mentioned (c) in my previous post.