Is there any financial relief possible if house sitters used

DoctorB1

Will be out of the country for 6 months and looking at options for our house as well as obvious short term let. We have a pet and someone mentioned house sitters to look after house and pet. Downside you do not get a rent but probably have more flexibility and do not have to move furniture and associated storage. Are there any financial benefits I could claim for house sitting could any mortgage interest be offset in any way (not sure if possible as no income from house)?

Any thoughts other ideas appreciated...

Guest101

No, obviously not.


And renting for 6 months would be a terrible idea.

saajan_12

You need an INCOME against which to claim mortgage interest as a COST. This can only be by renting the house out, but beware
-> need consent to let / BTL mortgage from lender
-> LL responsibilities e.g. repairs, gas safety checks, deposit registration etc etc
-> if tenants abide by the agreement, then you can't evict them within the first ~7/8 months (can't serve Section 21 notice for first 4 months, Section 21 gives 2 months notice, then apply to court for possession order, then apply for bailiffs). Would you need the place back upon your return?

Norman_Castle

House and pet sitter might be comparable to kennels and extra home insurance.

DoctorB1

Appreciate replies will see if get a bite at right let price to make worthwhile and recognise notice periods are key as we will want house back on return, otherwise pet sitter could be viable option also.

G_M

DoctorB1 wrote: »

Appreciate replies will see if get a bite at right let price to make worthwhile and recognise notice periods are key as we will want house back on return, otherwise pet sitter could be viable option also.

Are you loking for a house sitter, or a tenant?

One pays rent (which is taxable and agaisnt which you can offset certain costs.

The other does NOT pay rent. (so no tax and nothing to offset against).

Giving a someone an agreement headed "House-sit Agreement" and charging rent does not make them a house-sitter. It maks them a tenant.

You cannot guarantee a tenant will leave when you want them to. Eviction can takes 2 - 4 months.

See

* New landlords: advice, information & links

* Letting agents: how should a landlord select or sack?

Red-Squirrel_2

You also can't ask a tenant to look after your dog, I wouldn't have thought.

Guest101

DoctorB1 wrote: »

Appreciate replies will see if get a bite at right let price to make worthwhile and recognise notice periods are key as we will want house back on return, otherwise pet sitter could be viable option also.

You wont get the house back at the end of your holiday.

Mossfarr

What would you do if your 'house sitter' refused to move out?
I would think you would have a very difficult time removing them as you will not be able to use the usual eviction processes available to landlords.
Also, you would not be able to claim they were squatters as you gave them access and provided them with keys.

Mojisola

DoctorB1 wrote: »

We have a pet and someone mentioned house sitters to look after house and pet.

I have friends who do house and pet sitting - six months of their service would cost a fortune!

Guest101

Mossfarr wrote: »

What would you do if your 'house sitter' refused to move out?
I would think you would have a very difficult time removing them as you will not be able to use the usual eviction processes available to landlords.
Also, you would not be able to claim they were squatters as you gave them access and provided them with keys.

If it's a house sitter, then the agreement is commercial, therefore the OP could have the police remove the person if necessary.