Cleaning fee when away

Comms69

00ec25 wrote: »

do you know anything about tax in the context of lodgers? There are only 2 possibilities, do you know which applies since you are accusing OP of getting his deduction wrong?

1. if OP is claiming the rent a room allowance then he cannot not make any deductions at all

2. if OP is not claiming the rent a room allowance then he cannot deduct a cost for his own labour

OP seems under the mistaken belief that by itemising a "cleaning charge" as distinct from "rent" he is somehow adding credibility to the legal status of the occupants as being lodgers rather than tenants. That is of course rubbish and would not add anything to anything. They are lodgers and the OP's monthly income is £x + £50 non negotiable and non discountable.

Yes lots.


1. The rent a room scheme only allows £7,500 per year tax free, which given there's three lodgers (and £50 is not a lot, according to the OP) they clearly aren't using.


2. Exactly, which is why i'm saying is this some complicated way of trying to claim the money tax free or deductible if they submit it as cleaning services.


I agree with you, so perhaps I've not been clear. I would hardly suggest reporting to HMRC if I thought there was any legitimacy to this.

Temptation_waits

Everything is above board. It was either advertise the rooms as x rent plus all chip in for a cleaner or advertise the room with a cleaning fee as I am quite a clean freak and like it spotless. My lodgers work long hours. I
ts still all put down as rental income and paid into the same bank account as the rent.

From everything I've read about being a live in landlord I understand it is not a good idea to have locks on bedroom doors. However I felt it was right to put locks for privacy. If locks are used then regular access is needed to the room to prevent it becoming an exclusive occupation, which can change the lodger status to tenant. Which means it could be a nightmare getting rid of one if they become problematic. Cleaning rooms is an easy way to get regular access.

I think this thread has spiralled into something its not intending to be. Lots of conjecture without knowing the situation.

I had 10 people come round to view 2 of the rooms, when they were there I reiterated the cleaning fee and not one said anything negative about it and ALL wanted them. I charge a very competitive rent for a very premium property compared to similar priced ones, including or excluding the cleaning fee. So they knew they were getting a bargain - so must have factored in the cleaning fee in their heads and realised they still wanted it.

I think I'll leave this thread now. Many thanks, lots of constructive comments amongst the conjecture.

Thanks

martinthebandit

Comms69 wrote: »

It's £1800 a year, north or south that's a decent stack of cash for doing what most people do for nothing

Well if your offering to clean for nothing then please call round here twice a week.

Oh is it the same rate for ironing? If it is please make that three times a week.

Thanks

Comms69

martinthebandit wrote: »

Well if your offering to clean for nothing then please call round here twice a week.

Oh is it the same rate for ironing? If it is please make that three times a week.

Thanks

So you charge your husband/wife/partner/kids to clean up?

Leory

I can certainly see benefit in such a setup - and having it itemised is beneficial to the tenant to question and dispute if necessary.

OP - well done on answering questions and not getting angry as many posters do :T

bouicca21

Surely if they are lodgers rather than in a house share, then the landlord is responsible for cleaning the communal areas and they are responsible for their rooms, which makes £50 very expensive indeed. Thats £150 in all. I pay less than half that for a monthly clean from an expensive franchise operation in a 3 bed flat in London.

seashore22

bouicca21 wrote: »

Surely if they are lodgers rather than in a house share, then the landlord is responsible for cleaning the communal areas and they are responsible for their rooms, which makes £50 very expensive indeed. Thats £150 in all. I pay less than half that for a monthly clean from an expensive franchise operation in a 3 bed flat in London.

That was my thought too.

aneary

When I have been a lodger we are responsible for cleaning.

One agreement detailed what was expected including how often the bedroom windows had to be cleaned (monthly). Also included how often we needed to clean the kitchen floor and how it had to be cleaned. I also had a two hour induction. I moved out after I was accused of leaving the front door open the night before I had been away for a week.

In my opinion I would happily pay £50 a month if it meant I didn't have to clean and saved arguments about how a shelf needs to be dusted etc.

rach_k

If they're normally happy with the amount, I wouldn't change it when they're away for a couple of weeks. £50 a month can be seen as the average - some months they'll make more mess, sometimes less. Some weeks they may use more loo roll or bring a friend over and make more dust but I doubt you charge them more that month!

martinthebandit

Comms69 wrote: »

So you charge your husband/wife/partner/kids to clean up?

Well the wife does get 'some' benefit

.......and the kids were taught from an early age to clean up after themselves. They also got some benefit out of that (mainly a quieter life etc)

You would be happy to clean up after your lodgers for free?