Lodger wanting to cook

onwards&upwards

Hmm, a lot of strangers in situations that provide ‘interesting’ stories seem to gravitate to you don’t they?

getmore4less

FreeBear wrote: »

The new lodger has settled in just fine, and she seems quite happy to do much of the cleaning around the house. First months rent didn't get paid until the end of December, but that is to be expected as she is on benefits (no deposit either). In consideration of her financial position, rent has been pitched above LHA rates and the difference is being used to build up the deposit. In time, the overpayment will eventually put her in credit with the rent.

FreeBear wrote: »

In all fairness to her, as soon as her benefits hit her bank account, she has transfered the rent across to me before spending a penny on herself - We have had a long talk about finances and what would happen if she tried to take advantage of my good nature. The partner brings a bit more money to the table which will help in the finances department. And having had the gf staying over a couple of times, I've had opportunity to "check her out".

FreeBear wrote: »

Hidden cameras would be a huge invasion of privacy - Will treat that "idea" with all the derision it deserves.


The original couple that were the subject of this thread have gone and will never return. The replacement lodgers are by comparison, a quiet, gentle, and kind pair (the partner has now moved in). Neither of them drink, and they get on and do the washing up once they have eaten.


They've taken over the bathroom with shampoo & "stuff", but I don't mind. At least I don't have to go hunting for makeup if/when I need some

Is the main one still claiming benefits as a single?

FreeBear

Comms69 wrote: »

Perhaps the best thing to do would be to help him find a room in a shared house? That way he would have tenants rights...

We, as in Miss A, the young lad in question, and myself, are all trying to find somewhere suitable. Unfortunately, being on benefits and not having any money are serious barriers to finding accommodation. Hopefully, we will find him a place before too long.

onwards&upwards wrote: »

Hmm, a lot of strangers in situations that provide ‘interesting’ stories seem to gravitate to you don’t they?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWEZaDr85tQ - Well... Not quite as bad as Mr Carrott. If we can find somewhere safe for this young lad, it should stop him from falling down the hole of drugs & abuse and serious mental health problems that so many of the homeless suffer from.

Comms69

FreeBear wrote: »

We, as in Miss A, the young lad in question, and myself, are all trying to find somewhere suitable. Unfortunately, being on benefits and not having any money are serious barriers to finding accommodation. Hopefully, we will find him a place before too long.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWEZaDr85tQ - Well... Not quite as bad as Mr Carrott. If we can find somewhere safe for this young lad, it should stop him from falling down the hole of drugs & abuse and serious mental health problems that so many of the homeless suffer from.

Just remember it is a HMO. And you need to comply with the legislation

FreeBear

Comms69 wrote: »

Just remember it is a HMO. And you need to comply with the legislation

Is it ?
https://www.spareroom.co.uk/content/info-landlords/will-taking-in-a-lodger-turn-my-home-into-an-hmo says I can have two paying lodgers without being an HMO.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/letting-rooms-in-your-home-a-guide-for-resident-landlords/letting-rooms-in-your-home-a-guide-for-resident-landlords

If there are a maximum of two other persons residing in the building, it will not be an HMO at all.

- I take this to mean two other people plus the resident landlord. Although this is slightly confused later by

For the purpose of calculating the number of persons living in the HMO the resident landlord and his household (if any) count as one person.

need_an_answer

Are any of the lodgers you currently have related?
I am no expert on HMO's but I do recall reading that it could be classed as HMO if there are 3 unrelated occupants ,not including yourself.

Sorry if I've not kept up with the thread but I thought you had 2 lodgers and the new guy would be number 3.

getmore4less

The 2 lodgers are a single household.

Comms69

FreeBear wrote: »

Is it ?
https://www.spareroom.co.uk/content/info-landlords/will-taking-in-a-lodger-turn-my-home-into-an-hmo says I can have two paying lodgers without being an HMO.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/letting-rooms-in-your-home-a-guide-for-resident-landlords/letting-rooms-in-your-home-a-guide-for-resident-landlords
- I take this to mean two other people plus the resident landlord. Although this is slightly confused later by

No, the landlord and his household - IE spouse, kids etc. count as one. You have 3 or more people in two or more housholds

FreeBear

need_an_answer wrote: »

I am no expert on HMO's but I do recall reading that it could be classed as HMO if there are 3 unrelated occupants ,not including yourself.

Sorry if I've not kept up with the thread but I thought you had 2 lodgers and the new guy would be number 3.

That's how I understood the rules on HMOs, two lodgers+LL not an HMO. Three lodgers+LL = HMO.

The new guy is only staying for a few nights as a guest of one of the lodgers. Not paying rent, and he is sorting out his own food.

need_an_answer

FreeBear wrote: »

That's how I understood the rules on HMOs, two lodgers+LL not an HMO. Three lodgers+LL = HMO.

The new guy is only staying for a few nights as a guest of one of the lodgers. Not paying rent, and he is sorting out his own food.

As long as you keep reminding everyone that a guest is a guest.
Although how long is a guest expected to stay,thats the subjective question.

I'm not convinced that taking no money but allowing him to do jobs around the house/garden could be seen as payment in kind and in lieu of rent.

Freebear you really need to not just verbally tell the lodgers the current situation but leave a paper trail that's going to easily prove he was staying as a guest for a short period....it may prove useful later if anyone were to query the situation.

I have no idea what your neighbours are like for example,they may be tolerant of you with 2 lodgers but the third person coming and going could tip the balance to some sort of complaint either to you or an authority.


FWIW I had a set of tenants who "guested " a sofa for a period of 8 weeks...I was happy with that and after that time it reverted back and all done with my knowledge and understanding...any more than what you are comfortable about justifying should you have to is when it could be viewed as an HMO.
My tenants were unrelated and the guests unrelated,they queried HMO definitions before coming to me for the request as they didn't want to inadvertently put the property into HMO status...even if only temporarily.

Either way sofa surfing cant be comfortable for you all in the long run.