Would you rent a bedroom like this?

arciere

Smodlet wrote: »

This may not be particularly relevant but, whatever the law says about lodgers and their lack of exclusive rights, I would not dream of renting a room without a locking door. I thank the Powers I don't live in London or have to consider this as an option.

Thanks, we would still like to keep it as a 'family home', so if it gets too complicated we would probably abandon the idea.
Just out of curiosity, how do people deal with shared bedrooms? I mean, it doesn't seem too different than all the ads I see of people sharing their own bedroom with another person. The only difference would be that here there is no other person sleeping in that room.

Soundgirlrocks

Going against what many have said on here but having a lodger myself who is Monday to Friday there are a couple of points that people may have missed - by having a lodger you are providing a licence to occupy not a tenancy.

One of the main features of a tenancy is that the tenant has exclusive occupation, so by storing a couple of duvets in in a wardrobe that you occasionally need access to is a very easy way to prevent exclusive occupation.

http://www.lodgerlandlord.co.uk/2010/02/01/day-1-what-is-a-lodger-2/

moneyistooshorttomention

AnotherJoe wrote: »

You'd get the money back in a month If you don't have them already look at beds with inbuilt storage as well. Great for infrequently accessed and seasonal storage

...storage which the lodger will be expecting to use for themselves - as its in their room.

So - a good idea to do that from a lodgers pov - but still not a "storage option for landlady" imo.

Smodlet

Ref #42 - I'm sure I have no idea. The very thought horrifies me but, as I mentioned, I am very grateful not to be in that position. Perhaps those young and/or desperate enough have fewer issues with sharing a room with complete strangers. Back in the day, I shared a house with them but had my own room (and we were all female)

ETA: Plus one for beds with storage. Tbh, I don't understand why anyone buys beds without drawers unless they have so much space they just don't need 'em. How many of us is that?

I think it could be a good idea if you wait until the room is ready for exclusive occupation space-wise but make it clear to the lodger what the law says about your accessing the room. I would also respect their privacy as I want mine respected and go in there only when really necessary or in an emergency unless at the lodger's invitation.

Landlords are allowed to inspect properties they rent out but do not live in so long as it is not so frequent as to impinge on their tenants' "quiet enjoyment". I realise the law pertaining to lodgers is quite different but courtesy and respect go a long way towards retaining one good lodger as opposed to an AirBnB type set up and all the inconvenience and risk that must involve. Just my opinion and I realise I am not really qualified to have one as I would not dream of doing this.

lisyloo

I personally would not have an issue with it providing there was sufficient space and sufficient notice.


However I think you'd be better off charging more and moving the stuff.
Can you get some vaccum bags and put the duvets in the loft?

AnotherJoe

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

...storage which the lodger will be expecting to use for themselves - as its in their room.

So - a good idea to do that from a lodgers pov - but still not a "storage option for landlady" imo.

I'm mystified. Why can't the landlady have a bed with under mattress storage? Is there a regulation I am unaware of?

Honeylife

Soundgirlrocks wrote: »

Going against what many have said on here but having a lodger myself who is Monday to Friday there are a couple of points that people may have missed - by having a lodger you are providing a licence to occupy not a tenancy.

One of the main features of a tenancy is that the tenant has exclusive occupation, so by storing a couple of duvets in in a wardrobe that you occasionally need access to is a very easy way to prevent exclusive occupation.

http://www.lodgerlandlord.co.uk/2010/02/01/day-1-what-is-a-lodger-2/

Yes I have a great deal of respect for Teresa Shepperson, as she is a Lawyer, but then she also talks about changing the lodger's bed linen and having a guest book! My Solicitor said legally thats all utterly unnecessary. As long as there are no locks on the door that is being let, the concept of "Exclusive Occupation" is legally covered.

I wouldnt rent a room with the landlady floating in and out when she felt like to collect her linen or clothes for the relevant season, so I dont expect my lodger to be comfortable with that arrangement either. If I need to go into their rooms I text them prior to entry and ask if they are comfortable with me going in their for whatever reason. Or I wait until they are home and knock on the door.