Lodgers - Santander Mortgage - Is consent required?

Squibble

Hi guys,

I was wondering if anyone has experience with this before I go down the route of contacting Santander.

I currently have a mortgage with Santander. I own a three/four bedroom house with my partner.

We are thinking of having lodgers in the house, possibly two who would be given a lodgers agreement. My partner and I seem to be in disagreement over Santander's requirements. My partner states no consent would be required whereas I believe it would.

We have read the mortgage conditions which state:

1. The mortgage is provided on the basis that at least 40% of the property will be used as or in connection with a dwelling by you or a related person ..(then there is definition of what is a related person)

2. You must occupy the whole of the property on completion/settlement and throughout the mortgage, free from any tenancies or third party rights of occupation unless we have agreed otherwise elsewhere in this mortgage or in writing.

3. If you want to let the property, you must obtain our written consent before you start...

Has anybody done anything similar? I know the safe option would be to contact Santander with my enquiry but I thought others opinion and see if someone else has done something similar before I do.

Thank you

EnterUserName

In layman's terms, I thought a lodger was someone who lived with you, whereas a tenant lived in the property that you own (and you live elsewhere).

Is this going to fall under the rent a room relief?

As you have pointed out, the safest way would be to call them and check your understanding.