Lodger now Works From Home

Homeowner17

Hi all, 

Thanks for your responses - it really was great to read what you suggest, even if you're arguing about the seemingly small amounts of energy usage!

I have chosen to write an addendum to the original contract including:
Reason for addendum - change of use of house
Workstation - ref location, expectations etc.
Insurance - they work for someone who is self employed and they are not on a contract so I felt it was good to discuss the insurance if there were damage to the property due to the business activity. 
Visitors - relating to work 
Energy usage during winter - I've proposed a monthly comparison and review during October - March to see if there is anything to worry about/charge. At least then, if there is, we've had the conversation in advance.

I think this will make it clear from both the lodger and myself what the expectations are regarding this change and the use of the communal spaces in my home. 

That might be of use to someone else someday. 
Thanks again every one!  

AdrianC

Homeowner17 said:

I have chosen to write an addendum to the original contract... 

You do realise that doesn't affect the existing contract unless and until the other party agrees to adopt it, right?

onwards&upwards

You might find your insurance is actually cheaper as the house is occupied all day rather than empty. 

Grumpy_chap

I think if I was that lodger, I'd be looking for another room elsewhere.

davidmcn

Homeowner17 said:

Insurance - they work for someone who is self employed and they are not on a contract so I felt it was good to discuss the insurance if there were damage to the property due to the business activity.

Out of interest, what is this business activity which you think poses a different risk of damage to the property from the lodger's normal residential use?

theoretica

A starting point wuld be what the government thinks working from home might cost - between the £1.20 a week tax they can reclaim or the maximum £6 a week the employer can pay tax free  https://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2020/04/martin-lewis--working-from-home-due-to-coronavirus--claim-p6-wk-/

bbat

Is the real issue here that they work in the kitchen? Is it possible to create space in their room, so they can work uninterrupted and you can use the kitchen freely?

Jeepers_Creepers

I don't think we've been told what the actual problem is. It could be the increased running costs of the house, or it could be an 'emotional' reaction to someone living in the OP's house more than they, themselves, do. 

That is not to dismiss the significance of the latter - it isn't automatically churlish or anything, and shouldn't be dismissed. The home is a powerfully emotive place, and when I think back to the bad ol' days when I had to rent a room in another person's house, you were always very conscious of how the owner felt having someone in their home; I think I would felt awkward if I spent the day there too and was in that house more than the owner! Just because it might not be 'rational', doesn't mean it ain't a genuine issue. 

But, the OP should be clear and honest with themselves about the reason for this thread. If it is purely financial, then dead easy to sort and the lodger should accept - even expect - making a small extra contribution. If it's emotive, then the OP needs to make a bigger decision, or else try and come to terms with it. And if the lodger is a nice enough person to have in the home, I'm sure they will.

TripleH

Here's a thought, as she is now working from home, she can claim a working from home allowance can she not (via her tax return)? Suggest an increase but counter with her being able to claim for that perhaps?

Homeowner17

AdrianC said:

Homeowner17 said:

I have chosen to write an addendum to the original contract... 

You do realise that doesn't affect the existing contract unless and until the other party agrees to adopt it, right?

I also realise that I don't have to have a contract at all but that it all helps to make it professional and clear. All my lodgers have been happy with this.