Lodgers

adamwenn100

Hi all.
I have been trying to research my query, but can't seem to find exactly what I need to know.

I am purchasing a home that I wish to live in. I do however work away a fair amount. I have been speaking to a friend and have thought about him becoming a lodger. He is on Universal Credits and is on the electoral roll on the house he is renting currently. If I move him in with me, get a lodgers agreement, will he be able to get himself on the electoral roll and put my address as his, and would my income affect his benefits?

If anyone has any info on Lodgers that would be great. I can find out about the tax free income, lodgers rights and the landlords commitment to repairs etc but cannot seem to ring the electoral roll and benefit questions.

TIA.

MovingForwards

No, his benefits and your income are not connected, unless this is really your partner and you are trying to say you are friends.

You are two separate units as friends.

Your friend goes on the electoral roll, same as he would anywhere else.

You will lose your single person council tax discount and there will be no reduction for your out of work friend as you are responsible for the CT and your friend is only a lodger.

greatcrested

As MovingForwards says above.

His UC not affected; your single person CT discount lost; he goes on electroral register;

The only thing to be wary of is "I do however work away a fair amount." Depending how much time, and where you live while away, this might affect your 'main residence' and open up the possibility of your friend being a tenant -  with extensive rights and protections- and you having extensive obligations.

For more read:

Post 10: Lodgers: advice & links for landlords & lodgers

oldbikebloke

I assume you mean "friend" would end his current tenancy and move into your property as his only residence?
On that basis of course he can go on the electoral roll.

On the other hand, if he intends to keep his current place on and therefore is thinking of registering in two places at once, that also is possible for electoral roll purposes, but would be subject to limitations as to which elections he can vote in as obviously he cannot vote twice in the same election! 

whether he is on or off the electoral roll using your address has no impact on whether he is, or is not, your lodger. That status comes from whether it is still your main home in which you live and therefore, as others have said, given you work away, the question will be where do you stay when away?

unless he is your sexual "partner" then why on earth you think your income would affect his benefits is a complete mystery. You are not treated as a "family" unit just because he is a lodger, although if you intend to pay for his "treats" that may impact it, but who is ever going to find that out?.

MovingForwards

Looking at his posting history it's 3 - 4 months per year he is in the UK, the rest he is on water.