Renting Out A Room

Robin_TBW

I'm in the process of purchasing my first property at the moment and now I've come to the near-end of the process (hopefully only a few more weeks now!) a friend of mine has expressed an interest in renting out my spare room and I'm all for it - extra income and all that.

I've looked into the government "rent-a-room" scheme and I wouldn't be earning over the limit to get taxed on it but do I need to do anything else? I'll be living there myself so it'd be my primary and only premises, just someone paying a bit to take the extra room (bills included). We'll be sharing the "common areas" - kitchen/bathrooms/living room.

pphillips

Do you have permission from your lender? You'll also need a landlord insurance policy (rather than just ordinary home insurance) and annual gas safety checks if you have any gas appliances.

dimbo61

Get a Gas Safe Certificate done, does the property have an EICR ?
Smoke and CO alarm near gas appliances so boiler, gas hob/oven and gas fire !
He will be a Lodger so draw up rules !
Can his girlfriend/boyfriend move in ? Stay 2/3/4 nights a week.
Can he use the washing machine, kitchen, cleaning, shared bathroom etc.
Smoking in the property or bedroom ?

zagubov

As they're a friend you need to be more formal with this, as it'll be harder for them to guess the rules.
Never mention words like tenant/tenancy, don't let them have a lock, have limits on noise/guests/pets, rules about access to shared rooms, cleaning, payments & arrears, notice to leave etc.

greatcrested

pphillips said:

Do you have permission from your lender? You'll also need a landlord insurance policy (rather than just ordinary home insurance) and annual gas safety checks if you have any gas appliances.

very unlikely to need lender's permission for a lodger. and ringing to ask will open a can of worms as Customer Advisers generally don't know the difference between loders and tenants.

Insurance - read the policy. Again, probably fine for a lodger (not a tenant).

Gas safety check is sensible.

However good the friend, arrange this properly/formally. Take a deposit. Draw up inventory, and agree a 1 week notice period in the contract. Oh: and clear HOUSE RULES!

Now read

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

FreeBear

pphillips said: You'll also need a landlord insurance policy (rather than just ordinary home insurance)

You do not need a specific landlord insurance policy - Many will allow for one or even two non-family residents. Mine does (Legal & General).

OP - Make sure you have a contract drawn up. Do not use the term "tenant" anywhere in the contract, and also set clear house rules from the outset. An example would be to ensure all washing up is done promptly after eating. Generally, it is not wise to have a friend become a lodger as any disagreements will sour the relationship. On the other hand, a lodger can become a very good friend (my current one has). But never, ever share the same bed

greatcrested

Speaking from experience FreeBear?

FreeBear

greatcrested said: Speaking from experience FreeBear?

Yes, current lodger is a very good friend. We will share a meal, the sofa, the odd glass of wine, but that is all.

annetheman

Dropping a comment in as I'll refer to this very helpful info myself in future - thanks all!

P.s. I don't think you need a gas safety certificate in a place with no gas supply (like mine - all district heating).

macman

You don't require a GSC for a lodger even if you do have gas. Although an annual boiler service is of course highly advisable.

[Deleted User]

macman said:

You don't require a GSC for a lodger even if you do have gas. Although an annual boiler service is of course highly advisable.

According to the HSE you do. 

https://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/landlords/safetycheckswho.htm