Resident Landlord/Lodging Query (creating a living room/kitchen for lodger)

Ammonite1

FreeBear

Thank you so much! I was hoping to use a recirculating hood as advertised with kitchen unit, but you're on point as that wouldn't be in line with building regs..

Ammonite1

@greatcrested - thank you for your point 

NameUnavailable

• maintain shared use of the sole family bathroom

I'm not sure what you were thinking they'd do if you didn't 'maintain' use of the bathroom!!

If you want more privacy etc., there is another option - don't have a lodger.

Ammonite1

NameUnavailable said:

• maintain shared use of the sole family bathroom

I'm not sure what you were thinking they'd do if you didn't 'maintain' use of the bathroom!!

If you want more privacy etc., there is another option - don't have a lodger.

-Just trying to make it clear to forum that just one bathroom at property.  If we we had seperate bathrooms and didn't need to share it would be clearly not be a Lodger/LL situation as no living spaces would be shared.

-Yes that is an option - but the house  big and this idea felt like a creative way of generating extra income/ sharing space and having some privacy. 

bouldrd

Hi @Ammonite1 , I couldn't help but think that we had exactly the same idea. I was wondering if you made any progress with this project and if you could share any additional information you have gathered or insights you have gained…., particularly around council tax :-)

propertyrental

This thread is 2+ years old....

sourpuss2021

In my 20s I lodged for a few years in the house of a couple in their 50s.   

I had a double bedroom that their cleaner went into once a week, and a study room which one of them occasionally accessed (as it contained his wine cooler!).  I had my own bathroom because they just used their en-suite on the floor above.

My use of the kitchen always felt limited.  I had a separate galley section with fridge, microwave and cupboards.   I would use the main hob and oven but not for anything complex. 

I did quite regularly have coffee and cake with them in the lounge (the woman was quite motherly towards me!) but would never have used that room at other times.   I also wouldn’t have accessed the garden if they were home.

Anyway I would never for a moment have considered that I was anything other than a lodger.   It was a just a case of their house, their rules!   

I’m sure it would be the same for OP, they’ll still be a lodger so long as you make sure they don’t have a lock on their bedroom door and that you share access to the bathroom still (which sounds unavoidable!).

I’d just suggest that it is much easier to start a new arrangement with a new lodger rather than trying to radically change the terms for an existing lodger.   Don’t feel emotionally attached to them and to keeping them happy, because doubtless they are not attached to you!

TCTWICE

Bit late to the party but searching for views on what can and can't be done and still be classed as a Iodger I came across this thread. A few questions as one leads to another. Rather than section a lodger(s) I was looking at doing that to myself. There are 2 largish bedrooms upstairs. was 3, with 2 separate shower rooms, changed from 1 large bathroom. A kitchen downstairs along with lounge, study and downstairs shower room. A lodger would rent a bedroom, upstairs shower room and shared kitchen. I would use the lounge, study and downstairs shower room. I would share the kitchen but as I rarely use it not a big deal. It would mean they would have no communal area although the landing is plenty big enough for a couch or couple of chairs and a coffee table if you wanted to just chill outside of your room. Also I thought that room locks were ok if the landlord has access? With 2 lodgers it's not just trusting each other there is a 3rd person. With a single life now I really just sleep there and especially at weekends even that's rare. Peace of mind for all 3 cohabitors would be easier with a locked room. Any other flies in the ointment would also be helpful. Thx Tony