What are lodgers looking for in a room?

Andy_Hamilton

I have just bought brand new 3 bedroom house and I want to rent out one room.

I have my head screwed on regarding rules/ contracts etc but I don't know what I need to put in the room (they will have acess to all downstairs)
I have taken the largest room for myself and the smallest room for my office this leaves the middle room.

I was thinking about fitting in:
Double wardrobe
Set of draws with TV and set top box on top.
Computer desk and chair
Double bed

The problem I have is that if I fit the double bed in with all that there is a walkway down the side of it which would only be 40cms wide.

My options are:

• Move myself into this smaller room as I don't need a computer desk or TV.
• Put the double bed in and see if anyone will rent it.
• put a single bed in the room.

What would you do as the prices for double rooms is normally more?

lynzpower

I had a lodger ( 3 times actually) and I only put in:

bed, beside table ( on one side) wardrobe. largish chest of drawers doubles as a dressing table. I had girl lodgers tho and maybe they might want different things

I certainly wouldnt provide a tv & set top box. Dont bother with that!
All my lodgers had thier own portable TV & stereo anyway, its just stuff people have if they need. Likewise I wouldnt provide a PC table & chair either, they might not want/have a PC or they might have a laptop, or they might have or can afford to buy thier own PC desk you can get them in ikea/argos etc for 20 quid.

Where are you getting the furniture from? Could you get a wardrobe with drawers in the bottom that might reduce the amount of furniture you need.

I wouldnt rent it with a single bed in, automatically it will command less income.

Whats your thoughts?

mr.broderick

lynzpower wrote: »

I had a lodger ( 3 times actually) and I only put in:

bed, beside table ( on one side) wardrobe. largish chest of drawers doubles as a dressing table. I had girl lodgers tho and maybe they might want different things

I certainly wouldnt provide a tv & set top box. Dont bother with that!
All my lodgers had thier own portable TV & stereo anyway, its just stuff people have if they need. Likewise I wouldnt provide a PC table & chair either, they might not want/have a PC or they might have a laptop, or they might have or can afford to buy thier own PC desk you can get them in ikea/argos etc for 20 quid.

Where are you getting the furniture from? Could you get a wardrobe with drawers in the bottom that might reduce the amount of furniture you need.

I wouldnt rent it with a single bed in, automatically it will command less income.

Whats your thoughts?

It's what i say when i've just bid someone in the balls for their px.

Andy_Hamilton

Thanks for that, the furniture is stuff which I have been given (all ikea stuff).
The reason I want a lodger is to make money so I don't want to pull money out to buy new. (I can afford my house by myself before anyone jumps on that comment)

I already have the spare TV and set-top box but I can offer that to them. I did presume that they would want a computer desk but that's just saved me £20 (cheers).

Whats everyone's thoughts on matressess? A couple of websites are offering then from £100 for a cheap double to £160 for a named brand. Should I spend the named brand money?

jennifernil

If the bed is an Ikea bed you will need an Ikea matress.

jennifernil

Depending on who you are renting to, but I would say bed, bedside chest, bed lamp, wardrobe, large chest of drawers, mirror, chair (dining type is ok but armchair better), small bookcase/shelves if there is space.

I would rent out the larger room.

Are you providing bedding? I would certainly advise a matress cover/topper. And a decent , firm matress.

Andy_Hamilton

jennifernil wrote: »

Are you providing bedding? I would certainly advise a matress cover/topper. And a decent , firm matress.

Never thought about bedding (apart from quilt and pillows (do I need to by covers? / is it normal for people to supply covers?)

Also the bed frame I have is UK size but matches everything ikea so that's why I'm asking.

lynzpower

jennifernil wrote: »

If the bed is an Ikea bed you will need an Ikea matress.

absolutely correct! And a mistake I made with my own lodger! Never again!

lavandergirl_2

Based from experience

I agree in putting the double bed. Good for comfort

Dont bother with TV and desk. Most lodgers have their own TVs and sometimes laptop.

masterkay

I think go with single bed and see how that goes. If the person just has one room they may want to maximise the space. Wardrobes, bed, bedside table and maybe a lamp is what I'd put in it.

The other reason for not having a double bed is it encourages a significant other to become a lodger too without paying and consent. If there is space for another person, you may well end up with another and I'm guessing that's not what you want. The old excuse "it's just for one night" turns into the person staying once a week and next thing you know they have moved in as well.

Andy_Hamilton

If I went single bed I would wipe out £50-60 per month from my income.

I have been all round the rooms with a tape measure and found that my kingsize bed would struggle to fit in the smaller room. (much bigger bed in slightly smaller room).
I can get the double bed, bedside table, double cupboard and draws in the smaller room with walking space so that's the plan. As for an arm chair, have you been in the new build houses?

I may leave the room with a single bed and the headboard of the double so people can decide what they want.