What Are the Considerations When Taking on a Lodger?

19 Jun 2018

by Helen Thring

When financial challenges arise, many homeowners face a tough decision: how to make ends meet while maintaining their mortgage repayments. Typically, there are three options to explore: reducing non-essential spending, dipping into savings, or increasing monthly income.

If you’ve already trimmed your budget and prefer not to dip into savings, increasing your income may seem like the most viable option. For those already working full-time, taking on another job might feel challenging. However, there’s another solution: renting out a spare room.

Before you start advertising your available space, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. What are the legal and financial implications of taking on a lodger? Is it better than creating a landlord-tenant relationship? Experienced professionals, such as Estate Agents Ascot, can provide valuable guidance to ensure you make informed decisions. Let’s explore the main points you should consider before inviting someone into your home.

Lodger vs. Tenant: Understanding the Key Differences

The first step is determining whether you’re creating a landlord-tenant relationship or simply offering a room to a lodger. The distinction is important, as it affects the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

A key factor to consider is whether the individual renting the room has “exclusive possession” of the space. This means, for example, having private use of a kitchen or bathroom or locking their room without you holding a key. If the person renting from you has these privileges, you may be entering into a tenant agreement rather than a lodger arrangement, which comes with additional legal obligations.

In contrast, if the person you’re renting to is sharing common areas, such as a living room and kitchen, with you, they are likely considered a lodger. A lodger generally pays an all-inclusive rent, covering utilities like water and electricity, and may even benefit from services such as laundry or cleaning.

Lodgers enjoy fewer rights than tenants. For example, they don’t have security of tenure, meaning they don’t have the same legal protections against eviction. This gives you greater flexibility in managing your property, but it also means you’ll need to be clear about the terms of the arrangement from the start.

What Should Be Included in the Agreement?

Once you’ve established that you’re taking on a lodger rather than a tenant, the next step is to create a clear agreement about the terms of their stay. This agreement should outline things like:

• The amount of rent, how often it will be paid, and what it covers (e.g., utilities, cleaning services).
• The notice period required for either party to terminate the agreement.
• Rules of the home, including things like quiet hours, use of shared spaces, and guest policies.

Since the lodger doesn’t have the same rights as a tenant, you may want to reserve the right to terminate the arrangement more quickly if necessary. It’s essential to discuss these points upfront to avoid any misunderstandings later.

Do You Need to Make Changes to Your Home Insurance?

When you take on a lodger, your home insurance policy may need to be updated. Most policies are designed for owner-occupiers and may not cover the additional risks associated with having someone else living in your home.

You should contact your insurer to confirm whether you need to adjust your policy. Failing to update your insurance could result in a claim being rejected if something goes wrong while your lodger is staying with you.

Tax Implications: Understanding the Rent a Room Scheme

Before you start collecting rent, it’s important to be aware of the tax implications. In the UK, the income you receive from a lodger may be subject to tax, but there are specific exemptions under the Rent a Room Scheme.

Under this scheme, you can earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from renting out a furnished room in your home. If you share ownership of the property with someone else, this allowance is split between you. For example, if you and a partner both own the property, you’ll each be entitled to £3,750 tax-free.

If you provide additional services (such as cleaning or laundry) or rent out multiple rooms, this scheme may not apply. It’s essential to understand the terms of the Rent a Room Scheme and consult with HMRC if you’re unsure whether your arrangement qualifies.

The Personal Consideration: Sharing Your Home

Finally, the most important consideration is whether you’re comfortable with the idea of sharing your home with a lodger. This is especially important if you have a family or live in a small space. Sharing a house with someone who isn’t a family member can lead to tension or frustration if boundaries aren’t respected.

You’ll need to ensure that you’re happy with the personality of the lodger and establish ground rules about things like visitors, noise, and cleaning. Taking time to properly vet your lodger and setting expectations will help ensure that the experience is positive for both of you.

Conclusion

Taking on a lodger can be an excellent way to supplement your income, but it requires careful consideration. From understanding the legal distinctions between a lodger and a tenant to ensuring you’re covered with the right insurance and tax knowledge, there’s a lot to factor into the decision. However, if done correctly, renting out a spare room can be an affordable and effective way to ease your financial burden.

If you’re considering renting out a room in your Bracknell home or would like advice on any aspect of the rental process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team at Duncan Yeardley.

Related articles:

• What’s the difference between a Tenant and a Lodger?
• What is the Rent a Room Scheme?