Getting Started as a Lodger Landlord
This section is for anyone wanting to know what they need to do in order to be a landlord lodger.
So, you know what a lodger is, you’ve weighed up your options… and now you want to know more. You’ve come to the right place.
In this section we cover the practical and essential details you need to be aware of before looking for your lodger, particularly so you can prepare your spare room, and ensure you meet all the lodger landlord legal requirements. Not only that, but you’ll also need to be aware of who you need to notify about your lodger.
What Landlords Can & Can’t Charge Lodgers
This particular article is only relevant to Landlords in England. On 1st June 2019 the “Tenant Fees Act 2019” came into force, which is a legislation that focuses on banning and restricting letting agents and private landlords (in England only) from charging tenants & lodgers with certain fees, which includes referencing fees and limitations on […]
Lodgers & Income Tax / Rent a Room Scheme
The important thing to remember about any type of residential lettings, which includes home-owners with a single lodger let, is that it’s treated like any other profit based business. That means the landlord is eligible for being taxed on any net profit. The formula to calculate the net profit is the same as any other […]
Lodger Agreements (Contracts)
While setting up a written lodger agreement is not a legal requirement, it is recommend for the protection of both landlord and lodger so everyone is clear what their rights and obligations are. However, the reality is, many lodgers never use a written lodger agreement and therefore operate under mutual agreement, which generally works out […]
Lodgers & Council Tax
Will taking in a lodger affect your council tax? Even though Council tax is a system based on charging per property and not per person, there is a possibility your council tax rate will change by taking in a lodger. If you currently qualify and benefit from the single person’s 25% council tax discount, a […]
Furniture & Fittings For Lodgers
There is actually no legal requirement for lodger landlords to provide furniture with your room, the only requirement is that any furniture you do provide is complaint with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1987, which essentially means it needs to be fire safety compliant and carry the proper labels. However, if you’re supplying […]
Lodger Building & Contents Insurance
The odds are you already have some form of building insurance policy, so it’s important you take the appropriate steps to keep your policy valid. Many insurance policies are invalidated if you take in a lodger. However, most providers are OK with it as long as you let them know in advance. Before you take […]
Who you need to notify when getting a lodger
Who you will need to inform will depend on your individual circumstances, but here is a general list… Local Tax Office Taking in a lodger may affect your council tax, particularly if you’re currently benefiting from the ‘single person’ 25% discount (because you will no longer be living alone). It is advised for everyone currently […]
How much rent to charge your lodger
This is often the deciding question that many prospective landlords ask when deciding whether to get a lodger- how much rent could they charge? It should come to no great surprise that most landlords flirt with the idea of getting a lodger because of the extra money, so it’s not surprising it’s one of the […]
Landlord Lodger Legal Obligations
Compared to the legal requirements for landlords with a tenant, the legal requirements for a landlord with a lodger is relatively simply. The actual list of limited requirements may actually be quite surprising. Here are the legal requirements you should be aware of: “Right-to-rent” legislation As of Feb 2016, ALL landlords in England are required […]