Taking in a Lodger
Discussion
Hey,
I am looking at taking in a lodger and am looking for advice on ground rules, vetting, peoples experiences etc
I have quite a nice house with some expensive things in, big flat screen tv etc and obviously dont want to take somone in and have them turn up in a van while im at work and clear me out!, Ive got 2 German Shepherds also and woudnt want those pinched! lol
Also wondering about rules for them having visitors etc.
Just looking for advice please
I am looking at taking in a lodger and am looking for advice on ground rules, vetting, peoples experiences etc
I have quite a nice house with some expensive things in, big flat screen tv etc and obviously dont want to take somone in and have them turn up in a van while im at work and clear me out!, Ive got 2 German Shepherds also and woudnt want those pinched! lol
Also wondering about rules for them having visitors etc.
Just looking for advice please
"Look for mature professionals rather than students."
But not a lawyer.
A co-worker's sister lost her house when she rented it to a lawyer who knew too well how long he could get away with not paying her rent before being forced to leave, about 6 months if I remember correctly.
She was relying on the rent to cover the mortgage and unfortunately the bank also knew how long she could keep her house without making mortgage payments on it.
But not a lawyer.
A co-worker's sister lost her house when she rented it to a lawyer who knew too well how long he could get away with not paying her rent before being forced to leave, about 6 months if I remember correctly.
She was relying on the rent to cover the mortgage and unfortunately the bank also knew how long she could keep her house without making mortgage payments on it.
Edited by redtwin on Wednesday 24th March 10:21
Reserve the right to be uber picky. It's your house, it's your rules. Seriously, very very very important. You want the right person. You really don't want the wrong person. Don't rush into a decision you may regret. Ask questions. Probe. If there is any doubt, say no. If you don't trust them, say no. If you don't like them for whatever reason, no matter how small, don't be polite and say no. Also, be very clear from the outset the ground rules.
Just a couple of things to we aware of though....
Check the terms of your mortgage. Some stipulate no tenants/lodgers.
Check the terms of your home insurance. Ditto.
Just a couple of things to we aware of though....
Check the terms of your mortgage. Some stipulate no tenants/lodgers.
Check the terms of your home insurance. Ditto.
If you go for a professional, ask for references including a letter confirming they work for the company.
If you work for a reasonable sized company, have you thought about asking HR if they having anyone relocating to the area or joining the company soon? Someone might be after a base for a few months.
Interview, and interview some more.
If you work for a reasonable sized company, have you thought about asking HR if they having anyone relocating to the area or joining the company soon? Someone might be after a base for a few months.
Interview, and interview some more.
I've had numerous over the years, from friends to students to professionals. Never had a problem with any.
Draw up a contract either thru one of the letting sites or from a solicitor, they sign it and make them aware of the rules.
I allow friends given notice but only at weekends and any merriment must be curtailed by 11pm, works well.
On a side note, everytime i advertise the room i get 5 or so females to every male replying
Draw up a contract either thru one of the letting sites or from a solicitor, they sign it and make them aware of the rules.
I allow friends given notice but only at weekends and any merriment must be curtailed by 11pm, works well.
On a side note, everytime i advertise the room i get 5 or so females to every male replying
Mr Obertshaw said:
Scraggles said:
used to do student lodging, ask the local student place for advice
no guests, no friends staying over
You must have had very lonely lodgers.no guests, no friends staying over
I'm abut to do the same. Lots of scare stories out there, but actually, from what I've heard from my mates who've had lodgers none have ever had any problems.
I know with fully let out flats, you now have to have the gas, electric checked and you need to register teh deposit or else face massive fines. I presume this doesn't apply to having lodgers in your own home, but it's worth checking
Personally I'm going to take on 2. Twice the income and it's no more loss of privacy than just taking 1 :-)
I know with fully let out flats, you now have to have the gas, electric checked and you need to register teh deposit or else face massive fines. I presume this doesn't apply to having lodgers in your own home, but it's worth checking
Personally I'm going to take on 2. Twice the income and it's no more loss of privacy than just taking 1 :-)
www.spare-room.co.uk (free site - others will charge you to make contact)
Only interview females. Only offer the room to attractive ones.
It really is like shooting fish in a barrel Miss Jones.
Oh, and as has already been said, tax free under the governments rent a room scheme.
http://www.rentaroom.co.uk/?gclid=CImIqYCJ0qACFSJl...
Only interview females. Only offer the room to attractive ones.
It really is like shooting fish in a barrel Miss Jones.
Oh, and as has already been said, tax free under the governments rent a room scheme.
http://www.rentaroom.co.uk/?gclid=CImIqYCJ0qACFSJl...
Edited by B17NNS on Wednesday 24th March 19:02
B17NNS said:
www.spare-room.co.uk (free site - others will charge you to make contact)
Only interview females. Only offer the room to attractive ones.
It really is like shooting fish in a barrel Miss Jones.
Oh, and as has already been said, tax free under the governments rent a room scheme.
http://www.rentaroom.co.uk/?gclid=CImIqYCJ0qACFSJl...
I'm going to do this soon so will be advertising in the local Uni's Yoga classes, etc.Only interview females. Only offer the room to attractive ones.
It really is like shooting fish in a barrel Miss Jones.
Oh, and as has already been said, tax free under the governments rent a room scheme.
http://www.rentaroom.co.uk/?gclid=CImIqYCJ0qACFSJl...
Edited by B17NNS on Wednesday 24th March 19:02
Road Pest said:
B17NNS said:
www.spare-room.co.uk (free site - others will charge you to make contact)
Only interview females. Only offer the room to attractive ones.
It really is like shooting fish in a barrel Miss Jones.
Oh, and as has already been said, tax free under the governments rent a room scheme.
http://www.rentaroom.co.uk/?gclid=CImIqYCJ0qACFSJl...
I'm going to do this soon so will be advertising in the local Uni's Yoga classes, etc.Only interview females. Only offer the room to attractive ones.
It really is like shooting fish in a barrel Miss Jones.
Oh, and as has already been said, tax free under the governments rent a room scheme.
http://www.rentaroom.co.uk/?gclid=CImIqYCJ0qACFSJl...
Edited by B17NNS on Wednesday 24th March 19:02
Male lodgers can be a lot less problematic and pedantic to live with
AND
If you do end up with a psycho, admittedly a gorgeous bikini wearing, yoga-ite who weighs 7 stone might sound appealing, but at least with a guy you can physically remove him and put his posessions on the pavement. Can't do that to a woman!
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff