The pros and cons of getting a lodger

Many people whose homes have one or more spare bedrooms decide to become a resident landlord by taking in a lodger.

This could be the case, for example, if your children have just left home or gone away to university

A lodger can provide not just extra income, much of it free of tax, but also companionship and even help with jobs around the home.

So if you are considering seeking a lodger, what do you need to think about? We look at what you would need to consider before becoming a resident landlord.

Tax-free income

Under the government’s Rent-a-Room scheme, you can earn up to £7,500 a year free of tax from a lodger: this equates to rent of just over £144 a week.

Any rent above this level will be subject to income tax at your marginal rate and you will need to complete a tax return.

Are you allowed to take a lodger?

If you don’t own your home outright, there are steps you may need to take before advertising for a lodger.

If you have an outstanding mortgage, check with your lender whether you are allowed to take a lodger or if you need permission. And if you live in rented accommodation, check the terms of your tenancy.

If you have a spare room but don't want a permanent lodger, have you considered hosting foreign students?

Do you need extra insurance if you take in a lodger?

You should also contact your home insurer before your lodger moves in to inform them and pay any extra premiums if necessary. This might be the case if you have accidental-damage cover, for example.

Find out about Saga Landlord Insurance

Advertising for a lodger

You could advertise for a lodger in a number of ways, from placing an ad in your newsagent’s window, to using your local paper’s classified section or putting a listing on a website, such as Spareroom.co.uk.

Is it safe to take in a lodger?

If the lodger is not someone you already know, it makes sense to take certain precautions before allowing them to move in. This could involve seeking references from people they know or from their employer or bank.

It's easier to evict a lodger than it is to evict a tenant in a property you do not live at. If there's no written agreement your lodger will automatically become a periodic let and run indefinitely from one rent period to the next, which could be monthly or weekly. If you are unlucky enough to have a tenant who refuses to leave

Do you need to write up a lodger agreement?

You are not obliged to provide a written agreement if you take in a lodger, but it can help if you have a clear record of how much rent is to be paid, the size of any initial deposit, how long the lodger can stay for and how much notice you or they have to give to end the agreement.

You should also set out how household bills, such as utilities and council tax, are to be shared. The amount you charge for gas and electricity can't be more than you pay due to Ofgem's rules on the resale of gas and electricity.

Finally, you are responsible for providing safe accommodation and also for having regular safety checks carried out on any gas appliances.

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