To ask for urgent advice regarding renting out a room?

[Candleburner]

Name changed for this post. Finances are dire so need to rent out a room this month. It is a double room. Shared shower room in a smallish house. Any advice about how-to present room or pitfalls etc?

Have a look on a residential landlords association website for a draft “lodgers agreement”. Never, ever use the term “tenant”.

Decide whether the rent will include utilities or not.

NO LOCKS on bedroom door.

Ask for and take up references and ask for a deposit and a month’s rent in advance

For presentation your lodger will need some decent storage and possibly a small desk, together with enough bed-linen available.

You need to be absolutely clear on what your expectations are so there is no room for misunderstanding. Don’t forget that lodgers have few rights, so can be given reasonable notice for any reason or no reason at all.

It’s a seller’s market at present, so offer a fair rent and you won’t have much trouble finding someone suitable.

I've done it several times via Spareroom

Clear room of all clutter, take some photos and include room size.

Decide some key issues in advance and let potential tenants know before they view so they can see if it suits them.
It is much better to say these things in advance. They cannot read your mind and you may think something is obvious but it won't be to everyone

1. What is the set up going to be for kitchen access - are they using your pans, plates, cutlery? If they are providing their own, where are they storing them? Do you have space in the fridge set aside for them to store their good? Cupboard space to store dry food?
2. Are they allowed to have guests, either overnight or just a friend popping round?
3. What is the set up in the bathroom - do you have designated space for their toiletries to be stored? Any specific rules on not having showers at midnight etc?
4. Laundry - where are they drying it? Any issues with mould if in their room?
5. Living room - are they just renting a bedroom with access to kitchen eg not permitted to use living room? Or are you happy sharing communal space? Can try store things in living room?
6. Anything around car parking /bike parking etc that they should know in advance.
7. Rules on smoking, drugs, alcohol?

Take a months rent in advance.
Use a contract - you can get a draft lodger contract online

All my lodgers have been fine. It's a good way to earn more money. The secret is good, clear communication on what your expectations are.

Present your ad with a truthful description. Don't exaggerate or lie about suze, view, furniture, parking etc. Think about whats acceptable and what's not eg
Pets, smoking, wfh,
Overnight sleepovers, unreadonable late night TV,
Alwsys hogging the kitchen, friends over for drinks.
If you want a quiet unsociable hermit, say so.
If you want company then say that too. Is it longterm or a few months?
Its a hone owners market. Try Spareroom.com
Room needs to be clean and furnished adequately.
You need to offer space in kitchen and fridge etc and any shared rooms like bathroom.
Agree on cleaning rota .
Get rent paid in advance into your bank and be strict. No rent no room.
Good luck.
Always go on your gut. If someone feels wrong then they are.

Apologies for typos

Thank you. I am dreading it to be honest but beers must. Has anyone had a positive experience?

Yes, me. I had a lodger for over a decade who only moved out when she got married. It can be a positive experience but you need decent boundaries, so you both know where you stand. Good luck!