A room to let in family home. What options are there?

[Seth]

Hi. I have no experience of this so is anyone reads this who does....

I own a house (or rather a heavily mortgaged house) and live with my 2 DC (11 and 8) in a nice area in zone 2 in SE London. I have have a spare bedroom and I have decided I'd like some sort of lodger to make living here more financially viable.

I hear of various arrangements that people have.. some who stay Monday to Friday , some that just want the room and won't really ever use the kitchen or sit downstairs in the evening, some air b n b, someone else I know has various students with them who become part of the family . This is all new to me and I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions or experience on what works best in a family home.

Obviously it would need to be someone that is ok living with DC. Selfishly I'd love the person to be happy in the room but not really sit there watching tv with me every night. I deal with people all day every day at work and whilst I am really sociable and like meeting new people , sometimes after the DCs are in bed I just want to be on my own.. I do appreciate that this kind of set up might not be common though so I am open .

The room is a decent size and has just been decorated.

If anyone could recommend any websites they have used or can let me know of any dos or dont's I would really appreciate it thanks!

Spare room dot com? Have a look at what's available in your area
Monday to Friday is good. Set rules on paper and get them signed. Rent paid monthly by standing order. 2 weeks' (or 1 month's) rent in advance.
Rules could be things like use of rooms, smoking in the house, noise levels, parking, use of things like tv, washing machine etc.

Check out Airbnb

My friend always has lodgers and she says the most important thing is to set ground rules before they agree to move in. So you can say “you’re welcome to use the living room while we are out during the day, but not weekends and after 7pm”. What you can’t do is change the rules once they’ve moved in.

Are you within range of any theatres that have a digs list? Actors can be very unobtrusive house guests, as they’re out all the time or sleeping.

We take Foreign Language students in our spare room.

Not airbnb if you want to relax. As you're running a mini hotel. A Monday to Friday let is good but so is renting it out fully for a week as more money.

Could you make your own bedroom a place to escape if needed? A fall back plan if you like!

Make sure you include guests in your rules and what you would be comfortable with.

I'd try and insist on some sort of background check (DBS or something?) and to be honest would be very wary of having strangers in and out with my DC in bed etc, as air bnb especially are short term and could be anyone!

www.doctorhouse.co.uk/ I have stayed with homeowners working through this agency in the past - its not just for doctors, its for any health professional.

This is why I posted! Loads of helpful suggestions thankyou I really appreciate it. As well as the suggestions I never really considered that I could make my own room more of a space to spend time in the evenings. Thanks.

Here are the must dos: 1.U have to check any prospective lodgers ID passport / driving licence should be ok .

1. You must have all gas appliances checked annually and get the report in writing. Cost could be around £60/£70.
2. You must have properly working smoke alarms
3. You must tell your insurers because if you had to make a claim they could refuse it if they found out about the lodger and you had not told them. No guarantee but they should be ok with it if the lodger is working/professional.
4. If you are claiming Single persons Council Discount then you must tell the Council when another adult moves in
5. Give them a rent book

Recommended: 1.Lodger insurance which could cover any number of things eg wine on your new bedroom carpet

1. Check his/her working hours eg if they work at night could you keep the place quiet enough for them to sleep during the day?
2. The income should be tax-free I think it is about £7000 pa but check
3. They will expect wifi so make sure yours will be enough for all the appliances used in the household
4. Do not let the children go into their room/knock on their door unless they expressly suggest it till you know them well They may ask for a room key but legally you do not have to give them one but if the kids are an issue then maybe give them one? Otherwise say you will see how things go after a couple of months and then give them one
5. Try to keep bathroom/kitchen free for them at times that suit them so they can get their shower/cook their meal without having to ask you all the time. Give them their own cupboard and fridge/freezer space They are paying after all
6. Check what they are bringing with them household goods wise. Some may have virtually nothing other than a laptop others may want to bring some of their own furniture. If you do not want them in the lounge all the time perhaps supply a comfy chair for their room?
7. You cannot check if they are safe with children unless they are aupair/nanny A friend of mine tried and failed
8. They will usually want to clean their own room. Decide if you want them to share any of the household cleaning. They may even ask if they can help. Doing the vacuuming once a week is a good one

10.You will need somewhere where you can lock away any private/ precious things of your own. After all it is your home and people are nosey. Yes you may want to lock your own bedroom

This wont provide the highest income but IMO is safer - private schools employ local families to house their overseas students that dont go home over school holidays (not summer). They pay very well, but obviously they have to be part of your family for the time they are with you. If youre off with your own children at the same time this may not be too onerous and your dc may enjoy it too.

We did this for a couple of years with a local agency that places mainly female interns in family houses in zone 2. We had no trouble at all, and it was a life saver financially.

If you pm me I’m happy to pass on contact details - don’t want to post them on here as it might out me.