Renting out a room?

[Nofoolfornoone]

Hi all,

Has anyone rented out a room in their home ? I am thinking of doing it for the tax free income and wondered how it worked for people?
I would hope to rent out mon to fri only.
For those who did it was it positive? Any issues? Did you find people stayed long term? Did it take a while to find someone?
Is there a contract you use?

I think it depends on your area- If it’s popular then you get lots of interest and you can be picky about who you choose including someone who will happy for just Monday to Friday let.

I’ve found it difficult this year I think due to Brexit and less ERASMUS students plus also I’m not in the most desirable area of an inner city.

I’m very picky on lodgers which has meant I haven’t had the room occupied all year but the people I have had have been great.

I had lodgers until DH and I got married and decided to have more grown up life. It was always pretty positive, not perfect but never had a major issue. You just need to set out the rules clearly to start off with. So think about cleaning, food storage and prep, using communal spaces, visitors etc.

I've rented two rooms in my house on and off for nearly ten years. I use SpareRoom.com to advertise. I should have a look on there to see what else is in your area the pricing etc. I mainly have Monday to Friday Lodger's who are working in the area but have had some full time too. Have learnt to be upfront with expectations re having guests staying over and any habits that would potentially really annoy you. It's been mainly positive and the ones that I didn't gel with I have asked to leave.

Thanks @wendywoopywoo222 I’ve looked on spare rooms and there seems to be many mon to fri let’s available so not sure if that’s a good sign or not. There are also a fair few people saying they are looking for mon to fri let’s in the area , mainly all Male, which doesn’t bother me.

We have foreign students staying to earn some extra cash. Better than a lodger because they go home after a week or two!

@sallylovecheese how do you organise that?

@SallyLovesCheese how do you organise foreign students staying?

Through a local college. The student is out 8-5pm roughly each day, requires breakfast, sometimes packed lunch and a cooked dinner. If they're here for two weeks they can use the washing machine. We can get around £180/week for hosting. Check out local English tuition colleges, or we have part of the university who host students, particularly in the summer months and go through them. It's fascinating to have people from all over the world staying!