The second week of tips for Lodger Landlords has now passed. See below the topics covered (the headings are links which will take you to the posts):
Day 8 – What about tax and council tax?
This tip looks at the government’s rent a room scheme, and SpareRoom.com’s Raise the Roof campaign.
Day 9 – How do you find lodgers?
Discusses various methods such as student accommodation offices, shop windows and the internet.
Day 10 – How do you draft adverts and deal with enquiries?
This tip stresses the importance of safety, as criminals have been known to target lodger adverts.
Day 11 – How do you interview lodgers?
Looks at preparation for the interview, suggests questions to ask and discuss, and looks briefly at deposits
Day 12 – What checking and referencing is needed?
Discusses things to take into account when coming to a decision and describes the referencing process
Day 13 – What about rent and housing benefit?
Discusses the thorny problem of how much rent to charge, and looks at the Local Housing Allowance and the problems associated with taking in lodgers on benefit
Day 14 – Should you have house rules?
These are in addition to a formal lodger agreement and set out more domestic arrangements
The final week of tips starts on Monday 15 February with a post on lodger agreements, leading up to tips on dealing with problem lodgers and the day your lodger leaves. Please visit (www.lodgerlandlord.co.uk), to read them.
Note that the New Lodger Pack (and lodger agreement to be found in the New Lodger Plus pack) will be of great help to you if you take in lodgers. Read more >> here.