Lodgers and sub-letting
You can take in lodgers subject to statutory overcrowding, provided that you have prior written permission from Platform.
Sub-letting is not permitted.
Guide to taking a lodger
We understand that you may wish to take in a lodger to help sustain your tenancy.
Before applying for permission to take in a lodger you should consider the full implications of this especially with regards to how it may affect Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. Should you decide to end your tenancy agreement with us, you will be also responsible for ensuring any lodger leaves by the end of your tenancy.
Your tenancy agreement with us will remain, which means that you will continue to be responsible for your homes condition and any breaches which may have been caused by your lodger, such as antisocial behaviour or damage to the property.
FAQs
A lodger is someone who rents a room in your home and who shares some facilities with you, such as your kitchen or bathroom.
Please check your tenancy agreement. Most agreements do allow you to take in a lodger, but you need to ask for permission from us first.
To seek our permission to have a lodger, you must complete the form link below and provide the following details about your intended lodger:
- Full name
- Age
- Sex
- Details of the accommodation to be occupied
- The proposed charge you intend to make
Permission will not be unreasonably withheld, provided that:
- Your Tenancy Agreement permits lodgers
- Your home is not over occupied
- That a tenancy agreement is not given to your lodger for any part of your home.
Any money you receive from the lodger (apart from the first £20) will be seen as income and this may affect the amount of benefits you receive.
In some circumstances taking in a lodger may also affect Council Tax Benefit.
Yes, you should advise your insurer that you have a lodger as it may affect your policy if you claim and you have not informed them.
It’s your responsibility to ask your lodger to leave and you must provide a reasonable amount of notice.
When you take in your lodger it is a good idea to write up an agreement or licence that both of you sign and agree to. A standard agreement is available for a small fee at: www.sparerooms.co.uk/content/info-landlords/lodger-agreement
Please remember that your lodger can only continue living in your home whilst you have a tenancy agreement in place for your home.
You must make sure you have a spare room and sufficient space to take in a lodger.
Remember this person will be sharing your home with you – take your time and make sure that you chose the right match for you, your family and your lifestyle.
Further things to consider
You may wish to do some checks on your lodger for your own safety and peace of mind. You could speak to their previous landlord(s) or get references that show your lodger will be able to afford the rent you are charging.
You may also wish to set some rules for your lodger, so everyone is clear. You could agree which parts of the house and appliances the lodger can use, if your lodger can have overnight visitors or guests or an agreement on times when there should be no noise and when your lodger can come and go at night.
It’s important to remember that although you may be taking a lodger, the tenancy for your home and it conditions remain your responsibility.
You must continue to live at the property to take a lodger.
