UK Landlord Forum / Life

Here's a tricky one:

I live in a studio flat. It is my main residence. However, I work on location and stay in various hotels or Winnebagos, etc. Mon to Friday and then return to the flat at weekends.

If I was to rent the flat from Mon-Fri, without my being there, would he/she be a tenant or a lodger? (ie. I still share ALL the rooms in the flat and live there but not on the same days of the week). I could, if necessary, pop back sometimes in the week and make a cup of tea in the kitchen if it changes the situation!

Also...I guess the fact it's a studio precludes me from joining the 'rent a room scheme'

You own the space?

Given that, I would say its up to you to define this. My feeling is lodger / Joint Tenant.

Dont know enough about lodger law, assume its a bit easier to deal with than AST

FYI: Yes, I do own the flat - outright. And being it's in London, it could generate quite a bit of extra revenue for me...

Not really my area of expertise, but I would say its possible as a "lodger"

Wont be that straight forward, but I know of a few people down here in Cornwall who use rooms in Reading etc when they are working away, Monday to Thursday, this can be with or without meals etc.

As you say rewarding if done right.

Thanks Boboff

As long as I can avoid the new lodger becoming a tenant, it sounds like it's worth a go...

If, on the other hand, they do turn into a tenant (or decide to claim they are if I try to evict them), I'll have all the associated legal problems, plus, I guess, a hefty cgt bill if I sell in the future. So it is kind of crucial.

S

Well charge them per week then, or per night, or what ever it is to make it clear it is not a tenant / landlord relationship.

If possible only keep them for 3 months at a time, then change, as many "badges" to show that it is a ad hoc temporary relationship. Specifically say they can not nominate it as a residence, and it is not suitable for ANY post or services to be registered in their names?

Try and find a more specific forum? The name of this one may not be a good defence!

Thank you Boboff

Wise words indeed...

I appreciate all your help.

Will do as you suggest and proceed with caution

Sammy

Its nice when they come back and say thanks... Many Don't, no call, letter, not even a text......