Landlords must carry out a full check before taking on a lodger
17th Sep 2012
With many people across the UK now having financial issues, it is the case that a large number of homeowners may look to rent out their spare room to a lodger as a way of bringing in some extra cash.
However, one expert has warned that anyone who wants to do this should ensure that they carry out a full check on their potential lodger before they do so.
Tom Entwistle, director of LandlordZONE.co.uk, said that it can be advisable to ensure that the lodger is not under a full occupant's tenancy agreement andinstead operates under a license to occupy. This type of agreement means that they are allowed to live there but can be removed easily if they are unsuitable.
"Do not allow the lodger to have a locked room - you need to have access to their room otherwise a tenancy may be created by giving the lodger exclusive possession. Do credit checks, references and ID checks," he continued.
Mr Entwistle also advised that it can be vital to ensure that these new landlords inform their insurer that they have made a change as this will affect their policy, as well as making certain that they have a gas certificate which is up to date.
Posted by Staff Writer: Robin Stenson
© Zoopla Property Group Limited