Guides
Practical, plain-English guidance for resident landlords and lodgers in the UK.
- Legal basicsWhat is a resident landlord?
A resident landlord lives in the same property as their lodger. This is a fundamentally different legal relationship from renting to a tenant.
Read guide - Tax & financeThe Rent a Room scheme explained
HMRC's Rent a Room scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from letting a furnished room in your home.
Read guide - AgreementsWriting a fair lodger agreement
A lodger agreement is not legally required — but it protects both parties. We explain what to include, what to avoid, and what makes an agreement fair.
Read guide - PracticalDeposits, notice periods and house rules
How much deposit can you ask for? How much notice does a lodger need to give? What can you put in the house rules?
Read guide
Coming soon
- ScreeningScreening for compatibility — not just ability to pay
Rent-paying ability is the minimum bar. Living with someone is about much more.
- For lodgersWhat lodgers should know before moving in
Your rights as a lodger are different from a tenant's. This guide covers what to check before you sign anything.
Got a question not covered here?
The community forum (coming soon) will let you ask questions and get answers from other resident landlords and lodgers. Learn more about the community
