Renting A Room

Renting a room in a home where the landlord also lives is an ever popular and cheaper housing option. There are some things you should consider first before you decide on this option.

If you rent a room you will have to share some facilities with the landlord, such as a bathroom, kitchen and living room. It is important to think about whether this sort of living arrangement suits you.

You should establish that the landlord is 'resident' at the property because this will decide what type of agreement will be in place and your rights.

For the landlord to be resident they must be using the property as their only or principle home. Even if they go away for short periods of time, and they intend to return, they may still be resident.

If your landlord is resident then you will be an 'excluded occupier'. This means you will have limited rights in terms of security of tenure.

Finding a room

• Ask friends, family, employers or local colleges if they know of anyone who has a room to rent.
• Look at adverts in shop windows or newspapers.
• There are many websites and agencies that advertise rooms for rent such as Roomster or Roomgo or SpareRoom.

For more information

The government has produced a useful guide for renting a room in someone's home. It explains how different types of excluded occupier living arrangements work in practice. Read the government guide to renting a room in someone's home here.

Shelter provides useful advice for excluded occupiers in relation to their rights. Read more about your rights as an excluded occupier.