What you need to do
If you are thinking of renting out a room in your house, there are a few things you need to do. You can get more information on taking in a lodger from the Shelter Scotland website.
Important points include:
- if you are a home owner, check your mortgage agreement to see if you need permission from your lender to take in a lodger
- if you are a tenant you will generally need to get your landlord’s permission to sub-let. Highland Council tenants must ask for permission
- if you receive benefits, they may be affected
- it is important to let the relevant benefits services know as soon as you start receiving rent
- if you do not, you may have to pay back any money that you were not entitled to
- you must let the Council Tax Team know of any changes to your households, remember you can charge your tenant for their share of the Council Tax bill
- the Government’s Rent a Room scheme lets you earn some tax-free income from letting out furnished accommodation in your only or family home
- make sure you have the right contents insurance, you need to tell your insurer that your circumstances have changed
You can also find a lodger and get advice on sites such as www.SpareRoom.co.uk.