Renting-a-Room with no written agreement - What are the risks

C

Cityliving

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Hey there,

If an individual is renting a room out but does not have a written agreement what risks if any does this pose.

I dont mean leaving with no notice etc, I mean in terms of ownership, squatters rights, tenancy length.

Does a rent a room require an agreement or is the agreement worth anything in any case i.e. can they be bound by the normal "renters" obligations set out by the PRTB. Is it similar to fixed term agreements for renting out an apartment fully?

Are they protected by PRTB or as in fixed term agreements do these agreements appear (I still cant get my head around it) to superceed the PRTB rules in certain areas i.e. cant ask to leave within 3 months if you are going to sell as stated by PRTB etc if your fixed term agreement doesnt say it.

Any help would be great.

Cheers

Any advice would be very much appreciated.
 
I'm not sure but I don't think the rent a room scheme is covered by the PRTB, perhaps others could confirm? Certainly they have no rights with regard to ownership. I've had a number of lodgers over the years and my advice is to go on your gut instinct. Have a long chat with the prospective tenant, set clear (but fair) rules from day one and agree a one month trial period to see how you get along with each other. Always take a month's security deposit even if you agree a weekly rent but be realistic about fair wear and tear when returning it at the end of the tenancy. I always made it clear that it was the lodger's home as much as mine rather than a room they were 'borrowing' and as a result had very few problems. I'm still good friends with all but one former lodger - it's a great way to meet people you perhaps wouldn't normally know!

Good luck.

Sarah W

www.mortgagesoverseas.com
 
The prtb is not concerned with the 'rent a room' scheme - and you don't have to register with them. Under this scheme, there is no 'tenancy agreement' as such - the lodger stays there under 'license agreement'.

Notice period is a bit of a grey area legally (should be 'reasonable' - so in the eyes of the beholder). Some people stick down stuff like that on paper and get agreement signed. Personally, I don't want to get that formal but I do make a point of making sure they've been told everything ref. required notice, what bills are shared/whats not, etc.
 
Best is to write down some basic ground rules 1 page max, e.g. about rent amount & when to be paid, rent amount review, deposit, notice period for termination from owner and tennant, bill sharing, smoking, visitors, parties, etc...
 
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