If you`re looking to rent out a spare room in your UK home, it`s important to have a lodger agreement in place. This agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your lodger that outlines the terms of the rental arrangement. While it`s always recommended to consult with a legal professional, there are free lodger agreement templates available online that can provide a useful starting point.
One important thing to consider when drafting a lodger agreement is what exactly it should include. Here are some key points to consider:
– The names and contact information of both you and the lodger
– The address of the property being rented
– The length of the rental agreement (typically, lodger agreements run on a rolling basis with a notice period of one month from either party required to terminate the agreement)
– The amount of rent and how it should be paid (e.g. monthly bank transfer)
– Any other charges or fees (e.g. if the lodger wishes to use a parking space)
– The lodger`s obligations (e.g. keeping the rented space clean and tidy, respecting the privacy of other occupants of the property, etc)
– Your obligations as the landlord (e.g. providing a set of house keys, ensuring necessary repairs are carried out in a timely manner, etc)
– Any restrictions on the lodger`s use of the property (e.g. no smoking indoors, no pets)
It`s also worth considering whether you want to include a deposit in your lodger agreement. A deposit is a sum of money paid upfront by the lodger to cover any damages or unpaid rent at the end of the rental period. If you do decide to take a deposit, you should clearly outline the circumstances under which it may be withheld and how much will be returned to the lodger at the end of the rental period.
When it comes to finding a free lodger agreement template, there are a number of websites where you can download them. However, it`s important to ensure that any template you use is up-to-date and legally sound. Here are a few trusted sources to consider:
– GOV.UK – the UK government`s website offers a downloadable lodger agreement template that you can use for free.
– SpareRoom – one of the UK`s largest flatsharing websites, SpareRoom offers a free lodger agreement template that includes guidance notes.
– LawDepot – this website offers a range of legal documents, including a lodger agreement template that can be customised to your needs.
While using a free lodger agreement template can be a good starting point, it`s always a good idea to have it reviewed by a legal professional before using it. This will help ensure that the agreement is legally sound and meets all of your needs as a landlord.
In conclusion, if you`re planning to rent out a spare room in your UK home, having a lodger agreement in place is an important step. While there are free templates available online, it`s important to ensure that any documents you use are legally sound and meet all of your needs. By taking the time to draft a thorough and legally binding agreement, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free rental arrangement.