This factsheet is designed to inform and assist individuals who wish to set up a house or flat sharing arrangement so that it operates legally, fairly and smoothly.

The word ‘house share’ or ‘flat share’ can mean a number of different things to different people, but this factsheet does not address them all. This factsheet is aimed at people who own or rent a property and wish to invite a lodger into their home. The lodger will have the use of a bedroom in the home for himself, and will share the use of the bathroom, kitchen, living room and other communal areas with the landlord. This factsheet does not cover tenants who share a property together, nor does it address situations where the property owner lets rooms to different people in his house, but does not live there himself.

The benefits of sharing your home with a lodger can be many, but there are costs and disadvantages as well. This factsheet explains the options available to a home-owner or tenant who wishes to earn some extra money by letting a room or floor in his house or flat to a lodger, as well as the pros and cons of doing so, and tips for making the process as easy as possible.

Many people may not have considered the option of letting a spare room to a lodger, but it can be an excellent way to earn some extra money from your property, and is becoming more and more popular. In the past, taking in lodgers has been thought of as the preserve of ageing women who provided meals as well as laundry and cleaning services. This image has changed beyond recognition as now many live-landlords are young professionals or families looking to make some extra cash from the spare rooms in their houses or flats. The founder of www.spareroom.co.uk has recently stated that adverts by resident landlords make up about half of all ‘rooms available’ listings on the website.