Lodging Sharing Bills Legal?

[OldChestNuts]

Hi a friend is in financial difficulty and is looking into renting one of the room out for a lodger. But because of the energy crisis, could the lodger share the energy bills with the home owner? And is this legal in terms of legality definition for lodgers?

[naomi24]

I don't see why not. Obviously your friend would still be liable for the bills, but as long as they're paid I don't think energy companies care who pays them.

[meaghan72]

Why not just put up the weekly rent to cover extra energy costs?

[goodgoalie]

I would adjust the weekly/monthly rent to include energy costs

[bednobs]

i dont think i'd increase the rent to include bills
What if the lodger comes in and plugs in a sunbed, has the heating on all day and uses the appliances 24/7? Sharing the bill is betterthen the lodger has an incentive to keep them down. As long as they are split appropriately

[barry1010]

Yes, no problem with putting that in the rental agreement. Your friend should check with house insurance and mortgage company before advertising.

[Maydup]

I’d make the rent all inclusive to be honest. That way you have the money each month and don’t risk arguments or excuses when the energy bills come in. A single person lodger is unlikely to increase your bills by very much as you would still heat the house and run a freezer etc but the additional rent income will help towards the bills. My friend has lodgers and does it this way very successfully. With the cost of renting a place at the moment and the competition for the tenancies, lodging is on the increase. A good time to do it.

[barry1010]

A lodger can increase the electricity bill significantly if they use the washing machine, tumble dryer, power shower a lot. Don't forget the cost of cooking extra meals, lodgers don't normally eat with the landlord. Electric heater in the bedroom during winter could be another unexpected cost.

[Peter Pedant]

I don't see why not.
I do
quite a few people are doing this - paying a share of the bill only is NOT rent.
You should make sure the room is let and then the bills are extra. That would be a contract for rent. and gives both the usual rights and duties.

Paying only a share of the bill - I think he would be a licensee, but I am not sure what the procedure is to get him out if you fall out and he wont go....( booting him out wd render him homeless)

this is now so common that local citizens aid cd help

[OldChestNuts]

@Peter

So maybe it is safer for my friend to rent the room to include all the bills. Just in case my friend can't get the lodger out if there are any issue. We have seen some contracts template being sold in WH Smith, hope these are the correct one.