Jump to content
The mkiv Supra Owners Club

Renting a room


Supragal

Recommended Posts

I need to rent my spare room out, I've advertised a bit but I'm a bit worried about letting some total stranger move in and have full access to all my stuff.

 

Does anyone on here do this and if so, are there any ways that I'm not aware of to avoid thieves, pikeys, etc?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 51
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

I ahven't done it myself, but those people I know who have, just placed an advert somewhere (e.g. gumtree.com, FreeAds). Sounds risky, but it probably isn't nearly as risky as you think. If you do this, don't rent it to them without meeting them first, and use your judgement as to whether they'd be a suitable tenant.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I need to rent my spare room out, I've advertised a bit but I'm a bit worried about letting some total stranger move in and have full access to all my stuff.

 

Does anyone on here do this and if so, are there any ways that I'm not aware of to avoid thieves, pikeys, etc?

 

I've rented several of my rooms out consistantly over the last 10 years.

To a degree you'll get a sense of someone whilst meeting them in person in rather than just relying on references.

 

When they come to look at the room, see if they stay on for a chat after you've shown them round. Are they in a hurry to look at the next ten places or do they take time out to speak with you?

 

Let your advert run for at least 3 weeks (if in paper) You may settle on the first person or it maybe the last person you see, but it's useful to compare.

You're probably aware that with the *Rent a Room Scheme* you can make £4250 per year, tax free. Splendid!

 

So here's that link:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/Taxes/TaxOnPropertyAndRentalIncome/DG_4017804

 

Ultimatley if someone's going to rob you, there's not a lot you can do. I've never had this happen btw :)

 

The last two years, one of my room has been rented out to two Polish couples (not at the same time) and they have been the best lodgers by far- Honest, hard working, and manners by the bucket load.

 

Remember as you would be the live-in-landlord, you can keep an eye on things nicely too ;)

Good luck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks. I had discounted couples, thought it would be weird to have a couple living in my house. Maybe it's just because I hate the idea of anyone moving in :/

 

Yeah I saw that gov thing the other day but I seem to remember a part of it that suggested I wouldn't qualify... I'll look again as I forget what it was...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I live in Bordon, which is Farnham/Guildford/Petersfield way. Why you know someone looking? haha

 

would have been me if the right location. however not where im looking for im afraid:( besides even though im a nice bloke:) I wouldn't think any person looking to rent a room would want a young lad coming in and waking them up in the early hours:d

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks. I had discounted couples, thought it would be weird to have a couple living in my house. Maybe it's just because I hate the idea of anyone moving in :/

 

Yeah I saw that gov thing the other day but I seem to remember a part of it that suggested I wouldn't qualify... I'll look again as I forget what it was...

 

Fair comment on the couple thing. For 8 years I rented to single professionals etc. By accident in the 9th year a couple turned up, I liked them and it just worked out.

 

 

Rent it for cash:innocent:

 

So that's how you buy 10 cars a month :D

Actually- it's a fair point ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Aiming for female professionals is good. Polish folk are optional and dogs could be a clincher (if they like dogs).

 

As you know, now is not a great time to sell (although I really I don't know your particular situation) so perhaps renting may just get you out of the proverbial...

 

Try it. If you don't like it- you made some money.

If you do like- you make even more dosh and possibly get a friend out of it too (though I'm well aware that's not your motivation)

 

Ps and a cheap/free dog sitter/walker for Supra Meets.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Aiming for female professionals is good. Polish folk are optional and dogs could be a clincher (if they like dogs).

 

As you know, now is not a great time to sell (although I really I don't know your particular situation) so perhaps renting may just get you out of the proverbial...

 

Try it. If you don't like it- you made some money.

If you do like- you make even more dosh and possibly get a friend out of it too (though I'm well aware that's not your motivation)

 

Ps and a cheap/free dog sitter/walker for Supra Meets.

 

Yeah maybe only good will come of it, I'm always a bit cynical... :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do you have a burley live-in Boyfriend/Hubby?

 

I wouldnt be flat sharing with a male otherwise, you can never be too careful these days!! A Yale lock on your bedroom would be an idea, perhaps theirs too, with you keeping a spare set of keys;)

 

Keep an AK47 dummy gun under the bed too, just incase:d

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do you have a burley live-in Boyfriend/Hubby?

 

I wouldnt be flat sharing with a male otherwise, you can never be too careful these days!! A Yale lock on your bedroom would be an idea, perhaps theirs too, with you keeping a spare set of keys;)

 

Keep an AK47 dummy gun under the bed too, just incase:d

 

Where were you brought up? :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do you have a burley live-in Boyfriend/Hubby?

 

I wouldnt be flat sharing with a male otherwise, you can never be too careful these days!! A Yale lock on your bedroom would be an idea, perhaps theirs too, with you keeping a spare set of keys;)

 

Keep an AK47 dummy gun under the bed too, just incase:d

 

I have a ridgeback? lol

 

Now you've scared me!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I know quite a few people who've rented rooms before and one thing they all say is to get your advertising right to avoid the dodgy buggers. Ideally go through friends, family or work colleagues as the person should at least be a known quantity.

 

If you're in employment of a large company you should be able to advertise rooms on the companies notice boards, this will ensure at least some degree of professionalism. Definitely avoid public advertising if at all possible as it's near impossible to vet people.

Quite honestly I think you should avoid considering an unknown male, you can handle yourself no doubt about that! But there's no point potentially putting your safety at risk for the sake of a few hundred quid a month.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. You might also be interested in our Guidelines, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.