House share for the over 40s

House sharing with a live-in landlord can be an excellent choice for those looking for affordable and flexible accommodation in the UK. Whether you're a professional, someone seeking a temporary living arrangement, or someone interested in a longer-term share, becoming a lodger offers a unique experience distinct from standard rental agreements.

What Is a Lodger Agreement?

Unlike a standard tenancy agreement under the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) rules (UK standard rental contract), a lodger arrangement typically falls under a licence to occupy rather than a lease. This means that you have permission to stay in a room in the landlord's home but do not have the same legal protections as a tenant under an AST.

Lodgers usually rent a private room while sharing common spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom with the landlord. Since the property remains the landlord’s primary residence, they have more flexibility in setting house sharing rules and terminating agreements. That said, many lodgers and live-in landlords enjoy long-term house sharing, as they find the arrangement suits them well.

Benefits of House Sharing with a Live-in Landlord

House sharing with a live-in landlord comes with several advantages beyond affordability. Here are some key benefits – but of course everything depends on the individual arrangement and we encourage discussion of key points in advance:

1. Lower Housing Costs

With rent often covering utilities and council tax contributions, lodgers can save significantly compared to renting a self-contained property. Additionally, deposits tend to be much lower.

2. More Flexible Rental Agreements

Lodgers benefit from shorter notice periods, usually a rolling one rental period (i.e. a month), making this an excellent option for individuals seeking accommodation without long-term commitments.

3. Less Responsibility for Maintenance

Unlike private tenants, lodgers are not responsible for major repairs or property maintenance. The landlord remains accountable for the upkeep of the home, although as you will see from housemate listings, many housemates offer help as a contribution to the house share.

4. A More Homely Environment

Living in someone’s home often provides a more personal and comfortable environment than renting in a larger house share or flat. Most have a lounge for example, some have a garden, and often there will be free storage. Some lodgers appreciate the sense of security and community this offers, which is especially important as we get and feel older!

Things to Consider Before Becoming a Lodger

Before agreeing to a house share with a live-in landlord, we recommend that you consider the following, and that you discuss them with our prospective housemate:

• Compatibility: Since you’ll be sharing the home with the landlord, ensure you have a compatible lifestyle and expectations. This can relate to work patterns, as much as how time in the home is spent.
• Agreement Terms: It is always best to have a written lodger agreement outlining rent, notice periods, and house rules.
• Privacy Needs: Understand that sharing a home with the owner may come with limitations regarding guests and personal space. There I always a period of adjustment when a house share first starts. If it’s the first time you’ll be sharing a home, then it might take longer, but be assured that it is perfectly normal for some small things to be discussed as you adjust.
• Financial Stability: Ensure the rent and any other costs are within your budget. Prospective landlords offering a spare room will usually want to know about your work and many, not all, will request a reference or do an identity check before making a lodger agreement. This is perfectly normal.

Key Questions About House Sharing aged over 40 and with a Live-in Landlord

1. Is House Sharing with a Live-in Landlord Suitable for Everyone?

House sharing is not suitable for everyone, as there are some practical limitations, and you also need to understand the live-in landlords needs:

• Age is not a barrier, although you may find it harder in cities to find housemates or live-in landlords who positively want to live with older age groups. (It’s part of why we set up cohabitas).
• A disability is not necessarily a barrier either. In fact, some live-in landlords will offer a room I their home and adjust the rent for some limited amount of support. But a house share is not a good replacement for proper care where someone is very limited by a physical, health or mental challenge.
• Being in a couple is also not a fixed barrier, but because a house share includes an amount of social connection, many live-in landlords will prefer to choose a single person.
• Having an wage or salary is also not a legal barrier as no listings are permitted on the site that exclude any person on grounds of receiving benefits. However, many landlords will prefer not to have this, which is there choice; so do ask in advance.
• Likewise, race, gender, sexual orientation and nationality/language is not a legal barrier, but landlords will chose who they would like to make contact with. That said, the range of housemates and landlords is very broad.
• Last, but not least, you must have a personal disposition that ahelps you adapt and communicate with others. Living with others creates social contact within the living space, so you need to be able to maintain good relations with ease.

2. What Are the Typical Costs of Being a Lodger?

House sharing with a live-in landlord can be significantly cheaper than renting a flat or a room under an AST. Lodger arrangements usually include:

• Rent: Generally lower than private rentals since landlords are not bound by the same regulatory costs and there tends to be an element of goodwill.
• Bills: Utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet are often, but not always, included in the rent, reducing unpredictable expenses. Check the room listing details and discuss this in advance.
• Deposit: Often lower than a standard tenancy deposit. Some landlords may not require one at all.
• Council Tax: In most cases, the landlord remains responsible for council tax. Again, please check this.

3. What Rights Do Lodgers Have?

Lodgers have fewer rights than tenants under a traditional tenancy agreement. Since the landlord lives in the same property, they will offer a lodger agreement instead of an AST. However, lodgers do have basic legal protections, including:

• A reasonable notice period for eviction (often agreed in advance in the lodger agreement, usually around 28 days).
• The right to live in a safe and habitable environment.
• Protection from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
• The right to privacy, though the landlord may enter the room for necessary reasons, such as maintenance.

It is crucial to have a clear written lodger agreement outlining these terms to avoid misunderstandings.

4. Can a Live-in Landlord Set House Rules?

Yes, landlords have the right to set rules, but if you read some of the sries in our news section, you’ll see that live-in landlords want to make their new housemate feel comfortable, whilst ensuring their own way of living is not disrupted too much:

• Use of communal areas (e.g., kitchen, bathroom, living room) is undoubtedly the most important. Room listing say whether there is an ensuite bathroom or use of a shared bathroom. Cleanliness and tidiness in these public areas is key. Adjusting to the home owner’s standards is necessary.
• Noise levels and visitors. This needs to be clear from the outset. Having older children visit is usually acceptable, but arrangement with partners need discussion, as they are much more disruptive to home life.
• Pets (whether allowed or not) and smoking policies are included as preferences on the room listing
• Cleaning and tidiness expectations is definitely one bight hing, but respect for people’s ‘space’ and privacy is also important. Getting the balance right is important to longer term house sharing.

Since it is their home, landlords expect lodgers to respect the household dynamics. It’s always best to discuss expectations before signing an agreement.

5. What Happens If There Is a Dispute?

Disputes between lodgers and live-in landlords can arise over rent payment, house rules, or living conditions. Since lodgers are not tenants under an AST, they have limited recourse to legal action. However, here are some steps to resolve disputes:

1. Communication: Open and honest discussions can often resolve minor issues before they escalate. Highly recommended.
2. Lodger Agreement Review: Checking the terms of the agreement can clarify responsibilities and expectations in advance.
3. Mediation: Some councils offer mediation services for housing disputes, but if it gets to this, then usually the sharing relationship is over.

You can read more about all of these subjects in our News and Stories section. Here you'll find pesonal stories about successful house sharing.