News and Inspiration
How much rent should I charge for a room in my home?
When deciding to rent out a room in your home, one of the first questions to answer is how much rent to charge. Many landlords are unsure how much is reasonable, especially when renting out for the first time. There are several factors to consider when setting the rental price, including the size of the…
Read MoreFeeling comfortable with a lodger in your home
We interviewed Kate, an ‘accidental’ landlady, who has had lodgers in her family home in Camden for several years. She explains what’s involved and how she has learned to create a welcoming environment that also suits her family. Q1. So, you’ve had lodgers for some time now, but how did it start? A. It happened…
Read MoreWhy live-in lodgers are making a comeback
Nick Harding, reporting in the Daily Telegraph on Saturday 8th July, detailed why more and more people are looking for a lodger. Featuring 3 case studies and comments from both spareroom.co.uk and cohabitas.com, the article focuses on how finding a lodger can be a good alternative to selling up; it enables you to stay in…
Read MoreCohabiting through Shared Ownership
I have spent several years thinking about Cohousing projects and I’ve been part of two of them. However, I have decided now that the best type of communal living for me will be to think smaller and simpler and join together with a few others to buy, and share, a large house. I am forming…
Read MoreIs subletting the same as having a lodger?
When it comes to renting property, there are various terms that arise, such as subletting, letting, and having a lodger. Each of them involve different arrangements and legal implications. Remember, understanding the different rental scenarios will help you navigate the legal aspects and make informed decisions based on your specific needs and circumstances. Legal Implications:…
Read MoreInterview with Rose, a mature live-in landlady
An interview with Rose, who has had a lodger in her London home for many years, and has found new lodgers with Cohabitas from time to time. Q1. When you first found Cohabitas, what were your thoughts about house sharing? I’d had lodgers for years. I had found myself on my own with my nine…
Read MoreHow much deposit can a landlord ask for?
A guide to deposits: How much deposit can a landlord ask for? Renting out a room as a landlord or finding suitable accommodation as a lodger can be a mutually beneficial arrangement, especially in the current rental market. However, it is important for both parties to understand the legal obligations and rights associated with deposits.…
Read MoreMeeting people in a new city
Moving to a new city can be an exciting but daunting experience, especially when you haven’t moved for a while, or feel that you haven’t met any new people in ages where you live right now. While the prospect of meeting new people may seem challenging, there are various avenues available to help you build…
Read MoreBBC Radio London House Share discussion
Jumoké Fashola of BBC Radio London speaks to Cohabitas Co-founder Nick Henley about renting in the capital, and how and why house sharing is becoming a topic of discussion among the over 45s. Includes lots of tips for saving money on your rent and bills, as well as some predictions for shared living in the…
Read MoreHow many lodgers can I have?
Many live-in landlords prefer to have only one lodger, but if you have a larger home and want to offer more rooms for rent, then the questions of how many lodgers you can legally have will arise. In the UK, HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) regulations apply to properties with three or more tenants who…
Read MoreKey flat sharing advantages and disadvantages
Flat sharing, or co-living, has become increasingly popular among people of all ages in recent years. While it is often associated with young people, there are many advantages to flat sharing for those aged 40 and over. Everyone has different expectations and needs, so here we explore the common advantages and disadvantages of flat sharing…
Read MoreHouse sharing is better than ‘right-sizing’.
Research by legal company Shakespeare Martineau, has found that the majority of people believe that rightsizing to a home that better suits their needs is either unaffordable or reserved for ‘when I get older’. The research, compiled from over 1,000 survey respondents and 20 in-depth interviews, showed that people aged 65+ were most likely to…
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