Rent out a spare room

‘If you’re nervous about having people around for viewings, ask a friend to attend’

How do I find the right person? Always stick to your instincts

“It’s important to take your time and make sure you find the right person,” says Matt. “Don’t be afraid to meet several people before making a decision. You can always meet the people you like a second time if need be, but always trust your instincts.”

Viewings

“If you’re nervous about having people around for viewings, ask a friend to attend,” says Matt. “They’ll also be able to provide a second opinion on someone’s character if you’re unsure. If you’re carrying out viewings alone, then ‘check the viewer in’ by calling a friend or relative to let them know that the person has arrived and tell them when you expect the viewing to finish.”

Word of mouth

“Ask friends if they know of anyone looking for somewhere to live,” says Harriet. “Having an overview of a person’s background is likely to make you feel more comfortable having him or her in your home, rather than a complete stranger.”

What legal requirements do I need to consider? Check them out

“Once you’ve found a lodger, check that they are legally allowed to live in the UK,” says Matt. “Keep copies of the legal documents that allow them to live in the UK and record the date you made the check.” For help with completing a check, visit www.gov.uk/check-tenant-right-to-rentdocuments or call the Landlord’s Helpline on 0300 069 9799. “Do a credit check to make sure the lodger is financially secure,” says Harriet. Contact Experian by calling 0333 000 0229 or visiting www.experian.co.uk

Contact the council

“Inform the council of your plans,” says Matt. “If you’re paying reduced council tax for single occupancy you’ll most likely lose the discount, unless your lodger’s main home is somewhere else, or if they’re in full-time education.” “Any housing benefit or Government funding you may receive could also be affected by your additional income,” says Harriet. “It’s wise to consult a financial advisor to find any impact on your benefits before taking on a lodger.”

Get technical certificates

“Any furniture you provide must meet fire safety rules,” says Harriet. “Ensure it bears the correct labels, eg a fire safety label on a mattress. Gas safety requirements must also be adhered to – appliances should be kept in good working order and be checked for safety by a recognised engineer each year.”