More cash-strapped homeowners are taking in lodgers to help pay the mortgage.Spare rooms up and down the country are being turned into extra earners to help cover rising bills.It’s pretty straight-forward, flexible as you don’t have to sign up to a six-month contract and with the Government’s Rent a Room Scheme – allowing live-in landlords to receive up to ￡4,250 a year tax-free – it’s no wonder there’s been a spike in the number of people cashing in.There’s currently around a million lodgers in the UK. Flatshare site www,Puma Street Cruiser Ducati.easyroommate.co.ukhas seen a big increase in the number of homeowners becoming landlords over the past year – up 17% compared to 2009. The site’s Jonathan Moore says: “During these tough times homeowners have had to think of ways to boost their income to cover bills, the mortgage and even everyday spending. With average room rent of ￡348 a month, it’s no surprise it’s becoming more popular.“There’s also been a rise in the number of Monday to Friday lodgers as the difficult jobs market means people are having to look and travel further afield for work. Many now choose to lodge nearer work just during the week, rather than up-sticks completely.”This is perfect for those worried about having someone share their home 24/7.It offers a win-win for both landlords and lodgers.Tenants pay less to rent a room than they would a whole property and spend less on travel. Meanwhile, homeowners can supplement their income and they both get to have their weekends to themselves.But while this may sound like the ideal, easy earner, choose the wrong tenant or don’t lay down some ground rules and it could turn into a nightmare.Being stuck with a stranger with annoying habits who takes over your personal space could be painful enough. However, there are greater risks involved in inviting people into your home...Stories of tenants doing a bunk without paying rent or disappearing with the family silver or, even worse,www.abercrombieclothesus.com, the homeowners’ identity are a sad reality.Jonathan adds: “While there are many benefits for homeowners who rent out bedrooms, it’s important people approach it sensibly.Rigorous checking of potential tenants is vital as is drawing up a proper contract that ensures both landlord and tenant are legally covered. It’s easy to forget that letting out bedrooms is a legal procedure but, if done?properly, it can be a very rewarding one.” HARSH LESSONMoney 04.07.10 Rebekah PrinceRebekah Prince found out to her cost the horrors that can occur when taking in lodgers.Last July, a rogue tenant ransacked her house, grabbed jewellery and other valuables and then stole her identity, racking up ￡15,000 of debt in her name.“I’ve been taking in lodgers for about 10 years, it has enabled me to keep moving up the property ladder,” says Rebekah, 32, from Chelmsford, Essex.“But that time I should have trusted my instinct. I got a bit complacent and should have done better checks.“He seemed perfect – polite, smartly dressed and he paid extra rent in advance. I now realise that was just to throw me off the scent.”The experience hasn’t put Rebekah off lodgers, she currently has two in her four-bed home, but she is much more wary.“I now thoroughly check people out and ask for proof of ID. I get tenants to sign an agreement and keep all my personal belongings safe.”Make it pay● Under the Government’s Rent a Room Scheme you can earn up to ￡4,250 tax-free from letting out a furnished room. This amount can be for room-only or it can include payments for meals, cleaning and laundry. Find out more about the financial and tax implications at www.direct.gov.uk,www.asicsforaustralia.net.● Contact your mortgage lender to let them know you’re thinking of taking in a lodger and check if this is within the terms and conditions of your loan.● You must also inform your home insurance company that you’re letting out a room in your home and check whether you need to take out additional cover,Ed Hardy Suit.CUT THE RISKS●Trust your instincts. If there’s a niggle at the back of your mind about a would-be tenant and it just doesn’t feel right, keep looking. ● Do thorough checks. Follow up references but don’t solely rely on them – remember they could be friends or fellow conmen. Use sites such as Facebook to find out as much as you can.●Ask for proof of ID such as a passport, driving licence or work photo ID card and take a copy. Get contact details for their employer, so you can double check they are who they say.●Draw up a written agreement and get this signed before they move in. Include the deposit required, rent and date it is to be paid. Spell out what is included, such as the household bills, the length of the agreement and the notice period. Although this does not form a private tenancy agreement, it does give you some protection and helps prevent rows.●Make any ground rules and living boundaries clear from the beginning.●Think about investing in a safe to keep your documents and valuables secure,UGG outlet sale. Letting someone in your home gives them an opportunity to access your personal information.FINDING A LODGER● Advertise online. Sites such as www.easyroommate.co.uk, www.spareroom.co.ukand www.gumtreelet homeowners and lodgers advertise and find each other – a bit like online dating where you can vet each other by checking out profiles. ● Get the rent right by checking what the going rate is in your area.● Keep the room neutral and make sure it’s clean and has the basics of bed and wardrobe.● Be specific about the type of tenant you’re looking for,Discount Puma. Tell them about you and your lifestyle and you’ll get more suitable people contacting you. Related articles:

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