Just a few things that come quickly to mind:Thanks Kmick – The Topfloor lease will be useful if I decide not to register for the Rent-a-Room Scheme. Since my reply to Thirsty above, I’ve noticed the following stipulation under the Rent-a-Room Scheme.
If you are getting a means-tested social assistance payment from the Department of Social Protection, any rental income you get will be assessed as means and may affect your payment.
I need to check with Social Welfare if the payment I get from them under the BTWES is a social assistance payment and if so will a rental income under the Rent-a-Room Scheme result in that payment being reduced and if so, by how much.
Thanks for that Facetious. The Citizens Advice website says the following:
Before you arrange to rent out a room in your home, it is strongly recommended that you and the tenant agree some ground rules and put them in writing. If you and your tenant each sign and keep a copy of this agreement, you can both refer to its terms in the event of confusion or disagreement. These ground rules might include:
How long is the tenancy going to last?
How much notice will you or your tenant have to give if either of you chooses to end the tenancy?
How much rent will the tenant pay and how often (for example, weekly, monthly)?
How will this rent be paid (cash, cheque, standing order etc.)?
When will the rent be reviewed and how much notice will you give the tenant of a rent review?
How are utility bills (electricity, gas, phone) to be divided between you and the tenant?
Will the tenant be expected to contribute towards service charges, such as water and refuse charges?
Can the tenant have visitors to stay overnight?
Are there any restrictions regarding noise levels?
A valid point to be advised to the licensee before occupancy.Thanks for that Facetious. The Citizens Advice website says the following:
These ground rules might include:
How long is the tenancy going to last? Not normally used for licensees
How much notice will you or your tenant have to give if either of you chooses to end the tenancy? Usually the same as the rent payment period weekly or monthly.
How much rent will the tenant pay and how often (for example, weekly, monthly)? Yes, this is basic information to be agreed between both parties.
How will this rent be paid (cash, cheque, standing order etc.)? Basically you, as live-in landlord decide and the licensee accepts or declines. You do not have to provide a rent book, but should give a receipt for each payment (and the deposit)
When will the rent be reviewed and how much notice will you give the tenant of a rent review? Usually not included in a live-in landlord situation. Suffice to give the rent period's notice to the licensee.
How are utility bills (electricity, gas, phone) to be divided between you and the tenant? It is common for an all-in rent so the licensee can budget more easily and when the licensee vacates you do not have to wait for bills to arrive to return the deposit.
Will the tenant be expected to contribute towards service charges, such as water and refuse charges? See above
Can the tenant have visitors to stay overnight? Definitely something to be included in "house rules" so that the licensee knows the exact situation before occupying the property. Also smoking, animals etc.
Are there any restrictions regarding noise levels?
I think you should reconsider that option asap. This is something you should do. Remember, you are talking about someone who will share the house with you. The definition of a 'good' tenant in this scenario is someone who you can get along with.A local estate agent that manages rentals for people is coming to view my house this afternoon. I believe their fee is the first months rent but I’ll find out more from them today. I’m sure you will all think that I should find a tenant myself through Daft or whatever but I feel that a professional that has lots of experience will reduce the risk of getting a problem tenant. However, the estate agent is coming to view with the understanding that I’ve made no commitment to them.
If anyone has any thoughts on the best way to go about finding a good tenant for the house share I’d be grateful.
Put an ad up for houseshare on daft.ie - its free.If anyone has any thoughts on the best way to go about finding a good tenant for the house share I’d be grateful.
My understanding is Revenue will now treat all Air BnB providers as if they are operating a small Bed and Breakfast business.
If either party can end the arrangement during the first three months then why mention it at all. Just ask for one month's notice before leaving.Point taken Facetious – I will not use the term tenant again.
Regarding the term of house share, I will not refer to any fixed period. However, I think I’ll mention a trial period of say 3 months but with the clear understanding that either party can end the arrangement prior to that at a months notice.
I agree with you that an all-in-rent covering utility & service charges is better.
As to sleepovers, I’d feel that to impose restrictions on someone paying a good rent would be unfair. However, your point about thinking about what would upset me – certainly this is one area that could be upsetting if abused – but as you and Serotoninsid have said, I can bring the arrangement to an end.
Serotoninsid – yes I will search boards.ie as you suggest. Thanks.
Macbookair and Putsch – I spoke to Revenue just now and they confirm that Airbnb income is treated like earnings from a B&B business. I had already taken the decision not to go the Airbnb option because it’s not covered by the Rent-a-Room Scheme under the terms of which scheme, my BTWEA would not be impacted and earnings from the house share would not be taxable.
Hi Julius,I had already taken the decision not to go the Airbnb option because it’s not covered by the Rent-a-Room Scheme under the terms of which scheme, my BTWEA would not be impacted and earnings from the house share would not be taxable.
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