Become a Resident Landlord
GTM wants to support people who have a spare room in Greater Manchester to accommodate refugees who have recently received their refugee status
We are looking for people who can offer a spare room for a six month lodgings placement.
During the placement, GTM will provide support to both the Landlord and the Refugee Lodger.
The Lodgings Scheme aims to give new refugees a period of safety and stability to help them transition into private rented accommodation (or another form of long-term housing).
HOW TO BECOME A RESIDENT LANDLORD
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Complete our Expression of Interest Form
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A member of the GTM Team will contact you for an initial chat
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Complete our full Application Form, providing two references
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Home Assessment & Interview - a member of our team will visit you in your home
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Attend Refugee Lodgings Induction Meeting
We expect that the typical timeframe from registration to welcoming your first lodger will be about 8 weeks. ​
EARN RENTAL INCOME
Under the government's Rent a Room Scheme, you can earn up to £7,500 a year, tax free, by taking in a lodger.
As long as you do not earn more than £7,500 in rental income, you do not have to declare it.
WHO CAN TAKE A LODGER?
​Most homeowners and tenants (including Council/Housing Association tenants) can take in a lodger, but you should tell your mortgage lender or housing provider first, as well as your insurance provider. Private tenants can also take in lodgers as long as they have their landlord’s permission.
If you claim any benefits, these may be affected if you take in a lodger. Citizens Advice have some useful guidance on this.
HOW MUCH RENT CAN I CHARGE?
This depends on where you live. We recommend that you offer rent that is no more than the Local Housing Allowance for your area. This will mean that rent is affordable for people on benefits and for people in low-paid employment. It may also enable a person to save money for a rent deposit.
In Greater Manchester Local Housing Allowance is currently set between £70 and £94.74 per week, depending on where you live. You can find out what the LHA rate in your local area is here.
HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
Read through our Frequently Asked Questions to see if your question is included
If you still have a question, get in touch and a member of our team will get back to you ASAP.