Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A LODGER?
A lodger is someone who rents a room in your house without having exclusive rights to any part of the property.
WHO CAN TAKE IN 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. Citizen's Advice have some useful guidance on this, ask us and we can provide a link.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE?
A furnished bedroom and shared access to kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities. You can chose to include extra benefits like cleaning, laundry or meals.
HOW MUCH RENT CAN I CHARGE?
We ask that landlords offer affordable accommodation to refugees, as so ask that landlords set their rent at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates for shared accommodation where possible. LHA rates vary across Greater Manchester, so we will let you know what this is when you apply. By charging the LHA rate this ensures that the rent will be covered by Housing Benefit, and will remain affordable as and when your lodger starts paid employment.
HOW WILL RENT BE PAID?
We will support lodgers to set up a standing order for rent, which will be paid monthly.
WHAT IF I DON'T WANT/NEED RENTAL INCOME AND I JUST WANT TO HELP SOMEONE?
This programme is about helping refugees resettle in the UK. We want to provide a realistic experience of renting a room to help refugees understand the system and navigate it well. This is why we encourage our landlords to charge rent. By charging rent, you are helping us equip lodgers with a good knowledge of renting in the UK. If you do not need the income, you are welcome to donate it – please talk to us about how this might work.
IS IT TRUE THAT I CAN GET RENTAL INCOME FROM LODGINGS TAX FREE? HOW DOES THIS WORK?
Yes, it is true! You can get Tax Free income from Lodgings in your own home up to a limit of £7,500 per year. This is tax free and does not need to be declared (i.e. you do not need to submit a tax return to declare this income).
HOW LONG WILL A LODGER STAY FOR?
It depends on a person’s individual situation. We ask that landlords commit to a minimum of 6 months to provide some stability for our lodgers. You may choose to extend the agreement beyond this if both parties are happy with the arrangement. Similarly, you may find that your lodger is ready to move on earlier than 6 months. Our Refugee Lodgings programme is designed to be a stepping stone into independent living. All our lodgers will be provided with support to develop a move on plan; however, the time this takes will vary from person to person.
IS IT SAFE?
Our lodgers will be either existing GTM participants or will be referred to us by trusted partners. As part of our referral process we work with each lodger to gain a full understand their background, interests and ambitions – this includes a thorough risk assessment. We will not offer placements to people with significant health issues (including mental health) as these individuals should be housed directly by their Local Authority under their priority needs assessment. We want lodging placements to be successful and so will not offer placements where we feel it is unsustainable or inappropriate.
DO I NEED TO TELL MY INSURANCE COMPANY OR MORTGAGE PROVIDER?
You should inform your insurers, mortgage provider and/or landlord that you are taking a lodger. You do not need to tell them that it is a refugee as this is not relevant. Sometimes insurers can be prejudice against refugees.
CAN I ASK MY LODGER TO MOVE OUT IF MY KIDS COME BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS, OR IF I AM HAVING GUESTS TO STAY?
If you rent a room to a lodger, this room is for their use for the duration of their contract. It is therefore inappropriate to ask them to move if you have family or other guests coming to stay.
CAN I EVENT SOMEONE IF IT DOESN'T WORK OUT OR I NEED MY SPARE ROOM BACK?
Yes, but you must give your lodger ‘reasonable notice’ – we ask you to provide two months’ notice so we can try and arrange an alternative placement for your lodger. GTM staff will support you and your lodger to resolve any issues as they arise. We understand that life circumstances change, but we ask that you inform us if you are thinking ending someone’s contract early.
DO I NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE 'RIGHT TO RENT' LAWS?
Since 2016, the law requires anyone renting out property in England to check that their tenants are legally allowed to live in the UK. People with Refugee Status in the UK will have the Right to Rent. GTM will only match you with lodgers who have confirmed Right to Rent.
WILL MY LODGER SPEAK ENGLISH?
This will vary on a case-by-case basis and will depend on how long your lodger has been in the UK and what language support they have been able to access so far. We will make sure that each lodger knows how to access English Language courses (e.g. ESOL) and other opportunities to improve their spoken and written English.
WILL MY LODGER FIT IN?
We are careful in our process of matching lodgers and landlords. As part of the home visit, we will ask new landlords to set the parameters for the lodger, including house rules. These can include use of the bathroom, kitchen, laundry facilities etc. as well as your expectations around cleaning. You may want to allocate your lodger a cupboard in the kitchen, and a shelf in the fridge. You can set quiet hours (e.g. after 10pm). It is also good to define your lodger’s space within the house, and set the parameters regarding visits from friends so that there is no misunderstandings. You are likely to be “culturally challenged” by renting a room to a refugee. It is unlikely that your lodger will be used to doing things the way you do, especially if they come from a different culture and climate, and even more if they have not been in the UK for long! This is OK, we are here to help and answer any questions or queries you have or even to just chat things through. Your lodger may feel more obliged or pressured to fit into a home, so it is also important that you keep an open mind and show a willingness to learn about their way of life. We will ask the lodger to do the same. If you have a strong religious faith, or strong political views, you should not feel the need to censor this in your home. However, there is a difference between expressing your faith or views and pressuring someone to agree with these views or take part in your faith practices.
WILL MY LODGER NEED A LOT OF EMOTIONAL SUPPORT?
Some lodgers may be very independent and fit in straight away. Some might be working and have established social groups so may not spend a lot of their free time in the house. However, many refugees will have struggled with destitution and homelessness before coming to us, and so many initially be anxious or depressed. They may also have experienced significant trauma, both in their country of origin and whilst going through the UK Asylum System. Please try to be understanding; it may take a while for your lodger to learn to trust you, and they may not want to talk about their past or their journey. Your lodger will be supported by our staff, and will be invited to engage with our wider activities to help them build friendships and networks of support, so you won’t be responsible for their emotional wellbeing. Try and encourage your lodger to stay busy. Many will want to work, to engage in education and training, or volunteer. We will help facilitate this wherever possible, and your local community connections can also help here. The best approach is to be friendly and offer them a cup of tea when you see them. If you are worried about your lodger, get in touch and we can help. You are likely to be “culturally challenged” by renting a room to a refugee. It is unlikely that your lodger will be used to doing things the way you do, especially if they come from a different culture and climate, and even more if they have not been in the UK for long! This is OK, we are here to help and answer any questions or queries you have or even to just chat things through. Your lodger may feel more obliged or pressured to fit into a home, so it is also important that you keep an open mind and show a willingness to learn about their way of life. We will ask the lodger to do the same. If you have a strong religious faith, or strong political views, you should not feel the need to censor this in your home. However, there is a difference between expressing your faith or views and pressuring someone to agree with these views or take part in your faith practices.
WHAT IF I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH MY LODGER?
We ask that you discuss any simple issues with your lodger directly and try and come to an agreement. If this is unsuccessful, please get in touch and we will try and help. It is better to speak to us at an early stage than let things build up over time.
ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS
We ask that landlords do not enter into a relationship with their lodger as there is a significant power difference between a landlord and a lodger. This means that the lodger may not feel they can give informed consent. If a relationship does start to develop, please contact us quickly to arrange a rematch.