A lodger is someone who rents a room from our contract holder(s) and pays a fee for the rental of the room and services, such as cleaning or cooking but they do not have exclusive rights to any part of the home, nor do they have right of occupation.
We will:-
- Allow contract holders the right to take in a lodger, however, they must be clear that the lodger does not have exclusive possession of the bedroom otherwise this may be classed as subletting part of the property, which the contract holder should gain written permission for.
- Ask the contract holder to let us know when they take in a lodger(s) to ensure overcrowding of the property is not created. The contract holder will be required to provide the following which will be recorded:-
- The name, age and sex of the lodger(s).
- The intended period of occupation.
- The amount of income received from taking in the lodger(s).
- The part of the dwelling that will be occupied.
- Advise the contract holder that they have a responsibility to contact Torfaen Borough Council Revenue and DWP Benefits team as taking in a lodger may affect the contract holders housing benefit and council tax position.
We may :-
- Offer advice and guidance to our contract holders on taking in a lodger.
- Take action against the lodger and/or our contract holder for any breaches of their conditions of contract. The contract holder will be held accountable if it is evidenced that they allowed, incited or encouraged the anti-social behaviour of anyone living at, or visiting, the property. This includes any lodgers that are residing at the property.
- Contact the Council to inform them of the change of circumstances.
- Assess the property for overcrowding prior to a contract holder accepting a lodger. The contract holder is responsible for ensuring that their home is not overcrowded, however we may have a duty to act if it is brought to our attention that the home is overcrowded.