renting a room advice

stringy

i've just agreed to rent my spare room and am looking at what I need to do - it's my first time!

Getting references off tenant
have standing order setup for rent
One month rent as security deposit
Agreed to split bills (ESB, GAS, Phone, Internet and TV)

Is there somewhere I can get a draft contract for rental terms?
Do I issue receipts?

Thanks

dlambirl

Most landlords I've come across dont actually require references from the tenant but perhaps its good for you to know what they are like. You need to set up a standing order for the rent to be paid into your bank account each month/week. I'd strongly recommend that you check that the payments are going in on time and in full!
When your tenant pays you (deposit/rent) you are meant to give them a receipt. Rental terms can be found on any rent book (available almost anywhere)

MysticalSoul

I have found that most people will ask not to pay for the phone, as people tend to use mobiles rather than landlines. Due to this, I am currently researching getting broadband where I don't need a phoneline. My previous contract, a phoneline was essential, however my area has since become more developed.

A Lease would be advisable. Just put in it any terms and conditions ie The Landlord "Owner" agrees to ................................

The Tenant agrees to ..................................

include the current rent, notice period, notice of any changes in rent charges, are the bills on top of the rent, etc.

The_Conductor

Under the rent-a-room scheme (which I assume is what you are using) you can allow a tenant to "rent" a room in your house "under licence". You in exchange can earn up Euro 7620 per annum from rental income from this person, without any tax implications (you do however have to make an annual tax return declaring this income). This income is inclusive of all monies paid by the tenant- including bill shares etc- so its not as generous an amount as it seems at first glance.

The tenant does not have any rights that someone renting a property would normally have, nor does any notice to quit etc have to be given (you can ask them to leave at any time without any notice).

This link provides more information.

Regards,

Shane

stepbar

Lets say the house is owned jointly, how is the rent a room scheme assessed?

The_Conductor

stepbar wrote:

Lets say the house is owned jointly, how is the rent a room scheme assessed?

1/2 and 1/2 - the rent-a-room scheme allowance is split between the owners of the house- you do not get an allowance each.

S.