Surely I cannot be classed as a Landlord?
Hi, My Tenants moved out a few months ago so I have a house standing empty I’m paying Council Tax on which is near my Son’s University.
My full-time student Son stays there a couple of nights a week but has asked to live in the property full-time (obviously rent-free). I would also help him out with bills.
I’m just thinking of doing this to help my Son out but obviously his Student Council Tax exemption would prove useful to myself and it makes sense to have someone living in the property to keep an eye on things and with maintenance.
As I would be basically just a Dad giving my Son a property to live in, FREE of charge, would I still be bound by the usual Landlord rules, regulations and Licensing i.e providing Gas and Electricity Certs and registering for a license scheme or have to sign on to a Landlord’s Register?
If I’m not charging anything surely I cannot be classed as a Landlord?
Many thanks
Godfrey
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Member Since April 2023 - Comments: 176
10:22 AM, 27th January 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Peter Merrick at 26/01/2025 – 17:01
Apparently they do want quarterly updates. There are 2 free bridging softwares available on HMRC site.
Good news for me I realised that because my income is split 50:50 with my husband we don’t have to do MTD. We don’t top 30K each thankfully.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
11:10 AM, 27th January 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Godfrey Jones at 27/01/2025 – 10:13
I would work on that basis and don’t claim any expenses for the property against HMRC tax return
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
12:33 PM, 27th January 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Godfrey Jones at 27/01/2025 – 10:13
Yes
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 37
1:43 PM, 27th January 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Graham Bowcock at 17/01/2025 – 11:14
My experience of helping family is basically the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
I was student many moons ago , and let’s just say I was a messy tenant.
Your son is a student, his friends are students.
You need to set some very clear ground rules and enforce them, otherwise you could run into problems.
It is good to help your kids , but do it with your eyes wide open and a tight hold on your wallet.
Member Since June 2023 - Comments: 65
5:49 AM, 5th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Things might get tricky if your son invites a friend to live in the property, especially if any money changes hands. Gas and EICR prudent for safety and reliability. Might be worth taking legal advice for reassurance.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
8:33 AM, 5th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Martin Hicks at 05/02/2025 – 05:49
It seems that there is no issue in ‘letting’ the house to the son and it not being a let from a landlord. However, in that case there is nothing stopping the son from using the ‘rent a room’ scheme’ to let one bedroom to a friend for money (provided the correct agreement is signed – plenty of these on goole for free)