Lodger
Someone who rents a room in the home the landlord lives in and shares living space with them. A lodger is not an assured tenant and has far fewer rights.
In short: A lodger lives in the landlord's own home and shares a kitchen, bathroom or living room with them. Lodgers are usually excluded occupiers: the Renters' Rights Act tenancy rules do not apply, and they can be asked to leave with reasonable notice without a court order. Right to rent checks still apply.
Tenancies and agreementsMoney, tax and insurance
England. Checked against the law on 5 October 2026. Information, not legal advice.
Because the landlord lives there, a lodger's arrangement is a licence, not an assured tenancy. In practice:
- Notice: reasonable notice, often the length of the rent period; no section 8 notice and usually no court order.
- Deposit: the tenancy deposit protection rules do not apply to a lodger, though many landlords protect it anyway.
- Still required: a right to rent check, gas safety checks on appliances, and the general duty to keep the home safe.
- Tax: the Rent a Room Scheme lets a resident landlord earn up to £7,500 a year from furnished lodging tax-free.
If the landlord moves out, the arrangement can become a tenancy, so take advice before changing things.
Read more: Right to rent checks
Related: Assured periodic tenancy, Right to rent
Where this comes from
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