How do you interview new lodgers?

It is often a good idea to have someone whose opinion your trust with you when you interview. Their views may be helpful when making up your mind, plus it will give you some protection if the interviewee turns nasty.

You may make your mind up fairly quickly when interviewing prospective lodgers. However, even if you have decided to accept them, you should still take full details and deal with the interview in a professional way.

Taking details

Have the details you took over the telephone with you (see here), and make sure you have paper and a pen to write down other information.

It is also often a good idea to get them to fill in a pre-printed form first (this can include the question on previous convictions referred to in the insurance post), as this will make sure that you do not forget anything important.

Your form can also have a box for them to tick to confirm that they consent to your using a tenant referencing service, if you are going to use one of these (and this is generally a good idea). Written consent is necessary if you use one of these services.

Suggested questions

Here is a list of suggestions for points to cover at the interview. You may have other things you want to add to this:

• You will need to discuss their financial circumstances, such as their salary – don’t feel embarrassed – this is what is going to pay your rent!
• You should also ask to see some identification, such as a passport, or driving license – check it carefully!  This may also be a good time to do the right to rent check (see below).
• Discuss standards of cleanliness, and say whether or not you will expect them to share the cleaning. NB If you are to do the cleaning this should be reflected in the rent
• Whether or not you will allow pets (if you decide to allow pets you can use our special pets form)
• Your policy on visitors, particularly overnight visitors. You need to find out if these are likely – for example, if they will be regularly having their girlfriend stay overnight, do you want this?
• Tell them about the arrangements for the use of the kitchen, if you are not providing meals.
• Discuss any arrangements for using the telephone, although most people will probably now have their own mobile.
• Say whether bills are included or to be paid separately. If they are paid separately you need to be very clear about how their contributions are to be calculated
• Ask if they will be bringing any of their own electrical equipment. You won’t want them using power-hungry appliances which will run up your bills, or unsafe equipment which could cause a fire. If in doubt insist on an electrical safety test
• Many lodgers will want to use their computer in their room and may require internet access. Offering this will make your accommodation more attractive. However, if you do not have a computer or do not want to share access with your lodger, this should not be a massive problem (although it may put some prospective lodgers off) as there are mobile internet services available
• Be clear about what, if any, services you will be providing, such as cleaning, clean sheets and towels etc. It is a good idea to at least provide clean sheets, as this will give you a reason to visit the room regularly.

All landlords in England (including lodger landlords) must carry out Right to Rent checks, and the initial interview is a good time to do this.  See our separate article on this.  

Deposits

It is generally a good idea to take a deposit, and if you are going to do this, you should say so now.  

If the lodger genuinely cannot afford to pay a deposit there are a number of schemes to help, particularly for lodgers on benefit. If you suspect your lodger may be in this situation, have a list of these ready to give out (your local Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to let you know what schemes are available in your area).

Note that the tenancy deposit protection rules, which require landlords of tenants who pay deposits, to protect deposits in a government-approved scheme, *do not* apply to lodger landlords.

See also our separate article on deposits here.

At the end of the interview

Never accept anyone immediately, even if you have decided to offer them the room. Always take their number and say you will ring them back.

Make sure you do ring them back though, even if you are ringing to say that you are sorry but you have let the room to someone else.