Letting out a spare room in your London home – here are a few things to consider
Letting out a spare room in your London home can be a rewarding way to earn extra income, particularly if you are targeting professional or student lodgers. Whether you have a fully furnished spare room or need to make a few updates, taking time to prepare the space properly will help attract the right tenant and ensure a smooth letting experience. Here’s a guide to getting your room ready and how platforms like GetDigs.co.uk can help you make the most of the Monday to Friday rental market.
Preparing Your Spare Room for Lodgers
The first step in renting out a room is making sure it’s clean, comfortable, and ready to live in. Potential lodgers, especially professionals and students, will look for convenience and comfort. Here are a few essentials to get your room ready:
1. Declutter and Clean
A tidy space makes a great first impression. Remove any personal belongings and unnecessary items, ensuring the room feels spacious and functional. Deep clean the room, including carpets, walls, windows, and furniture. A fresh coat of paint can also brighten up the space and make it more appealing to potential lodgers.
2. Provide Essential Furnishings
Make sure the room is fully furnished with essentials such as a comfortable bed, wardrobe or chest of drawers, and a desk if you’re targeting students. High-quality bedding and lighting can enhance the space. Consider adding a few decorative touches, like framed artwork or a plant, to create a homely feel.
3. Ensure Safety and Comfort
Before renting out your room, ensure the space meets safety requirements. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and proper ventilation are crucial. Additionally, comfortable heating, curtains, and Wi-Fi access are important for attracting professional lodgers or students who may need to work from home.
4. Tidy Shared Spaces
The shared areas of your home, such as the kitchen and bathroom, will also play a key role in a lodger’s decision. Make sure these areas are clean, well-maintained, and functional, as a messy or poorly-kept communal area can put off potential tenants.
Attracting the Right Lodger: Professional or Student?
Once your room is ready, the next step is to think about the type of lodger you want. Many homeowners prefer to rent to professionals or students as these groups tend to be reliable and low-maintenance. Here’s how to appeal to each:
Professional Lodgers
Professionals often look for Monday to Friday lets as they may only be in the city for work during the week and return home on weekends. These lodgers typically seek convenience, privacy, and comfort. Highlight fast Wi-Fi, good transport links, and any local amenities like restaurants, gyms, or parks. Professionals may also prefer an en-suite bathroom if available, or at least a clean and modern shared bathroom.
Student Lodgers
Students are typically on a budget, but they also value comfort and a quiet space to study. If your property is near a university or has good public transport links to one, make sure to mention this in your listing. A desk and chair in the room will be important for students, along with a reliable internet connection.
The Benefits of Monday to Friday Room Rentals
Renting out a room on a Monday to Friday basis is particularly popular in London, where professionals often need accommodation during the working week but want to return home on weekends. This arrangement offers several benefits for homeowners, including:
- Reduced Wear and Tear: With lodgers only staying during the week, your property will experience less wear and tear than with a full-time tenant.
- More Privacy: You get the best of both worlds – the extra income from renting out a room but the freedom to enjoy your home on weekends when the lodger isn’t around.
- Tax Benefits: The UK government’s Rent a Room Scheme allows homeowners to earn up to £7,500 tax-free per year from renting out furnished accommodation in their homes. This makes letting out a spare room an attractive option financially.
Why GetDigs.co.uk is the Best Platform for Monday to Friday Rentals
When it comes to finding the right tenant for a Monday to Friday room rental, GetDigs.co.uk is the ideal platform. Designed specifically for part-time rentals, GetDigs.co.uk connects homeowners with professionals who need flexible, short-term accommodation.
Here’s why GetDigs.co.uk stands out:
- Targeted Audience: GetDigs.co.uk focuses on people looking for part-time lets, so you’ll find a pool of suitable lodgers – typically professionals – who are looking for a Monday to Friday stay.
- Simple Listings: The platform makes it easy to create a listing and showcase your room’s best features, helping you attract the right lodger quickly.
- Secure and Trustworthy: GetDigs.co.uk takes care of the important details, offering a secure and reliable platform where you can vet potential tenants and feel confident about who’s staying in your home.
Conclusion
Renting out a spare room in London, especially on a Monday to Friday basis, is a fantastic way to earn extra income while keeping your weekends free for personal time. With the right preparation – from decluttering and furnishing the room to choosing the right platform like GetDigs.co.uk – you can attract reliable lodgers, whether they’re professionals or students. Plus, with the tax benefits from the UK’s Rent a Room Scheme, it’s a win-win situation for homeowners looking to make the most of their spare space.
For more information please email admin@getdigs.co.uk