jpfinney
20-01-2008, 17:18 PM
I have a three bed house let to a Philippino family and their friend. They are a married couple with a young son and their female friend who said at the time she signed the contract that she was hoping to be joined by her husband and her young son. Their visa applications were successful and they are currently staying in the house.
They are all good tenants and I'm keen to keep our relationship on good terms. They are all are happy with the living arrangements and would like to make this a permanent arrangement (at least until the remainder of this contract - about six months), so I have explained that we must follow the same procedure for the new tenant, filling in an application form and guarantor application (Landlordzone documents, of course) plus the normal Rentwise credit check (not sure how relevant this is to somebody who's just arrived in the country).
I'm aware that this should be run as a HMO, but conversations with my local council have confirmed that this isn't something they insist on in these circumstances, so I may or may not go down that route. I accept that it may be a legal requirement nonetheless.
I have explained that adding another tenant will mean an increase in the rent and they accept this, but given our good relationship I don't want to take advantage. However, my costs will increase even if I don't make it an HMO (which could involve significant expenditure) because of the increased wear-and-tear etc.
This must be a very common situation and I was wondering if there is some kind of formula that I can use to help determine a fair and reasonable figure to use for the increase? If not any help and guidance with this matter would be most welcome.
They are all good tenants and I'm keen to keep our relationship on good terms. They are all are happy with the living arrangements and would like to make this a permanent arrangement (at least until the remainder of this contract - about six months), so I have explained that we must follow the same procedure for the new tenant, filling in an application form and guarantor application (Landlordzone documents, of course) plus the normal Rentwise credit check (not sure how relevant this is to somebody who's just arrived in the country).
I'm aware that this should be run as a HMO, but conversations with my local council have confirmed that this isn't something they insist on in these circumstances, so I may or may not go down that route. I accept that it may be a legal requirement nonetheless.
I have explained that adding another tenant will mean an increase in the rent and they accept this, but given our good relationship I don't want to take advantage. However, my costs will increase even if I don't make it an HMO (which could involve significant expenditure) because of the increased wear-and-tear etc.
This must be a very common situation and I was wondering if there is some kind of formula that I can use to help determine a fair and reasonable figure to use for the increase? If not any help and guidance with this matter would be most welcome.