Renting Rooms
By Jabo
@jaboUK (64346)
United Kingdom
September 6, 2019 6:15am CST
My husband and I lived in our house for 46 years but now that I'm on my own it seems rather too large. I've been considering my options but I don't really want to sell up and move, so I've decided to rent rooms out on an occasional basis.
I've joined a site that caters for this - they vet prospective guests (as far as they can), collect the money up front and transfer it into my account once the guests have checked in. They also insure me against damage.
I don't do any meals so all I have to do is change the bed linen and towels after each guest leaves.
I've already had several people to stay, all of whom have been very nice. They get somewhere to stay that is cheaper than a hotel and I get some extra income. So it seems like a win/win situation to me.
I know that having strangers in your home wouldn't suit everyone but it's working out well for me so far.
55 people like this
54 responses
@allknowing (153529)
• India
6 Sep 19
As long as you have your own space When I say space you do your own thing and they do not meddle with you then all is well
5 people like this
@allknowing (153529)
• India
6 Sep 19
@jaboUK You are sharing your kitchen. Ofcourse you already have this experience and if you have no issues with that it should be OK
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
6 Sep 19
@allknowing I don't cook a lot myself so it should be no bother. So far none of the guests have taken me up on the offer, no-one has even made themselves a cup of tea. Essentially all they want is a place to sleep.
3 people like this
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
6 Sep 19
This is an admirable idea, provided that you don't mind strangers invading your space. As you say, it's not for everyone but it's ideal if you have spare rooms. Also, I understand that the first £1,000 is tax-free and you don't even need to tell Inland Revenue about it. If it looks like netting you more than that in a year, though, it would be wise to have a word with an accountant about it.
Your front door (if that is what the photo shows) would welcome and cheer even the most frustrated and travel-weary visitor! I wish you every success with your venture and I hope that you make some friends and 'regulars' on the way!
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (49775)
• India
7 Sep 19
@jaboUK yes having nice people is good. The not so nice ones can cause all sort of troubles.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (209130)
• United States
6 Sep 19
I have a semi permanent tenant here. It works out OK. He is a nice person.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (209130)
• United States
6 Sep 19
@jaboUK I can put up with alot if I am getting cash out of the deal for essentially doing nothing. However, other than a tendency to ocassionally roam around at night..this guy is fine, and is not here most of the time, another perk!
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
6 Sep 19
@snowy22315 My guests are hardly here either - they just essentially want a place to sleep.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
6 Sep 19
I did consider that option - taking someone on a permanent basis. The way I'm doing it, if I don't like them they are only here for a few days so I can put up with it. I have got a student booked in for 3 months though - Oct-Dec, but I've met him already and he's very nice.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
7 Sep 19
Thanks Val - I did consider taking a permanent lodger, but what if I didn't like them? I think this way is better as the guests don't stay long and I can block off days and make them unavailable if I want a break. The garden won't be beautiful in the winter
2 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (54730)
• United States
6 Sep 19
I'm glad that this is working for you.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (91155)
• United States
6 Sep 19
That sounds like a great idea Janet. It will provide you with a bit of extra income as well as keeping you busy. I like that your guests have already been vetted. Since you're such a friendly person I'm sure your guests will enjoy staying at your house.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
6 Sep 19
@Marilynda1225 Lol, I don't know about writing limericks about them
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91155)
• United States
6 Sep 19
@jaboUK sounds perfect especially that you don't have to ask for the money. I hope it all works out well for you. I'm sure you'll meet some interesting people as time goes by.
I'm waiting for some limericks on some of your guests 
2 people like this
@garymarsh6 (24028)
• United Kingdom
12 Sep 19
OH that is a great idea Janet. Bed and Breakfast without the breakfast. Sounds good to me. I bet you are a softie and spoil them when they come anyway!
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382412)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Sep 19
@jaboUK That's good. We had one sort of 'bad' experience in Ireland. The guy would leave for work about 5am and not get home till quite late and his poor dog was shut in all day so we'd come home to faeces in the lounge or kitchen. Thankfully the floors were linoleum but it wasn't really acceptable.
1 person likes this
@SophiaMorros (5044)
• Belews Creek, North Carolina
6 Sep 19
It sounds like you've found something that works well for you! I imagine you'll get to meet lots of interesting people.
2 people like this
@SophiaMorros (5044)
• Belews Creek, North Carolina
6 Sep 19
@jaboUK someday, when our nest is empty, we might sign up for such.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
6 Sep 19
Long ago, one of my dear friends thought about renting out rooms during high season. She lived near a popular lake and there were never enough places for the tourists to stay. Her good friend ran a bed and breakfast and told her she would let people know that she had rooms if ever she decided to rent them.
After helping her friend out with cleaning rooms at her establishment, and hearing the horror stories about some unruly guests, she changed her mind. Of course there are people that are great guests too.
Hopefully you'll only have wonderful guests staying with you.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
7 Sep 19
@jaboUK some may become regular visitors.
There was a time when I thought I would enjoy running a bed and breakfast. But, I realized that I would rather visit one than run one.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
7 Sep 19
@ElusiveButterfly Doing breakfast would make it a whole new game. I'd have to be up early ready to cook and then have to ask what each guest wanted. Waaay too much trouble. With me not doing breakfast the guests are often up and gone before I even get up. Suits me much better.
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
7 Sep 19
Since you do not have to cook, I would think it is good actually. That is because there would be somebody around should you need some help too. In fact, my choice has been old age home, or paying guest. I am a tad afraid too, having heard so many miserable stories about paying guests. But old age home does not appeal much to me either. Should I fall in the bathroom or burn my hand, or forget to pay utility bills, there would be somebody to help me out. Some compromises are inevitable I guess. I will cross the bridge when the time comes I guess.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
6 Sep 19
'tis wonderful y'ave that option 'f usin' that service to tend to such vettin' 'n dealin' with the funds. most brilliant that y'ave the choice 'f whether ya feel like havin' folks come. great way to meet 'em from all o'er, i'm certain.
the 'xtra income 'tis a bonus, too.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
7 Sep 19
@crazyhorseladycx You wouldn't need to rent - I'd welcome you with open arms gratis!
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
7 Sep 19
@jaboUK oh i know ya wood, sweet friend! i'm still tryin' to figure out the flyin' thingy. not certain such'd be successful. 've ne'er convinced the hubs to put a snorkel'n the truck 'n though ya love 'n trust those cruisin' ships, i fear i lack such, lol. 
1 person likes this
@birjudanak (14316)
• India
6 Sep 19
its good thing for both you and that person who come to stay because both can save some money. I have some friends in other country who live in house rather then expensive hotels.
2 people like this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
13 Sep 19
Oh sorry - my question has already been answered by your answer to Judy's query hehehe! Beautiful flowers you have there Janet! And the colors are vibrant!
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
19 Sep 19
@sunrisefan That's one good thing about our climate - plants thrive.
1 person likes this
