Updating post from Reddit.
…
you cant.
if you have 2 spare rooms you need to be provided a smaller dwelling.
yes you can try but they will laugh and then then say no and then evict you if they have any sense.
HTH
So they will evict me from my property if I have a query about amending a clause?
Unlikely, but the answer will be no and you will be signaling you are being provided an home much bigger than you need… Which will surely put you up the list of people to be relocated in case of need.
"How can all you taxpaying plebs pay for my free housing while I make money for myself from it on top?"
No no, I “own” the property aka mortgage, but the property used to be ex-council estate, hence it has some weird stipulations about keeping it a single dwelling household
Ask on legaladviceuk and be clearer about your situation in the post.
Or just get lodgers, the council certainly don't have the resources to be checking and enforcing an odd covenant like that.
Is it specifically "a single dwelling"?
If it just said keeping it a single dwelling, I would understand that as not dividing it into multiple properties, like splitting it into flats. But saying keeping it a "single dwelling household" I would understand to mean the only dwelling used by your household (you, spouse and dependants)
Oh right, it really didn't read like that. In that case do you mean covenants? They rarely get checked on I don't think.
And more importantly, I wouldn't think it's got f all to do with the council any more if they don't own it, let alone just for lodgers.
I didn't realise council housing was free.
Spoiler: It's not.
‘subsidised’, come on
If you're the landlord and the council contract says the property must be a single dwelling household, then you're likely dealing with planning restrictions or licensing tied to that classification. You can contact the council to request a change, but you'll need to check if allowing multiple lodgers would require an HMO licence or planning permission. These things aren't always permanent, but you can't ignore the clause without risking enforcement. The best move is to speak directly with the housing or planning team at the council and ask what steps are needed to legally allow more than one lodger
Tbh OP you'll be perfectly fine taking on up to 2 lodgers, no one else needs informing.
The only people that will need informing are council tax if removing single person or other discounts, but it’s highly unlikely that team will be chatting to anyone else about, in my experience they barely even communicate with residents
That depends on the status of the lodger. My lodger is under 18, so no reason to tell anyone.
Yeah so no change in circumstance for you on that side.
Although clearly quite a change for you, how has it been taking a lodger in that situation? I can’t imagine being in that situation from either side
To be honest was fine really, some slight annoyances that are more age related. Was 16, turned 17 2 weeks ago, bit spoiled. Been here a year in 2 weeks time, they are an apprentice for the major employer 10 minute walk away, go back to parents every Friday lunch, come back on Sunday night. Been a few times where they've been away for 3-4 weeks as have college block.
They have to get up to be in work for 6am and in work all day so don't see much of them, I'm free to wfh, just hear their calls or having to show my face when they get Tesco delivery as underage.
Annoyances are things like not cleaning stuff properly, leaving some stuff out (went away for 2 weeks and left bedding on washing line that his mum had done and brownie that had baked on counter), and and an inability to recycle. These are compared to other older lodger.
Ahhh so nothing much that some adult influence (gentle or otherwise) shouldn’t sort out for someone that age. And them being in that situation with work makes it more pressing for them.
I didn’t think that situation would be a thing so fair play to you taking part, particularly if you’re complete strangers before now. I was thinking it was a more official social care situation I’d never heard of before you were in
Damn. This post really made me laugh. It's been an emotional rollercoaster. I thought we were gonna see a good old fashion lynching for a little while.
I own an ex council and didn’t even check my lease before getting 2 lodgers, I wouldn’t worry
It shouldn't be an issue, lodgers are encouraged by the government.
The rent a room scheme can provide up to £7500 of tax relief in this case, however (and I'm not suggesting this is the case here) any benefit office if means tested will need to be informed and appropriate deductions will need to be made.
Lodgers can provide valuable additional income in many cases in exchange for giving up some privacy.
Be wary, if they think your home is too big for you, they will rehouse you.