In short
Before a lodger moves in, contact your home insurer and your mortgage lender. Some policies change cover, or need to be told, when someone who isn’t family lives in the home. Some mortgage terms mention letting part of the property. A short phone call now avoids a refused claim later.
Why tell your insurer?
Home insurance is priced on who lives in the home. Some policies limit theft cover when a lodger lives there, or ask you to tell them. If you don’t, a claim could be reduced or refused. Your lodger’s own belongings are usually not covered by your policy, so they may want contents insurance of their own.
What should I ask my insurer?
- Do I need to tell you that I have a lodger?
- Does it change my cover for theft or accidental damage?
- Does my liability cover apply to a lodger?
- Will my premium change?
What about my mortgage?
Some mortgage agreements ask you to get the lender’s consent before letting any part of the home. Taking a single lodger in your own home is often treated differently from letting the whole property, but check your own terms or ask your lender.
Does Sa Bhaile check this?
No. We remind hosts to check, but we can’t advise on your policy or your mortgage. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.
Common questions
- Will taking a lodger affect my home insurance?
- It might. Tell your insurer before the lodger moves in and ask how your cover changes.
- Do I need my bank’s permission to take a lodger?
- Check your mortgage terms. Some lenders ask to be told or to give consent.
- Is the lodger covered by my insurance?
- Usually your policy covers your home and your belongings, not the lodger’s. They may want their own contents cover.
Official sources
We checked this guide against these sources. Rules change, so check them for the latest position.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. For advice about your situation, contact Citizens Information, Threshold or a solicitor.
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