[daveyspeedstar]

I’ve been taking in lodgers for about a year, I took advice when I started, and decide that a lodgers agreement provided more flexibility both for myself and my lodgers (not being tied into 6 month contracts etc). I was under the impression that I did not have to register for the Tenancy Deposit Scheme as we were not entering into Assured Shorthold Tenancies. However I have always asked for a deposit equal to one months rent at the start of each agreement. I always keep deposits in a separate bank account, and only ‘dip’ into them if rents slip into arrears, or if (by mutual agreement) the deposit is retained in lieu of the final months rent.

This agreement has always worked well, and has never been questioned until recently when I had someone viewing one of the rooms. I was questioned very closely about deposits and the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which set me wondering if something might have changed, or if my original advice might have been incorrect.

Is there something about the scheme I have missed?

[Mr_X]

Nope

Deposit Protection under a non-AST or tenancies exceeding £25K pa is entirely optional

[Bluey]

My understanding is that the tenancy deposit schemes do not accept the registration of lodgers deposits and only protect the deposits of tenants. Look at the terms and conditions on the 3 schemes.

[daveyspeedstar]

Thanks for that chaps; That's pretty much my undersatnding, and I can't find anything to the contrary.

It's good news all round, as I had a call back this morning and she's taking he room - moves in on Sunday