Taking in a lodger in England? See exactly which checks apply.
Lodgers come with fewer rules than tenants, but not none. BeCert shows only the ones that apply when you share your home, and reminds you before the gas check is due.
- Free for 1 property
- Only the checks that apply
- Phone, tablet and desktop
Example data
Most landlord apps assume you don't live there
Tenancy checks you don't need
Deposit protection and the landlord database are built around tenancies. Resident landlords aren't legally required to protect a lodger's deposit.
The ones you do
You still need to check your lodger's right to rent, and to keep your home safe and in good repair.
Easy to forget
A yearly gas check comes round quickly when it isn't anyone's job to remember it.
What a resident landlord in England has to keep on top of
Choose "Lodger" when you add your home. BeCert keeps the checks below and hides the tenancy ones that don't apply.
| Check | What the rules say | In BeCert |
|---|---|---|
| Right to Rent | Check your lodger has the right to rent in England before they move in.Source: GOV.UK | Tracked Day-one check |
| Gas safety check | HSE's guidance on landlord gas duties lists rooms let in private households.Source: HSE | Tracked Yearly reminder |
| Keep your home safe | You're responsible for keeping the property safe and in good repair.Source: GOV.UK | Tracked EPC and insurance renewals too |
| Deposit protection | Resident landlords are not legally required to protect a lodger's deposit.Source: GOV.UK | Hidden, doesn't apply |
| Electrical report and alarm rules | The private rented sector electrical safety rules exclude anyone who shares accommodation with the landlord, and so do the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm rules.Source: legislation.gov.uk and GOV.UK | Hidden, doesn't apply |
| Rent a Room scheme | You may be able to earn £7,500 a year tax-free from furnished accommodation in your home, or £3,750 if you share the income.Source: GOV.UK | Not tracked yet |
| More than one lodger | Taking in more lodgers can make your home a house in multiple occupation, with its own rules.Source: GOV.UK | Switch to HMO in one tap |
Checked 8 October 2026. BeCert is not part of GOV.UK and isn't legal advice.
How BeCert helps resident landlords
Just your home
One property, one lodger, and only the checks that apply. Free for 1 property.
Reminded before the gas check
A reminder 60 days ahead gives you time to book an engineer, then 30 and 7 days before.
Proof in your pocket
Photograph the gas record on the day. If your lodger asks, you can share it with a link that expires.
Questions
Do I need to protect my lodger's deposit?
No. GOV.UK says resident landlords are not legally required to protect a tenant's deposit. See GOV.UK.
How much notice do I give a lodger?
Usually less than for a whole property. GOV.UK explains it in GOV.UK.
When does my home become an HMO?
It depends on how many people live there and how many households they form. See GOV.UK. If it does, switch the property to HMO in BeCert and it adds the licence and fire risk checks.
Does BeCert work out my Rent a Room tax?
No. Tax is between you and HMRC. We track the safety and paperwork side.
Is this legal advice?
No. For anything specific to your home, speak to a solicitor or your council.
Guides for you
Rent a Room Scheme
How the £7,500 Rent a Room limit works, when to opt out, and the safety checks you still need with a lodger.
Gas safety certificate
The yearly gas safety check: what it covers, when to renew, who gets a copy, and how it applies to lodgers, HMOs and holiday lets.
A lodger, without the paperwork worry
Add your home free and see what needs doing today.