Difference between a lodger and a tennant

[richardfinch]

Hi, can anyone explain to me the main differences between a lodger in someones house and a tennant.
I live in a house and the owner has qualified me as a lodger, but he lives out of the house, so im told i am a tennant (by a friend) ? but dont know the main differences in rules, what i could be entitled to etc, so would be grateful for any advice
thanks
richard

[koster]

Well, does anyone else live in this house?

[richardfinch]

2 others, the landlords son (i pay rent direct to the landlord who lives offsite) and another guy, no relation to me or the landlord

[Woody23]

I would say that you are a tenant if you have signed a Tenancy Agreement.

Unless you are a type of lager..

...or a former Dr Who!

[hc4361]

http://www.lodgerland...-lodger-and-a-tenant/

Excellent site that answers your question in detail.

[Twenty20]

Who's name is on your agreement? If it's the father and not the son then you are a tenant of the father (the landlord). If the son's name was on the agreement you would probably be a lodger.

You're much better protected being a tenant rather than a lodger. Your deposit should be protected in an approved scheme. The landlord cannot simply evict you as a tenant without jumping through some hoops if you didn't want to leave.

By the way, it doesn't matter what it says on your agreement about you being a lodger. If the landlord is not resident in the property you are, in law, a tenant. Some landlords think, wrongly, they can get round the deposit protection laws by calling you a lodger. They can't.

Whether you'd want to kick up a fuss at this stage is up to you.