Are you a lodger?

If your landlord lives in the same flat or house as you, and shares a bathroom, kitchen or living room with you, then you are a lodger instead of a tenant.

You are not a lodger if: 

• you live with a “head tenant” who collects the rent for the landlord or
• your landlord moved in after you first moved in or
• your landlord keeps a room for themselves but does not live there or
• you rent a self-contained flat and the landlord lives in another part of the house.

If you are not sure, get advice.

Lodgers do not have as many rights as tenants, so some parts of the Tower Hamlets Private Renters’ Charter will not apply to you.

Because a lodger is sharing their landlord’s home, the rules are different.

For example:

If you are a lodger, it is easier for the landlord to evict you – though they should still give you notice.

Deposits paid by lodgers are not covered by the same deposit protection rules.

It is always against the law for your landlord to intimidate or harass you.  Your landlord is not allowed to touch or throw your possessions out. In an emergency call the police. 

For further advice, please see Shelter's information for lodgers.

Find out if your landlord or agent has been convicted of housing offences.