Quick answer: Your rights depend on who you share with: renting a room in a house where the landlord lives elsewhere is different from being a lodger.
Many people moving on from supported living rent a room. How much legal protection you have depends on your setup.
Key points
- If you rent a room in a shared house and your landlord does not live there, you will usually have more legal protection.
- If you live with your landlord as a lodger, your rights are usually more limited.
- Ask for a written agreement either way, covering rent, bills, notice and house rules.
- Ask whether your deposit is protected in an approved scheme.
- This guide covers England. Other UK nations have their own rules.
A tip
If you are not sure which applies to you, ask Shelter or Citizens Advice before you move in.
About the video
The video at the top of this page is by Channel 4 News on YouTube. We picked it because its title is "What renters and landlords need to know about UK's Renters' Rights Act". We did not make it, and rules and amounts change, so use the official links at the bottom of this page to check the details for your situation.
Sources and official help
- Citizens Advice: Housing
- GOV.UK housing hub: private renting is changing
- GOV.UK: Tenancy deposit protection
This guide is general information, not legal or benefits advice. Rules and amounts change, so check the official links above or speak to Citizens Advice or your council before you make a decision.