Homestay Rental Guide: All You Need to Know

What is landlord insurance and do I need it?

07/21/2017

As a prospective or current landlord, you may hear a lot about landlord insurance. It’s not always clear who needs to take out landlord insurance and what the exact benefits are. Here is a quick run-down of the important aspects of landlord insurance to help you make an informed decision. What is landlord insurance? The most basic form of landlord insurance protects you from any risks associated with the property you are renting out. There are many types available and different policies an...

When should I start looking for student accommodation?

07/19/2017

September is the start of term for most UK universities and therefore moving day for most students around the country falls around the same time. The search for accommodation before the beginning of term is often a source of stress and panic for many students, no matter how early they start their search. Here are a few tips for finding a place to live at the right time, as well as the best time to move in. When is the best time to start looking? Most students starting university in the UK ...

Find a spare room in Glasgow

07/17/2017

Glasgow has been a city on the up for quite a few years now, notably including the fact that they played host to the Commonwealth Games in 2014. The city is a vibrant yet historic tourist destination and is loved by students and locals alike – with a true sense of identity, an edgy vibe and fantastic nightlife, what’s not to love ? Students come from across the United Kingdom to study at the University of Glasgow, Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Strathclyde. Taking a spare ro...

The different types of tenancy agreements

07/14/2017

A tenancy agreement is an agreement between the landlord and the tenant which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. This can a written or verbal agreement and must be agreed on by both sides. An agreement will outline which repairs each party is responsible for, your right to ‘quiet enjoyment’ of the property you let, and how each side can terminate the contract. An agreement can be for a fixed period of time or ‘periodic’, meaning it will be renewed on a weekly or monthly ba...

The 5 cheapest summer holiday destinations in Europe

07/12/2017

After our article ‘Top 5 European destinations this summer’, here’s some ideas if your budget is a little tighter. A recent study by priceoftravel.com uncovered the best places to go on holiday in Europe at the lowest cost. With a daily overall cost (backpacker cost), calculated by adding 1 night, 2 public transport trips, 1 tourist attraction, 3 meals and 3 local beers, the study shows that it is possible to find somewhere cheap to stay in Europe, without sacrificing the splendour and culture ...

Find a spare room in Adelaide

07/10/2017

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia and Australia’s 5th biggest city, yet it never seems to receive the attention of the other state capitals. With more than 75% of the state’s population living in the city, it is an incredibly populous and centralised city. Unlike most Australian cities, it has no convict history and it has a historical tradition of tolerance and progressive thought. The ‘City of Churches’ has a Mediterranean climate and few extremes of temperature. Many students study a...

Moving out: inventory check-outs

07/07/2017

An inventory is a comprehensive overview of the condition of a property before the arrival of a new occupant or before their departure. These inventories are incredibly important and can be vital for protecting a tenant’s interests. Here are a few things to think about before conducting your check out to avoid mistakes and prevent your landlord taking advantage of you. What is a check-out inventory? An inventory is a document which describes the condition of the accommodation in detai...

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): what you need to know

07/05/2017

A House in Multiple Occupation can be a great choice for both landlords and tenants; landlords can make more out of a large property and tenants get all the benefits of living in a house without the cost. Although the term has been around since the 1980s, there is still confusion over the exact definition of an HMO and the impact this status has on landlords’ responsibilities. What is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)? The definition of a House in Multiple Occupation is quite compl...

Find a flatshare or houseshare in Bath

07/03/2017

Bath is an ancient yet thriving city, with a huge number of students living and studying at the University of Bath and Bath Spa University. Bath is a small city with a lot of charm, and the small town feel is what makes it so welcoming to students. Bath is not just a student city; with the ancient Roman baths, beautiful architecture and its status as a UNESCO heritage site, it’s popular with tourists, families and professionals alike. It’s also one of the safest cities in the country. Flatsharin...

Setting up a B&B: legal matters

06/30/2017

Setting up a bed and breakfast in your home or a dream house in the Cotswolds may seem like an easy lifestyle – no commutes, running your business from home, getting to know your lovely guests… Many find that reality bites, and that setting up and running a B&B takes a lot more effort and know-how than it may appear. Prospective B&B owners should not be put off by the seemingly overwhelming number of regulations they must adhere to before they get started. Although it may seem complex at first, ...

Moving to Southampton as a student

06/28/2017

Southampton is one of the great British port towns on the south coast and welcomes an impressive number of students each year. Students coming to study at the University of Southampton or Southampton Solent University all have a great time getting to know the city and all it has to offer. The two universities have a combined student population of over 40,000. With a quirky social and artistic scene, Southampton is perched right on the coast and offers a great mixture of city and coastal living. ...

What to do in Barcelona in 3 days

06/26/2017

Barcelona’s festive and warm atmosphere, the city’s rich history and the beautiful architecture influenced by Gaudi all make it a favourite destination for tourists. A short stay of a few days in Barcelona is enough to visit the Catalan capital – so long as you prepare well in advance. Here is our 3 day itinerary for a fantastic stay in Barcelona and a few tips for finding affordable accommodation for your stay. Day 1: the heart of Barcelona Barcelona is known all over the world for Las...

Where to live when you're a student in Vancouver

06/23/2017

Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most diverse, exciting and unique cities. With top level universities such as the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University, located just outside the city, its academic credentials are impressive. Ranked #10 student city in 2017, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination for students. Vancouver has beaches, forests and incredible mountains all within easy reach – and there are some great snowsport hotspots to try. With the o...

What you need to know about landlord safety regulations

06/21/2017

As landlords and property owners, not only does it make sense to ensure that your property is safe for your tenants, it’s legally required. If you fail to comply with some of these checks and measures, you can be prosecuted. Generally, these conditions apply to private residential properties in England and Wales and may not apply to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Nonetheless, safety of your tenants and your property is of utmost importance and should not be taken lightly. 1. Gas safety ...

How to choose your interior design colour scheme

06/19/2017

Playing around with colours can allow you to create different atmospheres in your home. To make the most of your redecoration, think about the significance of colours and which tones are best suited to each room in your house. How colours create atmosphere Primary colours – that is, yellow, red and blue – are the staple colours of interior decoration. With numerous shades and hues, each of them contributes to the creation of particular atmosphere for your home. Yellow is often used to bring...

How to Post an Advert on Roomlala

06/18/2017

Got a spare room in your house? Did you know that by renting your room out to a student or someone travelling for work, you could benefit from increased income every month? Read on to find out how easy it is to post an ad on Roomlala. Our easy advert creation process means you can offer your room for rent in only a few minutes. You can edit your ad at any time, just head to the tab ‘My Ads’ when logged into your account. The more details you give, the more requests you’ll receive! 1. Cr...

Moving to Perth as a student

06/16/2017

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is about as close to Bali as the big cities on the East Coast of Australia. Home to universities such as the University of Western Australia and the lead campus of University of Notre Dame, Perth is a great city for students. With the best weather year-round of all the Australian capitals, Perth is a paradise for anyone who loves the beach, nature and the outdoors. The laid-back city seamlessly blends with the economic powerhouse of the CBD and the e...

What you need to know about the UK Rent-a-Room Scheme

06/14/2017

As a landlord or property owner, you may have been interested in the UK government’s ‘Rent-a Room-scheme’. This was part of an effort by the government to optimise the housing stock in the UK – many occupied houses have empty spare rooms, which provide a great source of accommodation. It is particularly useful for students, workers, commuters and people moving temporarily. It also benefits landlords, who can supplement their own income. Here’s everything you should know before taking the plunge....

What to do in Budapest in 3 days

06/12/2017

Over 1,000 years of history awaits you in Budapest, the exciting capital of Hungary. A visit to this city rich in cultural history is a great experience, but it’s worthwhile preparing your trip before you go to make the best of this fantastic city. Roomlala has lined up a 3 day itinerary which will help you to get the most out of your trip to Budapest. We’ve also got a few suggestions for finding somewhere to stay. Day 1: Discover the castle Buda Castle Hill is an absolute must-see to le...

What you need to know about renting when you have a pet

06/09/2017

Among many things, Britain is a nation of dog lovers (and cats, rabbits, budgies…) Surprisingly, unlike in other European countries, the status of pets and animals in rentals is not a protected right. There are various reasons why landlords are hesitant about renting to pet owners; the thought of animal smells, hair, anti-social behaviour and general dirt can often lead landlords to reject pet owners or prevent current tenants from keeping pets. Renting with pets is possible and increasingly com...

Landlords: furnished or unfurnished rentals?

06/07/2017

There is no legal definition of ‘furnished’ or ‘unfurnished’ rentals in UK law, but your choice to furnish your rental – or advertise the availability of both options – will impact your rental in other ways. While many think that a furnished rental will represent a higher earning, there are different fiscal implications for both options. Furnished vs unfurnished: how does this impact the rental? As a landlord, choosing to offer a furnished rental instead of an unfurnished property will m...

Find a flatshare or houseshare in Wellington

06/05/2017

As the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington is one of the country’s best student cities, with a huge number of students living and studying at the Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University – Wellington campus. Living in Wellington you will have the choice of a huge number of events, attractions and activities. At the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington is the windiest city in the world. Despite this unusual title, ‘Windy Wellington’ remains a popular destination for int...

Find a spare room in Belfast

06/02/2017

Belfast is a brilliant destination for a trip, no matter what you’re after. Students and tourists are consistently impressed by the historic monuments and museums, as well as the breathtaking scenery a short journey outside the city and the great nightlife at its heart ! Whether you’re studying at Queen’s University or Belfast Met, enjoying a weekend stay or moving for work, the Northern Irish capital will welcome you with open arms. Taking a spare room in a private home will offer you a cheaper...

Top 5 summer destinations in the UK

05/31/2017

Already dreaming of your summer break with your mates, your kids or your significant other? You don’t have to jet off abroad to find a great holiday destination – there’s a ton of great places to spend a week or weekend right here on our very own doorstep. Load up the car, find the walking boots or swimming costumes and get exploring all around the United Kingdom! Cornwall Cornwall is one of the top suggestions on any British holidaymaker’s list of great places to visit close to home. It’s...

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