Uni Staff Pick up Cash to Compete with Landlords

University staff are picking up £2,000 interest-free loans to compete with local landlords in a rent a room scheme. Not only do the landlords who take in student lodgers get the chance to earn £4,250 a year in rents without paying tax, but they can fit out the rooms for their new tenants with the loan as well. The deal is part of a scheme to encourage staff at Aberystwyth University, Wales, to give up spare rooms in their homes for student lodgers. The loan is paid back at £166 per month over a year. Similar loans are not available to non-staff. Jim Wallace, who handles residential services at the university, said: "We recognise that due to the popularity of the university, there are unprecedented calls for accommodation within the private sector this year. “We are aware that a number of staff have rooms available within their homes and that they and the students could benefit from the scheme.” Aberystwyth is not the only university to run rent a room schemes - Manchester, Leicester, London Metropolitan, Sussex, East Anglia have similar options for students. Ursula Byrne, who works at the university, said: "We have students living in our home and have found it a great experience. We learn a great deal from one another and I hope that, by living with us, we have had a positive impact on their time at university." She also hinted that living with students can present problems - like the hours they keep. The package also lets landlords earn up to £4,250 tax free under HM Revenue and Customs rent a room scheme. The tax break is aimed at householders who take in lodgers - the landlord must live in the home where rooms are rented out as the owner or tenant. International students often opt to live with a family local to campus so they can improve their English and learn about customs and culture.

Landlord blog

Jennifer Leonard

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