The University Rent-a-Room Scheme

Interest free loan available to staff who take part in the Rent a Room Scheme

 

Simply, the rent a room scheme is where a member of staff is willing to rent a bedroom in their property to a student for an entire session or part-session.

The University would like to make it easy for staff who are interested in hosting a student to have the right kinds of facilities available, for example study desk, wardrobe, lamps, pin boards, appropriate bed size etc.  To assist staff members to do this the University can offer an interest free loan up to £2,000 with repayments made over a one year period via  salary deduction. Participants may be eligible for tax exemption up to a maximum of £4,250 from the Rent a Room scheme. 

1. I would like to host a student but I need some advice.

Please contact the Accommodation Office by phone 2984 or email accommodation@aber.ac.uk and leave your number stating interest in Rent a Room Scheme and we will return your call. The Accommodation Office can provide you with a registration form to add your property to its database and other useful advice such as a minimum room inventory. Further useful information and downloads can be found at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/private-sector/.

2. I would like to host a student but I need to spend some money making the facility acceptable.

Please contact the Accommodation Office by phone on 2984 or email accommodation@aber.ac.uk and leave your number stating interest in Rent a Room Scheme and we will return your call. The Accommodation Office can provide you with an application form to use for requesting a loan, and is able to give advice regarding items required in a room to meet a minimum room inventory. If you wish to discuss financial arrangements directly with the Finance Office please contact Stephen Humphreys on tsh@aber.ac.uk or phone 8656. You’ll be asked to complete a costed list of all the furniture or adjustments you think are necessary for the room. The loan amount will be approved by the Accommodation Office and forwarded to Finance Office. The loan amount will be paid via Payments Section by BACS to a nominated bank account on the applicant’s Payroll records, and repayment will be made by automatic deductions from salary over a twelve month period.

3. I am ready to offer a bedroom in my property, what do I do next?

Please contact the Accommodation Office by phone 2984 or email accommodation@aber.ac.uk and leave your number stating interest in Rent a Room Scheme and we will return your call. The Accommodation Office can provide you with a registration form to add your property to its database and other useful advice such as a minimum room inventory. Further useful information and downloads can be found at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/accommodation/private-sector/.

4. I am interested in letting a room for short periods but not really for the entire academic session.

The University has a requirement for short stays for PGCE students. If you do not wish to rent out a room for an entire academic session but are interested in generating income from letting a room for a short period(s) through the year then this may be for you. Please note that the offer of an interest free loan by the University only applies to those offering rooms for the full academic session. To register for short term availability please contact Ursula Byrne by email - uub@aber.ac.uk or telephone - 01970 621678.

5. I hear that it’s possible to gain some tax exemption if I let a room in my property. Where do I look next?

Participants of the Rent a Room Scheme may be eligible for tax exemption up to a maximum of £4,250 from the Rent a Room scheme (see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/pimmanual/pim4001.htm for further details).