A property advert looking for a female tenant has caused uproar online.
The room in question is part of a six-bedroom house in Hook, Hampshire, and is listed for £700 per month – but there’s a big catch.
The chosen tenant can only live in the home during weekdays.
The landlord is only looking for “female professional tenants who would like to hire on a Monday-to-Friday basis”.
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In addition to the rent, you’ll also need to provide a deposit of £807.69.The advert, listed on OpenRent, has sparked a furious debate online, with Reddit users upset at the terms of the agreement.“I’ll just sleep in my car at the weekends then shall I?”, said one person.
“Just sleep in a tent during the weekend.. surely that can’t be legal,” added someone else.
Another person wrote: “I never understood mon-fri room lets… its not like they’re going to be doing anything else with the room over the weekend.”
“£700 a month plus a deposit and they kick you out for the weekend,” said someone else.
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Another Reddit user added: “What’s the deal with a ‘Monday to Friday’ hire basis. Does that mean you are allowed to sleep in the room on Friday night? What time on Saturday do they kick you out. And are you allowed back on Sunday night .£700 too. F*** that.”
In addition to only being open to women, the landlord does not want smokers or pet owners, but students are welcome to enquire.
The flat has been available since 3 February, but does not appear to have found a tenant yet.
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On the upside, the room comes furnished and includes bills and parking, and there’s a garden too.
And the room has an en-suite, as well.
Maybe you can pay extra to sleep in the bathroom on the weekends?
*** ASK THE EXPERT: ‘CAN YOU RENT A ROOM FROM MON-FRI ONLY?’ ***
“They [these agreements] are legal in the UK, and typically involve renting out a property for the weekdays only, with the tenant vacating each weekend,” Michelle Niziol, director and owner of IMS Property Group told What’s The Jam.
“As disruptive as this may sound, this arrangement can have its benefits for both the tenant and landlord.
“The landlord is able to enjoy the property at the weekend, keep it clean and maintained and rent it out separately as an Airbnb or weekend rental.
“Tenants that usually benefit from Monday-Friday lettings may work in the area during the week, and go home to family at the weekend.
“Mon-Fri let’s adhere to the usual tenancy rules in the UK, including health and safety standards, and local regulations.
“I would recommend that both landlords and tenants have written rental agreements in place that compile with the relevant rules and regulations, and that clearly outline the terms of the let.
“Landlords should also be aware of any licensing requirements that may apply, including those related to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and speak to a tax and legal advisor to ensure the landlord is abiding by national and local regulations.”
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