House & Home Have you had a boarder?

Discussion in 'Living Room' started by Owlet, 28th May, 2018.

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  1. Owlet

    Owlet Well-Known Member

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    We are considering taking in a boarder - basically to help someone out. A pensioner who needs to vacate her rental place and has her name on a public housing list. Just wondering what the pros and cons of such an arrangement are and if any contracts need to be put in place. Do they need to insure their own contents?

    How do I correct the spelling in the heading? Oops
     
  2. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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    I've considered getting a boarder. How much will you charge and what will it include?
     
  3. Owlet

    Owlet Well-Known Member

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    Haven't thought nailed down a figure yet. Was thinking $100 inclusive of bills - own room, own bathroom, shared kitchen, laundry - there are two living areas so potentially own living room. Not doing it for the money but to help someone out - but I still think there needs to be some payment.
     
  4. geoffw

    geoffw Moderator Staff Member

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    Done.
     
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  5. willair

    willair Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    If you know the person then for 100 bucks it would be a bargain for the person..If you don't know the person then it may become a problem..
     
  6. Owlet

    Owlet Well-Known Member

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    Not quite following here...
     
  7. Owlet

    Owlet Well-Known Member

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    I'm trying to think of all the worst-case scenarios.
    Is it odd that this person has a new model car, us an old/cheap car and we are looking to subsidise them? Are we being silly considering this - shouldn't this pensioner's family help her?
     
  8. willair

    willair Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    You only have to say NO once..
     
  9. thatbum

    thatbum Well-Known Member

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    Do you even know this person? Seems odd if you don't.
     
  10. skater

    skater Well-Known Member

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    This person has the capacity to sell their car. They are not down & out. Ask yourself WHY your really considering this, as it will have a big impact on your family. What has happened for you to suddenly entertain the notion of inviting them to share your home? Are they family? Or just someone that you know that has given a hard luck story? If it doesn't work out, will you be able to ask them to leave, or will you be too guilt ridden? If so, will you be keeping them until their public housing placement comes around, as that can take years? Is your price of $100 LESS than what they'd be paying for public housing? They might never want to leave, especially if they can still get rent assistance, which they can't get in public housing. Are you going to resent subsidising their housing when they spend money on frivolous items that you wouldn't spend money on?

    Is this person a young, or an old pensioner? Will they be allowed to bring potential sexual partners into your home? If you have children, what would the impact of this be? Think this through very carefully.
     
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  11. ramblin72

    ramblin72 Well-Known Member

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    If you really want to do it I would charge more than $100...probably closer to $200. I wouldn't make it too cheap as they need some incentive to move out eventually...assuming you want them to move out.
    I'd also set a time limit if that suits you so they don't think it's indefinite. Set your intentions from the start that this is temporary. If the arrangement suits you then extend the timeframe.
    I wouldn't read anything into them having a new car. The reasons could range from them being irresponsible to them having won it on Family Feud.
     
  12. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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    It’s great to hear that Owlet wants to help someone in need. Though I’m surprised by the reaction some posters have had!

    People can become homeless for any number of reasons and it doesn’t mean they are irresponsible or untrustworthy.

    Often it’s just circumstance.

    One point - I believe there is a difference between a boarder and someone who is paying rent. I have heard that you can have a boarder without it affecting your tax - but you probably should be charging the cost not making a profit.

    Had a quick look on the ATO site and it only mentions family members in relation to board or lodging. I’d be interested to hear if a non-family member would come under the same definition from the ATO perspective.
     
    Last edited: 29th May, 2018
  13. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

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    Providing board isn’t ‘subsidising’ them - board means charging for the costs incurred (bills etc) so you aren’t actually losing any money.
     
    Last edited: 29th May, 2018
  14. skater

    skater Well-Known Member

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    Let me just add that I'm not totally against having a non family member stay......just think it through properly beforehand and don't rush it in the belief that you are just doing this to be nice.

    Many years ago we had a uni student live with us for a couple of years. There was no money involved in this. The arrangement was mutually beneficial as she was a live-in babysitter while we were out in the evening, and the student was home studying. We had no family living near us at the time.
     
  15. Owlet

    Owlet Well-Known Member

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    Thank you, everyone, for your responses. We made the decision not to go down this path- basically had the same thoughts/questions as what Skater posted earlier. Quite simply - why are we doing this?
     
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