Look at how you actually live
A lodger typically rents a room in the landlord’s only or main home and shares a kitchen, bathroom or living room with them. A tenant usually has a right to occupy space without a resident landlord sharing the accommodation.
The facts matter more than simply calling an agreement a “licence”. If status is disputed, get advice based on the complete arrangement.
Practical differences
A lodger is usually an excluded occupier and can have fewer protections around notice and eviction. Their deposit does not normally have to be protected in an approved tenancy deposit scheme. A qualifying private tenant has stronger rules around deposit protection, possession and repairs.
Both arrangements benefit from written terms covering rent, included bills, notice, guests, shared spaces and the deposit.
Ask before agreeing
Confirm whether the landlord lives there as their main home, which rooms are shared, how often they can enter your room, and what happens when either side wants the arrangement to end.
If the landlord only visits occasionally or claims to live there but does not, do not assume you are a lodger. Seek independent housing advice.
Official sources and further reading
- Renting a room in someone’s homeGOV.UK
- Lodgers: deposits and rentGOV.UK
- Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenantsGOV.UK · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government