Mon-Fri accommodation found thru Gumtree - how to claim expenses?

[theroyale]

I've found Mon-Fri accommodation via Gumtree in a shared flat for the 4 weeks remaining on my current contract. As it is for such a short term there is no tenancy agreement, and I will be paying the rent to the landlord at the start of the week through bank transfers.

What is the best way to evidence this? As things stand the landlord will give me receipts in the form of a written email acknowledgement, or on (plain, non-letterheaded) paper with his signature confirming the amount paid, but does this hold for HMRC?

[kingcook]

I've found Mon-Fri accommodation via Gumtree in a shared flat for the 4 weeks remaining on my current contract. As it is for such a short term there is no tenancy agreement, and I will be paying the rent to the landlord at the start of the week through bank transfers.

What is the best way to evidence this?

Ask for a receipt?

As things stand the landlord will give me receipts in the form of a written email acknowledgement, or on (plain, non-letterheaded) paper with his signature confirming the amount paid, but does this hold for HMRC?

Excellent idea!

[northernladuk]

I wouldn't be overly worried about such a short period. Just get a confirmation by email or get him to sign a short written agreement just stating the days you will be there and the agreed price. Print of a statement showing one of the payments and bobs your uncle I reckon. HMRC, although a bit picky, are not stupid. They are not going to ponder over this too long as long as you can show due diligence. They are not looking to confirm you were there every week and ever pound is accounted for, just that you are not abusing the system. An email agreement and one payment should show that you are not defrauding the system and he moves on to the next issue.

If you really want to cover yourself take a copy of every statement with a payment in. They can't argue that.

[SueEllen]

I wouldn't be overly worried about such a short period. Just get a confirmation by email or get him to sign a short written agreement just stating the days you will be there and the agreed price. Print of a statement showing one of the payments and bobs your uncle I reckon. HMRC, although a bit picky, are not stupid. They are not going to ponder over this too long as long as you can show due diligence. They are not looking to confirm you were there every week and ever pound is accounted for, just that you are not abusing the system. An email agreement and one payment should show that you are not defrauding the system and he moves on to the next issue.

If you really want to cover yourself take a copy of every statement with a payment in. They can't argue that.

WHS

You can also make sure you have clear evidence that you go home at the weekends.

[theroyale]

Great answers thanks

[Brussels Slumdog]

Rented Accomodation

My umbrella company would allow be the months rent plus charges divided by days in month to obtain a daily rate.

[Debz]

I have a similar situation - no tenancy agreement but I have secured a Mon to Fri on a rolling monthly basis. Is a receipt enough in this situation or would a tenancy agreement be needed in order to claim expenses???

[theroyale]

I have a similar situation - no tenancy agreement but I have secured a Mon to Fri on a rolling monthly basis. Is a receipt enough in this situation or would a tenancy agreement be needed in order to claim expenses???

I was the OP on this a few years ago - I just took the advice on this thread and saved the plain-paper receipt from the landlord, and train ticket evidence of going home weekends. Claimed expenses as such. Was no issues.