Accommodation Away

**cojak** · 26 April 2014, 10:36

Originally posted by Chervil View Post

I'm giving serious thought to contracting and accept it means it's plausible/likely I'll be spending some time away from home.

I've done (or am doing) my homework on most things but I'm still struggling to work out the likely expenses of living away during the week.

I could find sensible B&Bs I'm sure for the very start of a contract / short notice but I can't see myself living in a B&B for very long.

What I'd really want is a small, clean, central-ish flat in whichever city I'm working in. The problem there is with leases... I wouldn't want to be signing up for a standard 6 month tenancy.

I've been trying to find out about suitable short term leases on properties / what other contractors do but as I say I'm not finding much good information.

Could anyone let me know how they handle this / point me in the right direction?

Spareroom.com

I had lovely lodgings the last time I used them.

**northernladuk** · 26 April 2014, 11:01

Couch Surfing is the best way IMO...

**darrylmg** · 26 April 2014, 11:07

Airbnb.com
I used them in Munich, got to know the owner of the property, then went direct to the owner when I got offered a contract extension.

**Chervil** · 26 April 2014, 15:04

Aparthotels... Interesting concept. I will look into CAS too.

I have to say that the idea of a house/flat share is a bit off putting. I'm probably being too snobby.

**Batcher** · 26 April 2014, 19:50

When I first started contracting 17 years ago my then accountant told me that by renting a room/flat i was basically setting up a base and travel expenses from home office to new base would not be allowed.

I'm not sure how accurate that is/was now but I've always preferred to stay in a B&B or hotel since. If you explain to a B&B owner that you will be needing a room for 3 or 4 nights a week for at least 3 months they are usually happy to give you a good deal.

Most rentals are 6 months at a time so don't always fit in with contract end dates.

**cojak** · 26 April 2014, 20:14

Originally posted by Batcher View Post

When I first started contracting 17 years ago my then accountant told me that by renting a room/flat i was basically setting up a base and travel expenses from home office to new base would not be allowed.

I'm not sure how accurate that is/was now but I've always preferred to stay in a B&B or hotel since. If you explain to a B&B owner that you will be needing a room for 3 or 4 nights a week for at least 3 months they are usually happy to give you a good deal.

Most rentals are 6 months at a time so don't always fit in with contract end dates.

My contract for spareroom.com explicitly excluded weekend accommodation

**TheFaQQer** · 26 April 2014, 20:25

Originally posted by Chervil View Post

Could anyone let me know how they handle this / point me in the right direction?

Mondaytofriday.com

Laterooms

**SueEllen** · 26 April 2014, 21:23

Originally posted by Chervil View Post

I have to say that the idea of a house/flat share is a bit off putting. I'm probably being too snobby.

So am I.

People put different types of properties on sparerooms i.e. ones with en-suite bathrooms, granny annexes.

There are also night workers and contractors/those who work elsewhere who advertise on sparerooms.

So while you are sharing you basically don't see the person you are sharing with and they don't see you.

There are those who put in stupid rules i.e you can't use the living room but those should be avoided

**SueEllen** · 26 April 2014, 21:26

Originally posted by Batcher View Post

When I first started contracting 17 years ago my then accountant told me that by renting a room/flat i was basically setting up a base and travel expenses from home office to new base would not be allowed.

Never heard that interpretation from HMRC.

I know in some other countries they have specific rules on room sizes if you have a main home elsewhere.

Accommodation Away