Working from home in a rented room
Many people work from home some days. In a shared house a little planning keeps work, rest and housemates all happy.
Your space
- Check the room has a desk or table and a decent chair, or ask what can be provided. Do not move furniture out without asking.
- Keep the work area tidy and cables out of walkways.
- Do not overload sockets or extension leads; use a surge-protected strip if needed.
Internet
- Ask how the internet is provided and whether it is included in the rent.
- Test speed and signal in your room before relying on video calls.
- Keep a backup, such as phone hotspot, for important meetings.
Calls and noise
Use a headset, close the door and tell housemates about long calls. Agree quiet times, especially if a housemate works nights; see shift work in a shared house.
Check the agreement
Ordinary desk work is usually fine, but business use, client visits or deliveries may not be. Read your agreement and ask your landlord. Heating and power use is covered in budgeting for a rented room.
Self-employed or on contract? See renting a room when you are self-employed.
This is general information, not legal advice. See how renting with us works.
Studying instead? See studying and training from a rented room.
Common questions
Can I work from home in a rented room?
Often yes for ordinary desk work, but check your tenancy agreement and ask the landlord if you are unsure, especially if clients would visit or you would run a business from the room.
How do I take calls in a shared house?
Use a headset, tell housemates when you have a long call, and use a quiet shared space only by agreement.
Does working from home affect my bills?
It can raise your own use of heating and power. If bills are included in your rent, ask how that is handled rather than assuming.