I've advertised at work a room in my home for rent.
I completely forgot about what deposit to ask for, a good friend is interested, do I reduce it because it's a friend or keep it as if it were a stranger?

Also what is a reasonable amount to ask for as a deposit, 6 weeks seems a lot for a room to rent and I know how hard it can be to find...

Thoughts please x

I have always taken a months rent as deposit. I also use a tenancy/lodger type agreement and take pics of the room and an inventory before anyone moves in.  FWIW I think renting out a room might be a way to lose rather than strengthen a friendship.

Best practice is to secure a deposit in case of any damage beyond fair wear and tear. It depends how they are due to pay you as in how much you should ask. Rule of thumb is normally 1 month of the rent. But as this is a lodger not an entire flat i would look up the recommendations on RLA (residential landlords association).  Again double check but you may need to register this with a landlords deposit scheme. Not sure if this applies to lodgers.

Get an inventory and a good tenancy agreement or license. I would recommend an assured short hold or license. WHSmith do good legal packs. Either fixed term or periodic as that protects you in the unlikely event you want to end it without prolonged court proceedings if they refuse to vacate.   I would also recommend you outline clearly what is included (bill wise and use of rooms) and do an inventory of any furnishings you are providing. To safe guard yourself inform / seek permission from any parties who legally should be aware of this. (Freeholder, landlord, lender etc) and council tax if you are in receipt of single persons reduction.

As far as reducing it that is down to you although i ended up in court with a good friend who refused to vacate as she "couldn't find anywhere cheaper" yes that was her defence.

Good luck

Thank you for the advice. I call her a good friend yet we never socialise with each other outside of work, she works different shifts to me too. I will see how long she is likely to want the room. She can always go back to her mums which is where she is right now.
I will look at all the advice given here. I do have a contract which many of my colleagues use for tenancy.

You need to be careful about the type of contract you use, it has to be one for a lodger (who has no rights) rather than an ast (tenancy where the individual does have right).  The shelter website has lots of good info about lodgers and has a draft agreement.  I haven't worked out how to copy and paste links using a tablet but it is very well resourced.

Do be careful renting to friends.  I have lost one friendship this way, after she turned about to be immensely selfish and bone idle, not to mention a PTA about paying her rent.

On the flipside though I have gained friends through doing it, so I wouldn't say don't do it at all - just be careful!

As a matter of interest do you need to inform your insurance that you are taking in a logger?

You should inform your insurance but tbh I didn't.  I had 4 lodgers over a 6 year period and had one insurance claim due to the lodger from hell who managed to knock the shower screen off and into the bath leaving a giant hole in the bath.  The same one also damaged a carpet and put me off having more but apart from her I had good experiences.  For me the secret was giving the lodger a bedroom and turning the 3rd bedroom into their living room so they didn't disturb my peace too much.

Well she's visited and she wants a contract and the one I have is room rental, like you say no rights.
She's more of a colleague and I've known her for about 12yrs..
I'm waiting now to hear from her as to whether she wants to move in or not, told her no worries if she doesn't.
Gave her an option of 3 different rooms she can have as a bedroom, option of furnished, part or fully.

She's currently sleeping on her parents sofa so not ideal for her, have no idea if she has any other places to view x

I didn't inform the insurers but I'm renting the place myself!  My sister (landlord) may have done but I'm not sure.

I don't have  home or contents insurance. I rent mine and landlord (father) is fine with it

As it is even thought I brought down the rent and deposit as she's a mate she's decided to live elsewhere for free.. Lol who came blame her for that :-)