��������Ƶ

A Lodger Agreement is a legal contract between a homeowner or main tenant and someone who rents a room in their home while sharing common areas like the kitchen and bathroom. Unlike a standard tenancy, this arrangement gives the lodger fewer rights under Hong Kong housing laws, with the homeowner maintaining significant control over the property.

These agreements spell out important details like rent payments, house rules, notice periods, and shared utility costs. They're particularly common in Hong Kong's expensive housing market, where many residents opt to rent single rooms in shared homes. The agreement protects both parties by clearly defining their rights and responsibilities, though the homeowner retains the right to reasonable access to all areas of the property.

Use a Lodger Agreement when renting out a room in your home while continuing to live there yourself. This arrangement works perfectly for Hong Kong homeowners looking to earn extra income by sharing their space, especially in high-rent districts like Mid-Levels or Happy Valley where full apartment rentals are costly.

The agreement becomes essential when you need clear boundaries with your lodger about shared spaces, house rules, and payment terms. It's particularly valuable if you're renting to someone you don't know well, or if you want to maintain maximum control over your property while still generating rental income. Many property owners use it for short-term arrangements or when testing out a shared living situation.

• Fixed-term Lodger Agreements: Set specific start and end dates, typically 6-12 months, offering more stability for both parties
• Rolling Monthly Agreements: Flexible arrangements that continue month-to-month, popular in Hong Kong's dynamic rental market
• All-inclusive Agreements: Cover utilities, internet, and cleaning services in one fixed fee
• Basic Room-only Agreements: Focus solely on room rental with separate utility arrangements
• Student Lodger Agreements: Tailored for academic terms, often including special provisions for holiday periods and study-friendly house rules

• Property Owners: Hong Kong residents who rent out rooms in their primary residence while continuing to live there
• Main Tenants: Individuals with landlord permission to sublet rooms in their rented property
• Lodgers: People seeking affordable accommodation who are willing to share common spaces, often students or young professionals
• Property Agents: Help match homeowners with potential lodgers and assist with agreement drafting
• Legal Advisors: Review and customize agreements to ensure compliance with Hong Kong housing regulations and protect client interests

• Property Details: Document room size, included furniture, shared facilities, and any parking arrangements
• Rental Terms: Set monthly rent amount, deposit requirements, and payment methods accepted in Hong Kong
• House Rules: List policies on guests, quiet hours, cleaning responsibilities, and use of common areas
• Utility Arrangements: Clarify how electricity, water, internet, and other bills will be split
• Identity Verification: Collect Hong Kong ID or passport copies from all parties
• Documentation: Gather proof of property ownership or main tenant status with landlord consent

• Identification Details: Full names and HKID/passport numbers of homeowner and lodger
• Property Description: Exact room location, shared facilities, and any exclusive-use areas
• Financial Terms: Rent amount, payment schedule, deposit details, and utility cost arrangements
• Duration Clause: Clear start date and term length with notice period requirements
• House Rules: Specific behavioral expectations and restrictions on property use
• Access Rights: Homeowner's right to enter the room with reasonable notice
• Termination Terms: Valid grounds for ending the agreement and required procedures

A Lodger Agreement differs significantly from a Agency Agreement in several key ways. While both are legal contracts, they serve entirely different purposes in Hong Kong's property market.

• Legal Relationship: A Lodger Agreement creates a direct relationship between homeowner and room occupant, while an Agency Agreement establishes a professional relationship between property owner and real estate agent
• Scope of Rights: Lodger Agreements focus on living arrangements and shared space rules, whereas Agency Agreements cover marketing, showing, and leasing authority
• Duration: Lodger Agreements typically run for fixed periods or month-to-month terms, while Agency Agreements often have specific listing periods with commission structures
• Property Access: Lodger Agreements grant immediate occupancy rights, but Agency Agreements only give agents permission to market and show the property