Homestay host earnings on this page were verified in February 2026. Rates are set by London Homestays and may be updated — see our introduction to hosting page for the latest information.
How homestay host earnings work in London
If you have a spare room in London, hosting an international student is one of the simplest ways to earn extra income. London Homestays pays hosts a weekly rate that depends on three things: your area (which TfL zone you’re in), the meal plan you offer, and whether you provide a single or twin room.
Hosts can earn up to £250 per week, depending on zone and meal plan. Multiple occupancy and additional supplements may increase this further. Much of this income can be tax-free under the government’s Rent-a-Room scheme.
This guide explains what affects your earnings, what hosting involves day-to-day, and how to get started.
What affects how much you earn
Three things determine your weekly rate:
Your location
London Homestays groups host homes into three categories based on zone and room quality: Standard (Zone 3+), Superior (Zone 2/3), and Executive (Zone 1/2). Hosts closer to central London and those with higher-spec rooms earn more per week.
Your meal plan
The meal plan you offer affects both your earnings and your daily routine:
- Bed & Breakfast (BB) — You provide breakfast each morning. The student does not have kitchen access.
- Self Catering (SC) — No meals, but you give the student access to your kitchen to prepare their own food.
- Half Board (HB) — You provide breakfast and an evening meal. This is the highest-paying option because of the daily cooking commitment.
Half Board is the most common arrangement. Many hosts find that sharing an evening meal is one of the best parts of hosting — it’s when conversation happens and students practise their English.
For more detail on what each plan involves, see our meal plans explained page.
Single or twin room
If you have a room large enough for two students, you can offer a twin placement. Twin rooms earn close to double the single-room rate. This makes them the highest-earning option for hosts with the space.
What hosts typically earn
Here are broad ranges based on current London Homestays rates:
- Up to £250 per week depending on zone and meal plan
- Twin room: Multiple occupancy and supplements may increase this further
- Additional payments may apply for private bathrooms, summer bookings, junior students (under 18), and special dietary requirements
Your exact rate is confirmed when you join. London Homestays sets rates based on your location, room quality, and meal plan — you’ll know exactly what you’ll earn before accepting your first student.
Annual earning examples
What you earn over a year depends on how many weeks you host and what you offer. Here are three realistic scenarios:
Part-year host (30 weeks)
You host during term time only, taking breaks over summer and Christmas. A single-room host offering Half Board might earn £5,000–£7,500 over the year. At the lower end, this falls comfortably within the Rent-a-Room tax-free threshold.
Year-round host (48 weeks)
You host most of the year with a month off. Depending on your category and meal plan, a single-room host could earn £7,000–£12,000+ over the year.
Twin room, year-round
A host with a twin room who hosts for most of the year can earn substantially more — well above the Rent-a-Room threshold. Exact figures depend on your zone and meal plan. Contact London Homestays to discuss your specific situation.
“I’ve hosted students through London Homestays for many years. This has fitted in well with family life. My adult children and I have enjoyed the company. We’ve met people from all over the world who have appreciated coming to a home where they are warmly welcomed. A spin off benefit is that we’ve had invitations to visit those we have hosted — currently, we have a trip to a wedding in Brazil on the horizon.”
— Carol, Dollis Hill — host since 2010
Rent-a-Room tax relief: earn up to £7,500 tax-free
The UK government’s Rent-a-Room scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from letting a furnished room in your home. You don’t need to tell HMRC about income below this threshold — it’s an automatic exemption.
Many part-year hosts earn below this threshold, meaning their entire homestay income is tax-free.
If you earn more than £7,500, you have two options:
- Pay tax on the amount above £7,500 (so if you earn £10,000, you pay tax on £2,500)
- Opt out of the scheme and deduct your actual expenses instead (rarely better for homestay hosts)
The Rent-a-Room scheme applies to your main residence. If you share the room income with someone else (for example, a partner), the threshold is £3,750 each. Full details are on the GOV.UK Rent a Room page.
What hosting involves day-to-day
Here’s what a typical week looks like.
Your main responsibilities:
- Providing a clean, furnished private room with bed linen, towels, and a desk or workspace
- Wi-Fi access
- Meals according to the agreed plan (BB or HB)
- A welcoming home environment (students are living with you, not renting a room in isolation)
- Helping students settle in during their first few days (local shops, transport, house rules)
What London Homestays handles for you:
- Finding and matching students to your home
- Collecting payment from students (you’re paid by London Homestays, not the student directly)
- Managing bookings, extensions, and any issues
- Providing support if problems arise — there’s always someone to call
“London Homestays are very pleasant and put you at ease.”
— Pat & Clyde, Tooting — hosts since 2016
Most students are aged 18–30 and come to London to study English at a language school or attend university. Stays range from a couple of weeks to a full academic year. London Homestays is registered with the British Council, so all host homes are inspected and must meet national quality standards.
For a full overview of what’s expected, see our host family guidelines.
Who can host?
You don’t need any special qualifications. London Homestays accepts hosts who:
- Live in London (zones 1–6)
- Have a spare furnished room with a window, wardrobe, and desk or workspace
- Speak conversational English at home
- Can provide a welcoming, friendly environment
- Are willing to undergo a home inspection and, for under-18 hosting, a DBS check
Hosts come from all backgrounds. Some are retired couples with empty bedrooms. Others are working professionals, single parents, or families with children. They all enjoy meeting people from other countries and are happy to share their home.
“My first student has just left to return home and I have thoroughly enjoyed hosting her. It has been a lovely experience for me to help her with her English and learn about her Japanese culture. I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays.”
— Audrey, Tooting — host since 2018
How to start hosting
The process takes about two weeks from application to your first booking:
- Apply online — Fill in the host application form with details about your home and household
- Remote introduction — A London Homestays coordinator contacts you to discuss what to expect and check your home is suitable
- ID checks and safeguarding — London Homestays requests ID verification, references, and a DBS check (required for hosting under-18s)
- Home inspection — A coordinator visits your home to check the room and confirm everything meets British Council standards
- Receive your first student — London Homestays sends you the student’s details in advance so you can prepare
There’s no cost to apply or join. London Homestays is a British Council registered agency, which means your home meets nationally recognised accommodation standards.
Ready to find out more? Visit our introduction to hosting page or go straight to the application form.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I earn hosting a student in London?
Up to £250 per week depending on zone, meal plan, and room type. Multiple occupancy and additional supplements may increase this further. Additional payments may apply for private bathrooms, summer bookings, and junior students.
Do I pay tax on homestay income?
Under the Rent-a-Room scheme, the first £7,500 per year is tax-free. You don’t need to declare it to HMRC. If you earn more than £7,500, you pay tax only on the amount above the threshold.
What meal plan pays the most?
Half Board (breakfast and evening meal) pays the highest weekly rate. Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering pay less because the hosting commitment is lighter.
Can I host more than one student at a time?
Yes, if you have more than one spare room. Each student is booked separately, so two students roughly doubles your weekly income.
How often will I have a student?
This depends on demand and your availability. Many hosts are occupied year-round, especially in zones 2–4 with good transport links. Summer (June–August) is the busiest period.
Do I need any qualifications?
No formal qualifications are needed. You need a spare room, conversational English, and a willingness to welcome someone into your home. If you host under-18s, a DBS check is required.
