Homestay host vs lodger: which is right for you?
Got a spare room and wondering whether hosting or a lodger is the better fit? A 30-second decision tool, plus the honest comparison.
Every year, people apply to host international students with the wrong picture in their heads. They have a spare room, they want some income from it, and hosting sounds similar to taking in a lodger.
It isn’t. They are genuinely different arrangements, and choosing the wrong one usually causes stress for everyone involved.
Quick check (30 seconds)
Choose the option that feels closer to what you actually want.
If you’re leaning towards hosting, start with the Host Start Pack, then apply. If you’re leaning towards a lodger, that’s probably the better fit for your goals.
Want more detail? Read the longer guide: Homestay host or lodger: which one are you actually looking for?
Next step
The honest comparison
Taking in a lodger
This suits you if you want stable monthly income, a long-term arrangement, and someone closer to a housemate than a guest.
Positives
- Often more consistent income month to month, depending on your setup.
- You can meet candidates and choose who lives with you.
- Once settled, many lodgers keep to their own routines.
- No third party involved. The arrangement is directly between you and the lodger.
Negatives
- Permanent presence. The room isn’t “yours” again next month.
- Less flexibility. Breaks and holidays are harder.
- A lodger usually has more expectations around shared spaces and how the home runs.
- Guests and overnight stays often become part of the arrangement.
- If it doesn’t work out, ending it can be more complicated.
Hosting a homestay student
This suits you if you want flexibility and a guest-style relationship within your household routines.
Positives
- Flexibility. You decide when you’re available: two weeks, one month, take breaks, host through the summer, take Christmas off.
- You can decline booking requests before anything is confirmed.
- Short-term by nature. If a placement isn’t a great fit, it ends.
- Many hosts enjoy the variety and the cultural exchange.
- We handle the admin and support during the booking. You’re not on your own.
Negatives
- Income can be less predictable than a long-term lodger arrangement. Gaps between students are normal.
- Hosting isn’t passive. If meals are included, you need to be present for them.
- You don’t personally interview and choose the student. We match students to hosts.
- House rules need to be reasonable. A welcoming home, not an exhaustive list of restrictions.
- Your home is assessed before you are accepted as a host.
What both arrangements have in common
Both involve sharing your home with someone you didn’t previously know. Both require tolerance and flexibility. Neither is right for someone who needs complete privacy at all times.
Where people go wrong
The most common mistake is applying to host while actually wanting a lodger, usually because the motivation is consistent income and hosting is assumed to be the same thing at a similar rate.
A lodger is closer to a housemate. They’ll expect more freedom and more equal standing in how the household runs. A homestay student is closer to a visiting guest, staying for a defined period within your household routines and house rules.
The second common mistake is expecting the student to provide company. Some students are sociable and will chat over dinner. Others are tired, homesick, or focused on studying, and will eat quietly and go to their room. Both are normal. If you want a social presence, a lodger arrangement, where you choose someone whose company you enjoy, is usually the better fit.
How bookings work with London Homestays
When we receive a booking request, we contact you with brief details: age, gender, nationality, meal plan, dates. If it suits you, we confirm the booking and handle the process from there. If it doesn’t suit you, you can say so before anything is confirmed.
Once a booking is confirmed, we ask hosts to treat it as a commitment. Students often plan travel and study around confirmed dates, and late cancellations cause real disruption. Emergencies happen and we understand that. We just ask hosts to take confirmed bookings seriously.
What happens before you are accepted
Before you host, your home is assessed. We check the room, the facilities, and the overall environment. It’s straightforward, but it is a step that lodger arrangements don’t require.
For what to expect on the assessment, see the Home Visit Checklist.
FAQs
Can I host part-time?
Yes. You tell us your availability, and you can take breaks between students.
Do I get to choose the student?
You can decline a booking request before it’s confirmed, but you don’t interview and select students like you would with a lodger.
Is hosting right for me if I need guaranteed monthly income?
Hosting can have gaps between students. If you need guaranteed monthly income, a lodger may be a better fit.
Does applying commit me to hosting?
No. Applying is the first step so we can see if your home is likely to be a fit. You can decide before any booking is confirmed.
Still not sure?
If you’re unsure which arrangement fits your home, contact us before you apply. We’ll give you a straight answer.
Want more detail?
For the longer narrative version with more on common mistakes and what host life actually looks like, see Homestay host or lodger: which one are you actually looking for?
In their words...
“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours.
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
Cathy, Homestay host in Colindale, London
“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, Homestay host in Tooting, London
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3-
“London Homestays has been an excellent accommodation partner for our students. The team is always helpful, responsive and highly professional. They consistently match students with the right hosts based on individual requirements, ensuring a positive and comfortable homestay experience.”
Ellie Fordham, Student Services Manager, Stafford House 
My homestay host is a lovely lady, she was very helpful and genuine. London Homestays offer an excellent, fast service and quality accommodation. I would definitely recommend to my friends!
Shelaine, student from Canada: Homestay booking in Zone 2
Daphne was a really nice and welcoming host, I really enjoyed my stay with her and her family. Thank you London Homestays for connecting me with her!
Ben, researcher from USA: Superior homestay booking
My stay with my host family makes my time at UK much more fun and exciting! Life is happening!
Bao, student from China: Homestay booking in Zone 4+
“Really, we are very happy with our room at the residence. James in the residences team has helped us with all aspects of our booking and we would like to say, big thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
“I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!”
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
“Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.”
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
“I highly recommend London Homestays! We have been working with them for a while now, and their professionalism and the quality of their homestays have always been exceptional. One of the homestays we collaborated with was so impressive that we even shared it on our YouTube channel to give our students a glimpse of the warm and welcoming environment they can expect. Thank you, London Homestays, for providing such amazing services. We look forward to continuing our partnership!”
Tuba Akca, Owner at Tubik Academy
The London Homestays portal is amazing. You can manage availability, update photos, and see when you’ve been paid — something I’m always chasing the other agencies. Can’t recommend it highly enough!
Sharon, host in Finchley
