Accommodation

Rent a room to a visitor in 2012

You can receive up to £4,250 a year tax-free, from renting out part of your home. This is known as the Rent a Room scheme.

You must still tell the tax office about this income on a self-assessment form, even though it will not be taxed, so long as the income is below £4,250 for the year.

If you are in receipt of means tested benefits, the income received will need to be declared, and is likely to affect the level of benefit you receive.

To qualify, the room(s) must be furnished, and be in your only or main home. The principal point to bear in mind is that if you are in the Rent a Room scheme you can't claim any expenses relating to the letting (for example, wear and tear, insurance, repairs, heating and lighting). Make sure you consider these costs when setting the rate for your room.

• Visit directgov website for full details of the scheme

Renting out your home

If you are renting out your entire home over the few weeks of the Olympic and Paralympic Games during the summer of 2012, then there is unlikely to be a breach of planning control.

However, use of residential properties on a permanent basis as a business for short term lets is a breach of planning control and could lead to the Council instigating enforcement action.

Places to stay in Camden

With the Javelin train taking seven minutes to get visitors from King’s Cross to the Olympic Park, Camden is a central location to make your base in 2012. Apart from the transport access, it’s also filled with great entertainment options for all tastes.

• Visit Love Camden for accommodation options in the borough.
• Hospitality and travel package providers are also promoted through the London 2012 website