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The Daily Telegraph quotes Nick Hurley on the legalities of asking for childcare employment in lieu of rent

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A couple’s attempt to rent a room in their family home – on the condition the prospective tenant babysits their children – has sparked a debate about Britain’s rental market.

The advert, posted on SpareRoom, offers a reduced monthly rent of £400 a month (for only five days a week) for a room in Clapham in return for part-time childcare duties.

Nick Hurley, Partner and Head of Employment, comments in a piece for The Daily Telegraph and explains that it would not be illegal for the family to charge subsidised rent in exchange for childcare employment:

It wouldn’t be illegal. There are lots of arrangements where people get subsidised or free housing in return for their employment.

"It’s more unusual nowadays, but if you’re wealthy you might have domestic servants living in your property on subsidised terms.

Read the full article in The Daily Telegraph here (subscription required).

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