Taking in a lodger is a great way to earn some extra money from your spare room. But before you open your doors to the first person willing to pay the rent, it's a good idea to do a bit of homework.

Choosing the right lodger can seem a daunting prospect as, unlike tenants who rent an entire property or flat, they are essentially paying guests in your family home. So as well as making sure they will be able to meet their financial commitments, you will want to be certain that they are trustworthy and will fit in with your lifestyle.

It's a good idea to think about why you want a lodger in the first place as this can narrow down the type of person you want. Ask yourself whether it is just for financial reasons or are you looking for someone with whom you will also have shared interests.

If it is the latter, then you will be able to direct your enquiries around clubs or groups that take part in the things that interest you.

However, for most people the main reason for getting a lodger in the first place is likely to be financially driven and adverts placed in the local press are likely to yield the best results.

Think about the sort of qualities you are looking for. An ad saying lodger wanted' is going to get a wide range of responses, so if you have specific requirements, make sure you mention them. Do you want a professional person, a non-smoker, male or female? All these factors can be included although it's good to remember that being too specific could narrow your search.

Interviewing prospective lodgers is probably the part that is most difficult and, as always, safety is important. If you live alone, invite a friend round to sit in when you are doing the interviews.

If you are still a bit wary, why not meet on neutral ground such as a pub or cafe. You can then shortlist candidates before you invite them into your home.

Have a list of questions ready so that you find out everything you want to know but remember that the candidate is also likely to have questions, so make sure you have information such as rent, bills, council tax and any house-rules to hand when they arrive.

Once you have selected someone, it is a good idea to do a bit of extra screening before you make your final choice. The rental web site www.landlordzone.co.uk has a lodgers' application form available to download for free and that can guide you through the details you will want to know. It is also a good idea to ask for references and make sure that you check them.

One way to reduce the likelihood of getting an unsuitable lodger is to ask friends and family for personal recommendations. This can give you a bit of peace of mind and make the whole screening process a little easier.

However, inviting someone you don't really know to live with you is always going to be a risk.

No matter how thorough your interview technique or how many references you follow up, there is always the possibility that you just won't get on.

But by taking time to go through a screening process, there is a much higher chance that everything will go smoothly.

For more information on taking in a lodger, visit the web site www.landlordzone.co.uk