Lodger or tenant if I'm abroad 8 months of the year?

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone can clarify the resident landlord/lodger rules for a slightly unusual situation.

I own a 4-bed detached house in Hertfordshire outright. It's my UK home and I'm retired.

I spend around 8 months a year in Thailand and normally come back and live in my house during February/March and August/September. I don't work in the UK or Thailand.

I'm thinking of renting one spare room to one person all year round. I'd keep my own bedroom permanently for myself, keep my belongings there and obviously share the kitchen/living areas with them whenever I'm back in the UK.

My main concern is flexibility. I don't really want a full landlord/tenant situation where, if things go wrong, I have to go through a lengthy possession process. Ideally I'd want a genuine lodger arrangement where I can give reasonable notice and regain the room/property fairly easily.

The question is: because I'm physically abroad for around 8 months of the year, would they actually be classed as a tenant rather than a lodger, regardless of what the agreement says?

Has anyone here been in a similar situation or had proper legal advice on this?

Also interested in whether the Renters' Rights changes from May 2026 affect the position.

Thanks