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Original poster

Lodger and cleaning

13 replies

supergrains · 20/12/2018 12:20

I have a 3 bedroom house and 2 lodgers.
One has been there for about a year, and the other has just moved in.
For context, we all get along fine, we're not friends, but are friendly and as far as I know there aren't any problems. We are all a similar age, so I don't really feel like the landlord, other than I have to do the garden and maintenance, but we don't socialise together or sit and watch TV or eat together.

I haven't really discussed cleaning and how it gets done.
We all keep our own bedrooms clean and wash our own bedding etc, I don't ever go into their rooms.
I am away a lot with work, but I have pets which add to the mess, so I was thinking of proposing I clean the communal areas every other week, and they could do 1 week per 4 each. I am happy to share the cost of a cleaner (me 50% them 25% each).
Does everyone think thats reasonable? They both work FT, but other than that haven't any other commitments (no more than myself).

It seems a bit dumb that I haven't sorted this out for over a year, but I just cleaned when I had time previously, and my first lodger did a bit occasionally, but now there is 3 of us the place gets dirtier more quickly, and I haven't time to do all the cleaning anymore, especially as I live/work away from home a lot, maybe 1/3 of the month.

OP posts:

Original poster

supergrains · 20/12/2018 12:23

The pets are well looked after when I am away with work, I pay a pet sitter for this (cats) and my lodgers both love the cats and give them lots of attention! just in case anyone was wondering.

OP posts:

BoneyBackJefferson · 20/12/2018 14:13

Will you be reducing their rent accordingly?

Waddsup12 · 20/12/2018 14:14

Get a cleaner.

InfiniteSheldon · 20/12/2018 14:15

I'd talk to them not tell them but yanbu

Hellozzz · 20/12/2018 14:18

I think that is more than reasonable & I don't think you need to reduce the rent.
They may prefer to do it themselves than pay but that is their choice.
I don't think it is unreasonable to expect them to keep the communal areas clean & tidy and you pay the lions share because of the animals.
If they are not using all the rooms like you do you may want to pay more but 1/2, 1/4, 1/4 seems reasonable.

Though in hindsight you should put it into the rental agreement.

Original poster

supergrains · 20/12/2018 14:21

boney I'm not planning on reducing the rent, as the contract does say that the communal areas should be shared responsibility of cleaning.
I need the full rent to pay for my mortgage, through a set of circumstances I can't afford to pay at present (which is why I have lodgers). I realise I might have to sell my home in the future.
My lodgers can afford the rent, its market rate where I live and they could move to a cheaper shared place if they couldn't - they are not tied in to me.

OP posts:

Original poster

supergrains · 20/12/2018 14:24

I am just so awkward, and just wanted to check that this was reasonable.
I personally have lived in house-shares with friends/partners/alone so have always done my fair share of cleaning.....I'm an adult...although I did do it as a child living with my family too!
I guess I'm asking if its normal for lodgers to do any communal cleaning, or am I supposed to be their cleaner?

OP posts:

BoneyBackJefferson · 20/12/2018 14:32

So are they cleaning and not doing it to your standards? But holding up there end of the contract and if you are unhappy you need to pay for a cleaner or whatever

are the not cleaning and breaking their contract?

Original poster

supergrains · 20/12/2018 16:22

One has only been here a month, and I don't think has done any cleaning apart from her room (although she has mentioned to me about cleaning - so I think she will do her bit) the other did used to do some communal cleaning, but seems to have stopped since the new lodger has moved in, and also only does her room (she is quite grumpy about me getting a second lodger as she liked having the place to herself while I was away - but they get on and she is free to move to another place if she doesn't like it anymore).
I am not really on top of the situation as I am not home very much and busy/ in and out when I am home.

OP posts:

Waddsup12 · 20/12/2018 16:37

That's why I suggested a cleaner. It's not a student house and there's always going to be an element of who does what and more pertinently, who doesn't do what and resentment will creep in.

Kintan · 20/12/2018 16:44

Yes it’s definitely a reasonable request. If there is nothing in their contact saying the rent covers the cost of a cleaner then as grown adults they can’t expect for someone (you) to do all the communal cleaning!

dreamingofsun · 20/12/2018 16:44

i'd talk to them about it, remind them its in their contract and see what they prefer. though i agree with waddsup about arguments....currently son is having loads of issues with lazy person in his house. perhaps you can say that you dont want this to be source of any arguments and thats why you would prefer to come to joint agreement

Kezzie200 · 20/12/2018 16:49

Different people have different ideas about cleaning. Some have just been spoilt by parents at home with nothing required by them. So, you need to have the.conversation aboit what needs doing and the different options and work it out between you. If the answer is to get a cleaner your proportions sound fair but see what is required first.

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