Am I being unreasonable?

[hankyspanky]

I have a lodger.

Last week I had cause to tell him verbally that his slack attitude to security of the house was unacceptable. Twice now I have found the main entry doors left, not just unlocked but wide open. Once upon returning from London at 11pm and last week at 2.30am.

I explained I wouldn't compromise on security, having been burgled once before.

Last night I was woken up at 11.15pm by a strong burning smell. I rushed downstairs and found the kitchen window wide open. Lodger had obviously tried to fry something (even though I supply an evening meal) and the smell of burnt fat was awful. Sink full of dishes (again) and lodger fast asleep and not answering my knocks on his door.

Would I be unreasonable to tell him to leave?

We have no written agreement and I've also noticed hes damaged furniture in his room.

I don't feel safe in my home and feel I cannot even go away for the night as I simply don't trust him.

Yep, get rid

Not having the doors locked invalidates your insurance.

I sat and explained all this to him only 4 fucking days ago

I've got no deposit and no agreement so when is it reasonable to ask him to leave by?

The weekend. Just say it's not working out. He has no 'rights'.

I've got no deposit and no agreement

Get rid asap and next time do it properly! Is he a friend you're doing a favour for?

I think this lodger has to go. His behaviour sounds atrocious.

No not a friend, my first lodger 'experience' and at this rate my last!!!

I'm a bit concerned that last time I spoke to him, he pointed his finger in my face and started saying he had 'rights'.

I put him in his place.

I don't want to be unreasonable, but I can't feel unsafe in my own home

a weeks notice given the threat to your security and the fact you have no formal agreement I would think!

Throw him out. Tell him now so he can be gone by the weekend. The longer you leave it the more annoyed you will be.

There are other threads that have links to the rights of lodgers... if I remember rightly, you only have to be firm and hold the door open for him (well, sort of )

www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/housing_w/housing_renting_a_home_e/housing_subletting_and_lodging_e/housing_lodging_e/what_rights_do_lodgers_have.htm

Would it be reasonable to ask him to leave by the weekend?

He didn't pay a deposit and normally pays me on the 15th (although hes only been here 2 months). I will have to replace a chest of drawers that he has insisted on using as an ironing board, contrary to me asking him not to, numerous times.

As he is lax with the doors, I'd change the locks and tell him that I had to change them as he can't be trusted to lock them after the conversation he had 4 days ago and he has therefore opted to not live here any more.

I wouldn't give him notice - you might come home to find an empty house.

Oh god Ribena that's what I was thinking!!

Would it be deemed 'reasonable' to tell him to go at the weekend?

Just been told its not straight forward to change the locks. The bloody fucking insurance company insisted on a certain lock when I had the privilege of being burgled which apparently is very expensive...

What a cheeky, rude little shit.

I've have him out. I'd perhaps have someone there on hand if you could in case he gets nasty.

Maybe ring 101 for advice?

I am worried what he may do once I tell him.

His attitude to things is appalling. My DD hit the nail on the head when she said her take on it is, that he doesn't like being told hes wrong.

Especially by a woman.

I agree with calling 101 for some advice.
Do you have any family around at all?
Get them to come round when you tell him to leave.
Let him know that you have informed the police of the threat to security and that they know about him so he should go sooner rather than later.
He needs to leave by the weekend.

My lodger experience was good.
Interviewed. Asked some questions.
Put an agreement together for her to sign.
Notice period etc...
Deposit taken.

Do it properly. If you had taken a desposit you wouldn't have to be worrying about the chest of drawers! And he would probably be more careful.

Thanks Melons.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

I have a (male) friend coming over tonight so will tell him. I've looked on spareroom.com and there's lots of availability where I live. (Although not at the same price for the same high standard!)

Remembering back to when I've had cause to tell him things, his behaviour has been like a child. Not speaking, slamming doors etc.

The weekend seems a long time away!

I would make sure you have someone with you, a friend (preferably a big male friend!!) who can back you up and he'll hopefully be less inclined to try and intimidate you. Good luck.

How's it going? Have you buried spoken to him yet?

How awful! Hope you get rid of him soon.

Sounds awful. I used to have lodgers. Gave up when I found one shagging in my kitchen.

Lodgers don't have much in the way of rights do they? I would be inclined to arrange to have a big, burly friend with you when you tell him and the least notice the better.