To want to run own fridge and freezer in house share?

[thinkingaboutfostering]

So I have recently moved into a friends house (moved 200 miles from old home). I am paying her at least the market rent if not more! Her house is a tip (think like hoarder bad) everywhere is filthy. I knew it was bad having stayed numerous times before but didn't really have much choice about moving in here because I have poor credit. We had agreed I'd rent two room from her, a lounge area and a bedroom. I also have my own bathroom. I know she is struggling financially and has asked me to be economical with electric ie not leaving lights on which is fine by me. But her fridge is filthy. The kitchen is along way from my end of the house (think longhouse) and I have been ill and have mobility issues. She has today said after discovering I have put a mini fridge on in my space, that she doesn't want me to run it but to just share her fridge to keep the electricity bills down. She also doesn't want me to run my freezer and again share theirs (which is full). Am I being unreasonable to say no I am paying you rent and keep running both my fridge and freezer?

did you all miss the part where I have mobility issues?! Or that I've been seriously ill?! I also have bent over backwards helping her out of a really sticky situation for past few years! I'm not sponging off her! She's hundreds of pounds better off with me living here than if I moved out! She not doing me a favour! I moved here at her suggestion and request!

But the mobility issues, the ill health - this was all the case before you moved in. The house, by your own admission, was a mess when you moved in. Again, by your own admission, you needed somewhere where you could have your dog and where your poor credit rating wouldn’t be an issue. You’re saying you didn’t have a choice - but now you can’t understand why you’re not getting a choice.

Either accept your situation or find a new one.

Firstly, prepare yourself for this house share to go wrong.

What house share? She’s the lodger.

Not one of us thinks your being unreasonable. But we are being realistic. Your her lodger. You have very few rights. So it is very much a case of you being at her mercy until you move out. In the long run it’s better for you to have a clean fridge. She’s a dirty mare. You knew this before you moved in. So your options are either you clean the fridge or you get someone in to clean it for you. Because she isn’t going too. And as your her lodger she can tell you what appliances you can and can’t install.

But the mobility issues, the ill health - this was all the case before you moved in. The house, by your own admission, was a mess when you moved in. Again, by your own admission, you needed somewhere where you could have your dog and where your poor credit rating wouldn’t be an issue. You’re saying you didn’t have a choice - but now you can’t understand why you’re not getting a choice.

This.

She holds all the cards and you hold none. That is the nature of being a lodger. It's not rocket science. Nobody is saying they think it's right or fair.

But according to you, you are in a precarious situation in terms of being able to rent on your own, and you own a dog. This is not attractive to landlords.

Offer her the equivalent to what it would cost to run your fridge/freezer for the time you intend to stay. And get the hell out of dodge as soon as you are able to.

Leave. See if you can get a better deal.
Sorry but you are being unreasonable. You are being horrible about her home. She clearly has issues herself and is struggling to keep it clean and tidy and also financially and yet you are critical.

No one is making you live there. If you leave she may make other choices.

Yanbu to want to run your own fridge etc BUT you didn't agree that as part of what your rent would cover so you will need to pay that as another fee.

You agreed a rent , now saying its above market rate is a bit disingenuous as you have 2 rooms for your use, and also have a dog so that would obviously cost more than a single room...

Offer the extra £5 to cover it or move out.

Oh and you are also assuming that there is no cost or inconvenience to her. As if it is pure greed/profit. Having a lodger is not easy. She has provided furniture and appliances, there is an increase in bills and a decrease of her "amenity", a loss of space and privacy. She does that in exchange for money. That's how it works.

I have had lodgers before - and breathed a sigh of relief when I have been able to have my space back. It can be a pleasant arrangement - and lodgers have become friends BUT it is not easy and we'd all rather have our own space.

She can’t just come into your room I assume, just keep the fridge.

Have you a tenancy agreement?

It’s the landlady’s bloody house - of course she can inspect the room 😏

Hmmm. Try this from the reverse.

^I've rented rooms to a struggling friend who has poor credit and will be homeless otherwise. I've let her also move her dog in. She's commented that the house isn't up to her standards, even offering to get a cleaner in. Now she wants to install a fridge and freezer in her room!
^
Doesn't come across too well.

If you don't like it, leave. If you can't leave, smile and suck it up

It's another one of those, "AIBU?"
OP : AIBU?
ALL : Yes
OP : no, I'm not.

Why bother asking when you're not really interested in anyone who disagrees with you?

Move out and find your better, cheaper place to live....