To switch off my Lodger's internet access

[TheGodmother]

I've had Lodger's for years, good ones bad ones but never ever have I had one not pay on time.

I felt really sorry for my latest lodger, seemed a genuinely nice middle aged man, moving to the area after splitting with his partner, to be nearer his daughter. I throughly checked all his references and they were spot on. Met his elderly partner and his lovely daughter.

He didn't have enough money for a months deposit, I fact he had no money at all and was borrowing off his daughter to pay they rent weekly until he started his job. I agreed he could pay me weekly with no deposit.

He's been here 6 weeks and gone through 3 jobs. I didn't check last 2 weeks rent until today and he has paid last week but not the week before. Coincidentally the week he'd walked out of another job.

I phoned him immediately and he denies knowing that the DD hadn't been paid and said he has no money at the moment. I said well I now have no money either and have 3 kids to feed! He's promised to pay £200 on Friday.

I've not spoken to him face to face yet but what I'm asking is would it be petty to change the WiFi password? Why the hell should he be using that when he currently owes me £100.

I'm too angry to speak to him face to face and am tempted to message his daughter but she's lovely and don't want to upset her.

When he promised to give you the money on Friday did you accept that? Would you give him the chance to pay then, and if he doesn't tell him to leave?

When I was single I had lodgers. One was always about to get some money but never had any money and thought leaving me hanging for rent was acceptable. I asked her to leave once she missed the deadline she gave me. I wasn’t sharing my home for any other reason than I needed the money to live!

I'm confused; you're claiming you need the £ to feed your kids yet you've only just checked if payment is in the bank.

I think I’m in the minority here. You sound a bit hostile.

You have done him a huge favor to accept him without deposit- you didn’t have to.

But you are being harsh with handling what could be a misunderstanding.

If you really need the money now then just say so to him. Without the threats. Just say sorry I can’t wait till Friday I calculated my spendings assuming you paid on time..

Only if he refuses and protests then start considering kicking him out..

If you are able to wait till Friday then I would wait.

You say he is decent and kind. Unless there are other reasons to think he is taking advantage I would just assume this was a mistake.. and give him a chance to correct it.
I wouldn’t issue threats of eviction before giving people a chance..

Oh dear, sounds like you've been taken in, OP.

Drum2018, yup you're right we did agree that he'd pay the £200 on Friday, but I'd got myself worked up into a rage when I first posted here!!

Ok so I went down and knocked on his door and said we needed to speak about the rent. He said we agreed he'd pay £200 on Friday (yup Drum2018 you were right!)

So I said "I'm just concerned you won't have the full £200 and you've really put me out by not paying"

He still claimed he didn't know the rent wasn't paid that week and if he didn't have the money on Friday he'll borrow off his mum.

So it's been left as that, he'll pay the £200 on Friday. He's actually doing some building work for my neighbour next weekend so I know he'll have some extra money.

He's a really nice guy, just a big huge ManChild who obviously been enabled by ex partners, daughter and mum.

So we'll see. Also I've left the internet on ;)

Rage over :)

Schooloflife2 You're spot on "a bit hostile" I was absolutely bloody raging!! That's why I posted on here first!

He can use the internet at a cafe or free at the library to job search. I don't think you are unreasonable to get rid of him all together though OP.

If he doesn't have it on Friday or if it happens again don't give him any more chances. I just figured if you had already agreed to Friday then it might be as well to see if he comes through. For your sake I hope it was a genuine fuck up this time.

Remember it's a long bank holiday weekend! I foresee a "sorry, my card isn't working and the banks are closed until Tuesday " excuse.

I would still be asking for a deposit now. Even if he has to pay you an extra 50 a week until you have it

you're letting an unknown man stay with you and your three children?

Does he know you are away Easter weekend?

If he doesn't pay Friday then what can you do if you aren't there?????