New lodger washed or changed clothes for 10 days

[Zone3]

My new lodger hasn't changed his clothes or washed since he moved in ten days ago. I'm getting very concerned especially because of covid and hygiene.

He is a pleasant person but this is very concerning. I've told him I want to be extra careful with cleanliness because of covid and also shown him how to use the washing machine but he hasn't taken the hint.

How can I approach this sensitively as I have given him a three month contract and we have to live together- I don't want to throw him out as serving notice with him would be very awkward. I'd rather try and resolve things sensitively with a positive outcome. Any suggestions welcome.

I would be worried about what this shows - lack of sensitivity to normal social cues & expectations. And if that’s the case in one area - hygiene- it will be in others also. I’d ask him to leave.
Are the two of you alone in the house, OP?

This is precisely why I dont have lodgers anymore they always have awful habits or turn out to be nuts.

I would see this as a red flag for future bigger issues. Best to get rid OP.

OP sorry you are having this difficult problem.

I also feel as a previous poster mentioned this is a very strange time during a pandemic to be taking in a lodger. Particularly someone you clearly don’t know.

Deal with this quickly before 10 days becomes 30 days.

This will be a difficult conversation but cleanliness during a pandemic is essential, could you swerve it to the pandemic.?

What are you going to say if he says he has washed his clothes / himself will you believe him?

Can you risk this?

You are not compatible as lodgers

For those saying "why take on a lodger during a time of pandemic?" perhaps it's financial necessity.

I lost my job, had to retrain, and took a succession of lodgers to help cover my mortgage while I did so. It kept a roof over my head at a difficult time in my life.

Being homeless during a pandemic wouldn't be particularly helpful either.

@tectonicplates

Any chance he has lots and lots of the same t-shirt? Mark Zuckerberg does that.

This made me chuckle 😂 Mark Zuckerberg is also a billionaire not having to lodge

I wouldnt have this .In fact the same thing happened with one of my DC friends and I just said "Showers ready now!" Took the hint! He was a teenager though! Seriously a man in his 40s ?Does he work ,surely they would notice a nasty niff! Just say straight out ,"Look John ,its awfully hot ,best you take your shower early evening ,me morning (or vice versa) If he still doesnt take the hint I am afraid I would give him notice to quit as a nightly bathtime girl!

Not that it's your problem at all, but my don suffers greatly from mental health problems. When he is at home here, and in a bad place, his personal hygiene is non existent. We do say to him, as he is a grown man, but his state of mind cant cope at that point.
When hes out of it, hes a 1 to 2 showers a day etc... obviously we put up with it because hes our son and we love him dearly, but if it's the same with your lodger, he needs to be with family or friends to help him through.

Son

Did you speak to him @Zone3?

I would simply say, "Hi lodger, I need to speak with you and I want you to know it isn't a personal attack on yourself,and we won't speak anymore about it after today if it's rectified but we have some personal hygiene issues going on. I'm not sure if you're aware but this is uncomfortable for me, and it must be for yourself too. During the pandemic we need to be extra hygienic, so I'm going out for an hour, the shower is upstairs and the washing machine is empty. Otherwise, we may need to discuss alternative living arrangements for yourself, but I hope it doesn't have to come to that . See you later"

I work in HR and sometimes have to advise managers on how to have the 'hygeine chat' with staff. Golden rule is always to be really clear, no hinting or joking or they are likely to just not take it in/accept it. Just say it quite factually and ask them what they are going to do about it. I know this is not a work situation but there are parallels.