just want to check here first - rent increase

[ohtobe4]

We have had our lovely lovely lodger for 2 years now.

She pays £600pm which includes all bills.
We haven't put the rent up since she moved in, and am dreading the conversation as I know I will feel really awkward.
Do you think an increase of 5% (£630) would be an ok amount to ask?
The last thing I want to do is make her move out!
Thanks.

£600 seems like a lot to me, but then I don't know what area etc. I think ultimately you have to weigh up whether it's more important to keep your lodger or make money off her. If you want to hang on to her, then a 5% rent rise is probably fine, but more than that might risk her thinking she could rent a whole place of her own for just a little bit more than what she's paying you for a room.