To give notice to lodger

[Ramiblue]

Morning

A bit of a dilemma. My lodger has been with me a while, we get on well and rent is paid on time, no issues on cleaning etc.

However 6 months ago they went part time into a fully remote job with family financial assistance. So they are living in a small 2 bed flat with me ( I work from home 3 days a week) and are now here 24/7.

I'm now feeling like we are getting on top of each other and having someone here all the time is a bit wearing.

When they moved in they had a ft job out the flat, I don't know why they decided to do part time 16 hours a week fully remote, its not health related, I think just a slower pace maybe but not sure.

I read on here that a good lodger is worth keeping , but I don't think I can do another 6 months of someone always here, I now have to work in my bedroom on a pop up desk, whereas before I could work in the lounge!

So although the money is handy and company is nice now and again I am really thinking of giving notice, and having a break from anyone being here

Is there any compromise? Setting up a desk in her room maybe? As you say, a good lodger is hard to replace.

If you don't need the money to keep afloat I would give notice. Different in a big house both working from home but in a small flat no way.

It's not working for you any more. Not unreasonable to give notice at all.

It’s ok if it’s not working for you anymore. Give them a couple months notice to be fair.

I wouldn't be able to cope with that. But why the suggestion of giving notice when you can simply have a chat, and say you'd like them to work from a co-working space 2/3 times weekly as you're getting under each other's feet?

There are ways and means of approaching problems and communicating in the best way.

They may not agree at which point yes you should give Notice. But try a compromise first

Thanks for replies, they only work 2 days a week, so five days a week in the flat watching tv cooking etc, a desk in their room wouldn't change that.

Sometimes I am just desperate to have place to myself I think even though its their home as well.

I couldn’t live like that. Things change, people change and life moves on. Don’t feel bad that the arrangement isn’t working for you anymore and you need to end it.

Yes, I had thought of that at Easter, but now they are part time they don't have the cash to spend all day at a coffee shop or pop up work space.

The alternative is that I do it, but then it defeats the point of having their rent!!

So they're in the house all day every day? I couldn't handle that fine to have a conversation to day that the dynamic isn't working for you any more.

You can't really have it all ways. They are paying you money to live there, if you dont want them there then you'll have to give up the money and give notice.

Yes all day every day, go out maybe once a month for an evening

I think I'd start by having a conversation with the lodger. Maybe find out if she has plans to change things around in the near future. If not then I'd give notice as someone always at home will not only be impacting on your mental health, your own work but also the daily bills.
I guess you could always allow her to choose to increase her rent instead of having to find new lodgings. However I believe she would find it very hard to find anyone who would tolerate being at home 24 hours a day. You only have to look on spare room to see how long people are looking when they are wfh

You can give notice, and meanwhile you can re-install yourself in the living as your workspace and ask them to keep out while you are working. I don't get why your initial response was to move your own workspace into your bedroom. It's your flat. You are in charge.

* but I don't think I can do another 6 months of someone always her*

and there is your answer

And if the money is only “handy” not a bloody chance I’d get a lodger in. A lodger would be my last resort if on bones of my ass

They sound like they don’t have a very happy life. Hell that sounds awful. What do they do all day?

I’m guessing they’re on benefits? Pip? LCWRA? How can they afford to live on 2 days a week otherwise?

Suggest a rise in rent to reflect higher bills now. Maybe they will opt to rehouse!

On laptop in front of tv!!

No benefits, now get an allowance from family

If its not working anymore then I guess give notice but remember any lodger could do that change work as is there right. Or try and think a way around it as your lodger does seem good otherwise

I now have to work in my bedroom on a pop up desk, whereas before I could work in the lounge!

Why, for goodness sake? Please don't tell me you give up the young to your lodger? Tell her if she wants to WFH she has the pop-up desk.

*lounge, not young!

Ah, because she is not working, she is relaxing

If I take over the lounge 3 days a week then she would have to be in her room which seems a bit unfair!

Why does it seem unfair? You get 3 days WFH, she gets 2 days WFH.

I mean, you probably want a conversation about it.