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

YANBU. I feel like giving notice to my husband for the same reason.

It's their home, they can be there as often and as much as they like.

But it's also YOUR home, if it's too much for you, of course you can give notice.

My mum has lodgers. She only accepts the professionals who need a base, and disappear every weekend to go home. You cannot tell people they are unwelcome at the weekend, but you can absolutely only offer the place to a certain category.

If you can afford to not have a lodger (at least for a little while) then give notice. I can't understand why you think that's not ok?

if you get another lodger, make it very clear it's on the basis that they work outside the home full time as you WFH and need the flat to yourself during working hours.

save your sanity, give her notice today. Tell her a month, but the sooner the better as it's really affecting your work.

I thought this too when I first read it! Op, give her notice and enjoy your home again!

OP, it's your flat and you don't have to give any reason for asking your lodger to leave. Just give them a month's notice.

In your position I'd be bringing the arrangement to an end however that doesn't necessarily mean the lodger has to go. Chances are they have no idea how claustrophobic you are finding things. Maybe if they did something outside of the home it would solve the problem, so a hobby, socialising or perhaps go office based. I fhink its worth discussing but you need to think first about what you would find acceptable eg would 2 full days (office hours) alone in your flat be enough? Would 2 evenings work where they go out or maybe 1 overnight elsewhere, but if you really want M-F days to yourself you need to be specific.
As your lodger has been good I'd be inclined to be leinient with notice eg 2 months to secure alternative accomodation or lifestyle.

Ha ha! Just what I was going to say!

I grew to loathe a former flatmate and childhood friend because while I was out of the house working for 45 hours a week AND out a lot on my days off, she was there all the time, worked from home, and I never got the place to myself. In the end it felt like HER flat, so I eventually left.

Now my OH’s parents are dead and his sister has moved to the wilds of Scotland, he never goes away anywhere, ever!

I have had 2 lodgers. Both were friends of friends so a known quantity. One was a junior doctor and the other was Mon - Thurs only.

If you can find someone like my lodgers, that might work better for you.

Do you use the rent a room scheme for your lodger, this part might help you make a decision...

When you cannot use the Rent-a-Room Scheme
You cannot use the scheme if the accommodation is:
• not part of your main home when you let it
• not furnished
• used as an office or for any business - you can use the scheme if your lodger works in your home in the evening or at weekends or is a student who is provided with study facilities
• in your UK home and is let while you live abroad

I think it would be sensible to give her notice, as that would drive me crazy having someone there all day!

I teach 3 days a week and on my two days off I do all my lesson planning whilst the kids are at home, as well as some of the cleaning and cooking. I'm quite noisy, put music on and sing loudly, as well as practicing violin and piano! My DH can also WFH 2 days a week, so makes sure he NEVER works at home on my days off 😂

It's good to have your own personal space!

I’d say “sorry I was looking for a lodger who was in full time work out of the house, not for someone who’s here all the time, so it no longer works for me”

But this lodger did and then circumstances changed

fundamentally it doesn’t sound like a lodger is for

the money is “handy”
you have a small 2 bed flat
and you WFH full time

@Rightiothen13 my son got a very similar situation except it was rented with him and a friend. (2 beds, 2 baths in good London area) My son is out 4 days a week and his flatmate suddenly worked from home FT. In my sons case it was more about the mess- his friend was a nice guy but simply was a lazy lump who lounged about on the sofa with his laptop, left plates and cups everywhere and drank all his fresh coffee and never ever did a tap of housework . . Problem was he had equal rights so my son was hoping he would move out but couldn't initiate it. Luckily he did so earlier this year and went home to save some money. My son then looked for a new flat mate and only interviewed people whose profession meant they went out at least 4 days a week - teachers, retail, nurses, chefs etc .

He now has a lovely and tidy/clean female teacher same age as himself and as he said to me it makes it so much easier.

Yes so point is… circumstances can change and if you’re set up isn’t conducive with a change, then best not risk it. For both parties

Lodging is a temporary though. Lots of things can change which can make you an unsuitable lodger. Children, partner, work, you can also move on easily when your circumstances change. I appreciate some lodgers stay for years as convenient for both parties.

It’s also fine to say to prospective lodgers that you want someone who works out of the house as you work at home so lounge is yours during working hours.

Thanks some good advice , I had a chat earlier , it didn't go very well at all, but she will be moving out, hopefully things can.be civilised and friendly the next month or so

I'm glad you let your lodger know that it wasn't working for you, OP. With any luck the next month will be smooth and conflict-free.

Two different situations: the one you describe is flatmates; this thread is about lodgers.

Jesus I would hate that. It gets too much for me being in the house all day with my husband when he's wfh never mind a lodger

You don't need any reason at all to give notice to a lodger. It is your home. You have absolute right to choose whether or not to share it with any individual.

Yanbu to feel cramped with 2 adults wfh in a 2 bed house. I find it quite claustrophobic in a 3 bed tbh. And having a lodger is generally a bit intrusive which you put up with if you need the rent, but having the respite of them being elsewhere in office hours is part of what makes it bearable as you have some solo time.

So you go ahead and give notice. You are fine.

Did she leave and was the last month okay? Will you be getting another lodger?

Your house your rules.
This dounds like you've definitely had enough and she's overstepped the unwritten boundaries.
She's only the lodger not the owner.
Nah give her fair notice - w months, and re advertise for someone stating " not here all the bloody time, ideally using it only to sleep".
These people do exist.

#2 months notice

I know that this thread is from earlier thus year, but one of my lodgers worked from the library.
Also, they really need to get out more!

I know that this thread is not new but lodgers do tend to stay in their rooms these days out of their own choice, if they don't watch tv, which I find younger ones and foreign ones don't watch.