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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to insist bathroom window stays shut in winter

159 replies

turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:36

I've got a new lodger and she's been putting on the heating in her room (can control individual bedroom heating) but she will leave the bathroom window open all the time.

I don't think it's a bad thing to leave the bathroom window open, however it's a bit contradictory - she's always cold and the bathroom window needs to be open all year round. The shower doesn't have a door and it can be cold, so it's not the best in winter generally as despite an extractor fan it's best if the window is also opened (or at least after you've showered).

I hate confrontation but I can see her being "cold" in winter and using up lots of gas and as well as keeping the upstairs bathroom window open.

AIBU to expect it to be shut the majority of the day?

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 14/08/2023 21:37

My bathroom windows are open all the time, except when I am out.

Frabbits · 14/08/2023 21:38

You don't spend long in a bathroom and generally it's a good idea to keep them ventilated all year round.

Unless your thermostat is literally in the bathroom, it's not going to cost you more to heat the house because 1 window is open, that room is just going to be a little bit colder than the rest.

Loopylune · 14/08/2023 21:38

Leave them open until the steam has left the room. Extractor fan isn’t always enough plus it’s good to get some air in.

Original poster
turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:40

Frabbits · 14/08/2023 21:38

You don't spend long in a bathroom and generally it's a good idea to keep them ventilated all year round.

Unless your thermostat is literally in the bathroom, it's not going to cost you more to heat the house because 1 window is open, that room is just going to be a little bit colder than the rest.

Upstairs is two bedrooms. The bathroom door is always open. The thermostat is outside the bathroom door.

So perhaps if I move the thermostat than it's all ok?

But I don't want the bathroom window open..... it makes the rest of the house cold as it lets in air....

She can put it on the latch but fully open no.

OP posts:
LolaSmiles · 14/08/2023 21:40

Our bathroom windows are open most of the time. Houses need fresh air.

It's reasonable to have a discussion with her about heating costs if she's heating the bedroom high whilst having the window open though.
Do you not have a master thermostat for the house heating you could set as a cap?

DustyLee123 · 14/08/2023 21:41

Shut the bathroom door.

Original poster
turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:42

Loopylune · 14/08/2023 21:38

Leave them open until the steam has left the room. Extractor fan isn’t always enough plus it’s good to get some air in.

That's what everyone that's lived with me does.... but this person wants it open all year around.

For example now she's got the heating on in her bedroom and is cold, but the bathroom, which is outside her bedroom has the window wide open. So wouldn't it be better to close the window to keep in heat?

OP posts:
Traxz · 14/08/2023 21:43

Why don't you shut the bathroom door?

Original poster
turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:44

DustyLee123 · 14/08/2023 21:41

Shut the bathroom door.

How do you know if someone is inside?

I don't see the point of having the radiator on in the bathroom and the bathroom window open as well.

Also the radiator in my bedroom doesn't work (long story) so In winter I'm generally cold without any window open... so I would like the heat form the corridor to reach my bedroom.

OP posts:
CantThinkOfANameAtAll · 14/08/2023 21:46

The shower doesn't have a door
What?

Our window is always open until we have a bath/shower, then opened up again immediately after. The extraction fan is not sufficient by itself. However the bathroom door to the rest of the house is closed.

cruffinsmuffin · 14/08/2023 21:46

OP - have you posted this before? If not a spookily similar thread was up recently I'd give it a read if you can it might be helpful.

YABU imo, windows need to be open for airing in bathrooms in winter even with a fan I find.

What is your lodging contract? Is it inclusive of bills? You can't really bring someone into your house on a contract to rent a room and act totally authoritarian with regards to banning a window being open + overly controlling the heating.

Simonjt · 14/08/2023 21:47

turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:44

How do you know if someone is inside?

I don't see the point of having the radiator on in the bathroom and the bathroom window open as well.

Also the radiator in my bedroom doesn't work (long story) so In winter I'm generally cold without any window open... so I would like the heat form the corridor to reach my bedroom.

Show quote history

Do you both leave the bathroom door open when you’re using the bathroom? Our bathroom windows are open all year round, it doesn’t make our home cold as we just shut the bathroom door.

Original poster
turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:47

LolaSmiles · 14/08/2023 21:40

Our bathroom windows are open most of the time. Houses need fresh air.

It's reasonable to have a discussion with her about heating costs if she's heating the bedroom high whilst having the window open though.
Do you not have a master thermostat for the house heating you could set as a cap?

It gets ventilation via doors opening and trickle vents. I

OP posts:
DustyLee123 · 14/08/2023 21:47

How do you know if anyone is in the bathroom ? You knock.

Original poster
turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:49

@Simonjt yes it's constantly open as it lets in light for the hallways.

Even if it was closed the radiator would still be on and the window open.... how can I justify that..... I just don't understand why someone needs a window constantly open.

OP posts:
CantThinkOfANameAtAll · 14/08/2023 21:49

How do you know if someone is inside?
They have locked it so you can't open the door. Please tell me there's a lock!

Also the radiator in my bedroom doesn't work (long story) so In winter I'm generally cold without any window open... so I would like the heat form the corridor to reach my bedroom.
Fix your radiator. That's the easiest and simplest solution. You seem to be creating problems for the structure of the house as well as your lodger. Why?

Meredusoleil · 14/08/2023 21:49

I would just say to her that you would prefer it was just left open slightly, ie on the latch, than fully wide open all day. For short periods eg after a bath/shower/poo, yes wide open with door closed to deal with it is fine imho. But not all day long. We have ours on the latch.

Original poster
turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:49

She's also never opened her window in her bedroom all summer lol.... so I don't understand the fresh air argument. Is it a germ argument?

OP posts:
BelleShazzasFeast · 14/08/2023 21:50

DustyLee123 · 14/08/2023 21:47

How do you know if anyone is in the bathroom ? You knock.

That's too obvious. The OP must know some special thing about her bathroom which means knocking isn't an option.

Original poster
turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:51

CantThinkOfANameAtAll · 14/08/2023 21:49

How do you know if someone is inside?
They have locked it so you can't open the door. Please tell me there's a lock!

Also the radiator in my bedroom doesn't work (long story) so In winter I'm generally cold without any window open... so I would like the heat form the corridor to reach my bedroom.
Fix your radiator. That's the easiest and simplest solution. You seem to be creating problems for the structure of the house as well as your lodger. Why?

It's not fixable. I can cope with my bedroom how it is, because I have measures..... but ultimately I'm not comfortable having the heating on and a window open all year round....

OP posts:
YouAndMeAndThem · 14/08/2023 21:51

turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:44

How do you know if someone is inside?

I don't see the point of having the radiator on in the bathroom and the bathroom window open as well.

Also the radiator in my bedroom doesn't work (long story) so In winter I'm generally cold without any window open... so I would like the heat form the corridor to reach my bedroom.

Show quote history

Surely there's a lock? I always have my bathroom door closed. That is the real solution to your problem.

CantThinkOfANameAtAll · 14/08/2023 21:51

The main rooms for causing damp and condensation problems are kitchens and bathrooms. Ventilation and heat are both needed to prevent mould and other structural problems. It's not about germs.

Letterposter · 14/08/2023 21:52

YABU it needs to stay open most of the time

Original poster
turkeytwizzlerss · 14/08/2023 21:52

Letterposter · 14/08/2023 21:52

YABU it needs to stay open most of the time

Why?

OP posts:
VisionsOfSplendour · 14/08/2023 21:53

I've never had a lodger but based on the number of threads I see with very similar problems I'd suggest a Sheldon Cooper style roommate agreement before anyone lets another person rent a room

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