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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is lodger being disrespectful?

207 replies

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 01:24

This time last year my husband and I decided to take in a lodger. We found a lady who would provide a very good arrangement: she would pay full asking price but only use the room when working. On her days off shed return to her home. The agreement was for 6 months only, and we extended for another six months so not a long term thing. Shes always been respectful, quiet, clean, tidy. No complaints. We let her in to our inner circle - as time progressed conversations became friendlier, shed often share dinner with us, our toddler loves her. Its been a v good balance.

Like i said earlier, this lodger returns home regularly, where she has a long term boyfriend. We always said he was welcome in the house, as well as her family. Said boyfriend visited once (didnt stay), she had an uncle come over for tea and I always said her daughter should come visit. The tenancy agreement has no rules about visitors, theres something vague about how permission is needed for anyone to stay over a week. We never thought it necessary to say anything more about visitors given her personal situation.

About a month ago, she breaks up with her boyfriend (she told me) and literally one week later she rocks up to the house with a man we've never seen or heard of before. We know this because we saw it on our ring camera whilst we were away for the weekend.
She brings him into the house and is critical of our home - that I buy plants and kill them for example (I laughed when I heard her say this and brushed it off but her tone kinda stung).
Then, in the hallway, the guy says something about me drinking j*zz and she laughs (we have another camera in the living room so could hear) then they go upstairs where I can just about hear her begin to criticise something else but the camera stops picking up dialogue. By the way, she knows about the cameras, theyre not hidden. We tell people about them. We put them in to watch our dog initially but left them for security.

My husband was livid and wanted to kick her out but I talked him down, said the money was important, and shed only be around for a few more months. We didnt mention any of this to her. I hoped she wouldnt bring him back.

After this, the guy becomes a permanent fixture - never comes in again, just parks on the road side and takes her. A couple of times hes been outside, with her, when im arriving home with my toddler and she never thought of introducing him to me.
She never mentioned him to us even though shes been seeing him every day for the last month or so.

Last week at home DH, now placated from his anger, jokes around, asks the lodger if she has a new boyfriend, who he is and she tells him his name, what he does, and she is v open. When the guy comes to pick her up DH goes out to meet him, of his own initiative.

Im technically still in the dark.
But im like its a good arrangement. Just suck it up, just a few more months. Im bothered, and dither between giving her notice or letting it be.

A few days ago, she does the hard work for me and gives notice. Great. Shes gone in a month.

However today, we spent the day out. We tell her well be out and guess who comes back in the house? The guy. Annoyingly he parked on our drive when we had planned for the dog walker to use it.

Im really annoyed. I feel like my space has been violated. I dont know this man, and for all i know, she doesnt really either. She was vetoed before being allowed in the house but now the door's been swung open to a man, when we have a little girl with us.

AiBU in confronting her? Im not a confrontational type and feel myself shaking just thinking about the chat itself but I'm 15 weeks pregnant and upset. At this point I dont want him here and want to tell her as much. It all feels so dodgy. Her life is her business as long as it is away from here.

OP posts:
NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 03:07

ShakyBake · 14/06/2026 03:00

Understandable and I wouldn't neither especially if I had a young family. But then I wouldn't have looked for this type of arrangement, but I understand the rental income in handy.

I'd look forward to the day she moves out then OP . Not so much because I think she's done anything wrong, just that this arrangement has run the corse

Why did he think you drank the thing you mentioned?

Before we left on our weekend away, id made a concoction of rice and eggshells I saw on YouTube to revive my orchid. I forgot to put it in the fridge so when they walked in and saw it decided to make a joke of it

OP posts:
OneNewEagle · 14/06/2026 03:11

Your lodger has not done anything wrong. I’m not sure what you are complaining about.

Figgygal · 14/06/2026 03:12

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 02:53

Let us know someone is visiting. I think it would have been the polite thing to do, but yes, it was never requested she did so, even though she has in the past.
The person did use the drive when we had intended for it to be used by our dog walker so I will mention this to her. Thankfully the agreement is clear that she is entitled to off road parking, not to share our drive.

So you're controlling and spying on her with cameras no wonder she wants to leave

JustAnotherWhinger · 14/06/2026 03:16

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 03:03

Ive never listened, but did on this occasion. We didnt know who the man was, up to this point, no one unknown to us had come in so that took us by surprise so of course I am going to want to know if theres a security issue. Has he come to burgle the house? I was genuinely scared when we first saw him through the camera.

Briefly checking he was with her, rather than being a burglar, if he arrived at your home alone (although you said he rocked up with her) is one thing, listening to their conversation through your house is an entirely different thing.

That’s incredibly disrespectful to your lodger. You had no right to do that.

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 03:20

JustAnotherWhinger · 14/06/2026 03:16

Briefly checking he was with her, rather than being a burglar, if he arrived at your home alone (although you said he rocked up with her) is one thing, listening to their conversation through your house is an entirely different thing.

That’s incredibly disrespectful to your lodger. You had no right to do that.

It crossed my mind that she and him both were burglars, so arriving together might not have mattered. Its an assumption I followed them round the house listening. The comments they made and I quoted were literally the only two things they said before moving off.

OP posts:
JustAnotherWhinger · 14/06/2026 03:23

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 03:20

It crossed my mind that she and him both were burglars, so arriving together might not have mattered. Its an assumption I followed them round the house listening. The comments they made and I quoted were literally the only two things they said before moving off.

There’s no chance you assumed the lodger you have known for many months was a burglar. That’s just nonsense.

You were nosy and it bit you on the arse because you don’t like what you heard, unfortunately that’s what tends to happen when we earwig.

It’s good you’re not having more lodgers as you’re entirely unsuited to having them.

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 03:24

OneNewEagle · 14/06/2026 03:11

Your lodger has not done anything wrong. I’m not sure what you are complaining about.

Not being told when someone is visiting. I think its impolite when youre lodging at a live in landlord.
I realise everyone has their interpretation of what politeness means so in the absence of it being agreed on before, I have to stay quiet.
I think putting in so much detail has caused my point to have become lost

OP posts:
NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 03:28

JustAnotherWhinger · 14/06/2026 03:23

There’s no chance you assumed the lodger you have known for many months was a burglar. That’s just nonsense.

You were nosy and it bit you on the arse because you don’t like what you heard, unfortunately that’s what tends to happen when we earwig.

It’s good you’re not having more lodgers as you’re entirely unsuited to having them.

Honestly, it genuinely crossed my mind.
My background is such that things like that are known to have happened, sadly.
And to imply you know a person after lodging them for a few months is naive. How many couples find shocking things out about each other after years of marriage for example?

OP posts:
Mulledjuice · 14/06/2026 03:29

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 01:58

Thank you, seeing shes leaving, saying anything now will just seem like picking a grudge or being petty. Its only another 3 weeks. But I will say something about the drive, that bit was annoying.

When did you tell her that she couldnt use the drive while you were away?

UpDownAllAround1 · 14/06/2026 03:32

I think putting in so much detail has clarified that you have been disrespectful and invaded your lodgers privacy.

Hope you give her a bottle of f*zz and her full deposit back

JustAnotherWhinger · 14/06/2026 03:34

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 03:28

Honestly, it genuinely crossed my mind.
My background is such that things like that are known to have happened, sadly.
And to imply you know a person after lodging them for a few months is naive. How many couples find shocking things out about each other after years of marriage for example?

You’re basically trying to defend your rudeness for eavesdropping and your husbands rudeness at demanding to meet the guy and it’s indefensible.

She’s your lodger, not your daughter or someone you’re in charge of.

She brought a guy round for a shag while you were out. She broke none of the rules you have in place. Only you were disrespectful in listening in

Your DH’s pushy rudeness, asking her questions then taking himself out to meet someone she didn’t wish you to meet, is off the scale. And is quite probably why she’s leaving.

you’ve behaved like over the top parents to another adult with absolutely no reason. And you still think she’s the one in the wrong.

LivingTheDreamish · 14/06/2026 03:38

I would find the change of circumstances unpleasant too, with this unknown new bloke laughing at you in your home. But it’s only 3 more weeks and yes aside from the parking it’s not really worth making into an issue. Think of the money you made and look forward to reclaiming your home very soon.

OneThreadOnlybyN · 14/06/2026 03:42

You're being very unreasonable.

she didn't bring him in the house when you were home with DD, so he's NO risk to her.

he parked on the driveway when they knew you weren't going be using it, as would anyone else.. That's very normal. If she could (or her guests) park on the street, why can't dog walker who would have to if you were home?!

you didn't like his comment re you 'drinking jjzz' (what brought that gross comment on??) but she's only there a few weeks, he doesn't come jn when you're there, so you don't need to like him.

if she was staying I'd suggest a conversation with her, but she's not, so for everyone's sake - especially DD's, just be nice & make it a nice experience to remember for everyone!

Scissor · 14/06/2026 03:53

OK I'm going to take the AI bait. A lodger shares your kitchen and living room with you. As a lodger, and you get great tax breaks for that, your lodger shares that space so.. As a sharer of your kitchen and living room you must share. If you have agreed cameras they must be able to access too.

ByCyanMoose · 14/06/2026 03:59

You have got to resist the temptation to use the ring cameras to listen in on a private conversations, which I assume was not their primary purpose when you installed them. It will come off extremely invasive to other people, and you will only drive yourself crazy.

Nopeasinapasty · 14/06/2026 04:09

Did you warn her in advance that you planned for someone non-resident to use the parking space?

Gambino1726 · 14/06/2026 04:09

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 01:24

This time last year my husband and I decided to take in a lodger. We found a lady who would provide a very good arrangement: she would pay full asking price but only use the room when working. On her days off shed return to her home. The agreement was for 6 months only, and we extended for another six months so not a long term thing. Shes always been respectful, quiet, clean, tidy. No complaints. We let her in to our inner circle - as time progressed conversations became friendlier, shed often share dinner with us, our toddler loves her. Its been a v good balance.

Like i said earlier, this lodger returns home regularly, where she has a long term boyfriend. We always said he was welcome in the house, as well as her family. Said boyfriend visited once (didnt stay), she had an uncle come over for tea and I always said her daughter should come visit. The tenancy agreement has no rules about visitors, theres something vague about how permission is needed for anyone to stay over a week. We never thought it necessary to say anything more about visitors given her personal situation.

About a month ago, she breaks up with her boyfriend (she told me) and literally one week later she rocks up to the house with a man we've never seen or heard of before. We know this because we saw it on our ring camera whilst we were away for the weekend.
She brings him into the house and is critical of our home - that I buy plants and kill them for example (I laughed when I heard her say this and brushed it off but her tone kinda stung).
Then, in the hallway, the guy says something about me drinking j*zz and she laughs (we have another camera in the living room so could hear) then they go upstairs where I can just about hear her begin to criticise something else but the camera stops picking up dialogue. By the way, she knows about the cameras, theyre not hidden. We tell people about them. We put them in to watch our dog initially but left them for security.

My husband was livid and wanted to kick her out but I talked him down, said the money was important, and shed only be around for a few more months. We didnt mention any of this to her. I hoped she wouldnt bring him back.

After this, the guy becomes a permanent fixture - never comes in again, just parks on the road side and takes her. A couple of times hes been outside, with her, when im arriving home with my toddler and she never thought of introducing him to me.
She never mentioned him to us even though shes been seeing him every day for the last month or so.

Last week at home DH, now placated from his anger, jokes around, asks the lodger if she has a new boyfriend, who he is and she tells him his name, what he does, and she is v open. When the guy comes to pick her up DH goes out to meet him, of his own initiative.

Im technically still in the dark.
But im like its a good arrangement. Just suck it up, just a few more months. Im bothered, and dither between giving her notice or letting it be.

A few days ago, she does the hard work for me and gives notice. Great. Shes gone in a month.

However today, we spent the day out. We tell her well be out and guess who comes back in the house? The guy. Annoyingly he parked on our drive when we had planned for the dog walker to use it.

Im really annoyed. I feel like my space has been violated. I dont know this man, and for all i know, she doesnt really either. She was vetoed before being allowed in the house but now the door's been swung open to a man, when we have a little girl with us.

AiBU in confronting her? Im not a confrontational type and feel myself shaking just thinking about the chat itself but I'm 15 weeks pregnant and upset. At this point I dont want him here and want to tell her as much. It all feels so dodgy. Her life is her business as long as it is away from here.

So I have lodgers, and it’s been years of refining who is and isn’t going to work for me. Moving forward you begin to understand your boundaries of what is and isn’t acceptable.

firstly you mention a couple times “tenancy agreement”. They are NOT tenants and a contract should be a lodger agreement. Secondly, it’s up to you, but I only take girls and I never allow boyfriends to sleep over. You dont know who these people hang out with what their intentions are. You also have kids/or about to have a kid. Hell no.

lastly, I draw up a short list of rules they need to follow. Please note - these are BOUNDARIES! Items which you’re essentially communicating, if these are broken, you’re upsetting the dynamics and will eventually get you kicked out, so just simple things like clear up after yourself, no overnight visitors unless family, max 2 nights, locks doors and windows, and never and anything that could be harmful to a child or adult in the house.

we have made exceptions. Over last few years I’ve had some lovely girls, one from Italy and her boyfriend visited for one night. But she’s been with us for over a year and she’s calm, and lovely

but be default - strict till proven trustworthy

Inmyuggs · 14/06/2026 04:10

So the new bf keeps his distance but comes in to critises your ways or style of living..but you do not know his
So why care.
Why tell her if you will be away?
I wouldnt listen into others conversations.
Living with others creates all sorts of unknown tolerances..Once she is gone so will the anti social guy and her scatty comments.
Make sure they dont take anything they shouldnt when she does move so be home.
No way am I up to lodgers after my flatting days..hence I would rather earn less !

Anonyhouse · 14/06/2026 04:13

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 03:07

Before we left on our weekend away, id made a concoction of rice and eggshells I saw on YouTube to revive my orchid. I forgot to put it in the fridge so when they walked in and saw it decided to make a joke of it

Edited

I think this clarifies even further that yabu. I mean the comment was gross but it wasn’t out of nowhere, you literally had something that looked like it in a glass. Your lodger has done nothing wrong. I wouldn’t want strange men in my house but that’s why I 1) wouldn’t have a lodger and 2) would not allow visitors if I did. You encouraged both, so you have no right now to be annoyed at your otherwise brilliant lodger.

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 04:17

Nopeasinapasty · 14/06/2026 04:09

Did you warn her in advance that you planned for someone non-resident to use the parking space?

Why would I, she doesnt drive and I wasnt expecting visitors. The tenancy agreement stipulates the tenant can park off road if they need to.

OP posts:
NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 04:20

Gambino1726 · 14/06/2026 04:09

So I have lodgers, and it’s been years of refining who is and isn’t going to work for me. Moving forward you begin to understand your boundaries of what is and isn’t acceptable.

firstly you mention a couple times “tenancy agreement”. They are NOT tenants and a contract should be a lodger agreement. Secondly, it’s up to you, but I only take girls and I never allow boyfriends to sleep over. You dont know who these people hang out with what their intentions are. You also have kids/or about to have a kid. Hell no.

lastly, I draw up a short list of rules they need to follow. Please note - these are BOUNDARIES! Items which you’re essentially communicating, if these are broken, you’re upsetting the dynamics and will eventually get you kicked out, so just simple things like clear up after yourself, no overnight visitors unless family, max 2 nights, locks doors and windows, and never and anything that could be harmful to a child or adult in the house.

we have made exceptions. Over last few years I’ve had some lovely girls, one from Italy and her boyfriend visited for one night. But she’s been with us for over a year and she’s calm, and lovely

but be default - strict till proven trustworthy

Thank you, this was a 6 month one off that got extended for another 6 months only because we like her. Never meant to be an ongoing thing. The list of rules is a great idea and one to consider going forward

OP posts:
NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 04:22

Inmyuggs · 14/06/2026 04:10

So the new bf keeps his distance but comes in to critises your ways or style of living..but you do not know his
So why care.
Why tell her if you will be away?
I wouldnt listen into others conversations.
Living with others creates all sorts of unknown tolerances..Once she is gone so will the anti social guy and her scatty comments.
Make sure they dont take anything they shouldnt when she does move so be home.
No way am I up to lodgers after my flatting days..hence I would rather earn less !

Edited

Good shout about being around when she leaves.

OP posts:
NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 04:25

JustAnotherWhinger · 14/06/2026 03:34

You’re basically trying to defend your rudeness for eavesdropping and your husbands rudeness at demanding to meet the guy and it’s indefensible.

She’s your lodger, not your daughter or someone you’re in charge of.

She brought a guy round for a shag while you were out. She broke none of the rules you have in place. Only you were disrespectful in listening in

Your DH’s pushy rudeness, asking her questions then taking himself out to meet someone she didn’t wish you to meet, is off the scale. And is quite probably why she’s leaving.

you’ve behaved like over the top parents to another adult with absolutely no reason. And you still think she’s the one in the wrong.

Yes im glad shes going. Things arent working for me any more, simple

OP posts:
JustAnotherWhinger · 14/06/2026 04:27

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 04:20

Thank you, this was a 6 month one off that got extended for another 6 months only because we like her. Never meant to be an ongoing thing. The list of rules is a great idea and one to consider going forward

Going forward? So you are planning more lodgers then…

at least learn the basics between a tenancy agreement (which you keep stating you have when you don’t) and a lodger agreement. They’re legally very different things

JustAnotherWhinger · 14/06/2026 04:28

NewAgeDawning · 14/06/2026 04:25

Yes im glad shes going. Things arent working for me any more, simple

Sounds like she’s glad too. Your DH behaving like an overbearing father forcing and introduction sounds like the final straw for her.