Having a lodger

[Tangledupinblue1]

Hello, I have a two bedroom flat and am struggling a bit financially so am thinking of taking a lodger. I only have one bathroom, then an all in one kitchen diner. Has anyone else done this with a similar set up and any advice on how to make the arrangement a success because I need the money but worry it will be stressful. Thanks

Sorry, that meant to say kitchen, diner lounge as all one open plan room, so wouldn't be much space.

How big are your bedrooms if either of you wanted to spend time in there rather than the shared space? Perhaps you could look for lodgers wanting something short term, then you aren’t stuck with someone if it’s not going well. Short term can be in low supply, it works well for people who are new to an area, they can find their feet before moving on.

Thankfully the bedrooms themselves are quite big. Both easily fit a double bed. Yes I thought having the minimum stay as a month so it could be short term

Depending on where you live you could try for a Mon-Fri lodger. Life is a lot easier if they disappear off home every weekend .

I’d also agree with a m-f lodger and absolutely not one that WFH!

I think it can just be a bit of a shock that your home and ‘haven’ is their home too. It’s difficult if you struggle with belongings moving around /being used etc. that being said it definitely makes sense as a money earner and can be positive. I agree with the previous poster, you want someone that will be out for work, ideally that also has a social life. Make sure you ask about relationships and set any expectations about guests from the outset so it’s all pre-agreed.

I did this when I was in my 20’s was fine but you need to be able to have give and take. I used a bit of the rent to pay for a fortnightly cleaner to save having a rota. I had 2 in total, first left to move to Paris then called me 4 years later to see if I had a vacancy. Never had issues with overnight guests outstaying welcome etc but I had male flatmates, I found it easier. Work from home didn’t really exist then so that’s a consideration

Is there much demand for that? Would be ideal if they left at the weekend.

I also have no parking, but am central and near a train station.

Was thinking it was also need to be women only. Wouldn't want to live with a random man.

I have a lodger. Few issues. I do find male lodgers much much easier to get along with. Currently have a female lodger but she is v hard work, and I'd ask her to leave if I wasn't dependent on her money. But she is quiet and pays rent on time. Why not swap double bed in lodger's room for single, therefore more room in the room, thereby 'encouraging' lodger to be more room based rather than sharing a flat? We have major infrastructure being constructed nearby and good demand for M-F lets....much better for both lodger and landlord.

I’ve thought about this in the past and I wouldn’t want to share a living room full time but I’d happily give up the largest bedroom to the lodger and put a fridge, sofa and tv in there to encourage them to use that space instead. Clear ground rules. A lock on your bedroom door for safety. I’d do it.

I think with the push to get back in the office, lots of people are commuting doing three- four long days and heading back home for wfh Friday. Have a look on spareroom type websites and see what other local people are offering. Obviously you’ll need to charge less than a full time lodger but you’d get to keep your valuablepersonal space at the weekend.

if you live in a city with lots of offices, 3 or 4 day per week lodger is feasible. You’ll find someone with a real home too far to commute everyday who needs to be in the office 3 or 4 days per week

@TheoldwrinkleyI prefer male lodgers too. I just feel less pressure from them in some way. I don’t want someone who wants to hang out with me and possibly males are less likely to want that?

My SIL had lodgers for quite a while. She always did six month agreements and often took a break between lodgers. She was in London and usually had language students who weren't staying in town long. Another one was a night security man, so their paths hardly ever crossed - that worked well too. I agree that someone looking for a midweek set up is also a good option.

One time she did have to be a bit clearer about what was included in the rent because one lodger really took the mick with the heating but that was her only problem really.

I've had 3 x lodgers and love it. A very different set-up as I otherwise live with just my husband and two small dogs in a 4-bed house, so we have more room overall, but I'm not sure it'd be radically different in a smaller space with two of you.

All our lodgers spend most of their time in their room (it is a big room) except for cooking. Tbf I spend a lot of time in my bedroom/the spare bedrooms too though.

Our first lodger became more of a friend and would watch movies with us, play board games, share cooking sometimes and help out in our garden, and we still see her socially as she moved in with a new boyfriend locally. Whereas the second and third were/are just friendly without hanging out.

We made sure any potential lodgers came round for a visit before offering them the room - our current lodger did this via video call as she was relocating from hours away. Chatting to them gave a really good indication of how they would be as housemates. Our only ever problem was with our second lodger, the only man we've had. He was really grubby.

We did it as we are saving up to relocate and it seemed like a good way to make a little extra money in a relatively low effort way while also giving someone a lovely home in an affordable way which is actually quite nice.