Finding a lodger

[whatdoesthismeaneh]

Hi, Does anyone have any good tips on finding a lodger? I have advertised on Spareroom and Facebook but the responses haven't been great. I am not being fussy, but someone rocking up at midday who has already had a couple of drinks to "steady their nerve" isn't ticking the boxes.

The rooms aren't expensive for where we are, are freshly decorated in a neutral style, the house is in good condition, spacious etc etc, close to shops, bus station and train station. I am not sure where we are going wrong really.

Are there better websites to advertise on?

If you post the Spare room link we can suggest things. To be honest, I think it's a strange time right now. People don't move a lot just before Christmas and less people have to work away from home. Are you in a student town? Any hospitals near you?

It is not ideal with covid What happens if their job goes?
Lockdown cooped up with a stranger may be quite stressful

Are you being really specific in your advert about who you want/any rules etc. I think it actually helps to be really specific- you'll attract the 'right' people. The last time I advertised for a lodger I struggled. A lot of people where I am are looking to make some spare money so the market was saturated with rooms. Also echo a pp. My lodger left just before lockdown and I am SO PLEASED. It would have been AWFUL with him here.

(so what I mean is maybe you should be fussier. I've rented rooms in the past and was a good lodger and wanted someone who gave a shit about who they were going to live with)

Spare room has always been good for me.
The going rate for rooms in my area is about £450-500pcm I put mine up for £350 as it is a little small but i had LOADS of interest which meant I could be super fussy and the lady I’ve got renting it now is lovely... I hope she never leaves!

Spareroom has always worked for me.
But it's a weird time and we are in lockdown so only people who absolutely have to move will be and they may be more likely to have...complications.

If you live near a large employer like a hospital, university etc with people coming and going a lot, you could see if they have an accomodation office and advertise there. Unis usually do have something like that.

Would agree you should clearly state rules and expectations in your advert - visitors, use of other rooms, noise like music/TV/gaming, cleaning of communal areas, hanging up of laundry etc.