Lodger went home ill - should i still take rent?

tessy_t

I have recently taken a lodger in, no problems at all, very rspectful, pay's his rent on time etc. He only stays Monday to Friday and is on a short term contract and this week he text me on Tuesday to say he might not be back this week as he had to go home, I'm assuming he had family issues. My problem is, because he only stayed here one night this week should I still ask for rent next week? he pay's in advance so I have already had payment. I'm thinking that he is getting a really good deal from me anyway as he would have been paying a hotel twice as much and if he had this problem in a hotel he wouldn't get a refund?? just wondering what others opinions might be?

esmf73

Yes because he is paying for his space. You'll still have his belongings in his room and you'll have paid for heating etc. If you feel bad about taking the money then you could do a reduction, but I'd be careful as this might happen again and he might expect a reduction.

Your mortgage won't reduce because he's not there - so you'll still have to pay the same amount.

Apricot

Yes still take the money as you are not able to rent the room out to anyone else as you don't know how long he will be away for.
It's a nice gesture to let him off but i'm sure he expects to pay and it's not worth leaving yourself out of pocket!

Threebabes

Yes take money. :-)

Errata

Presumably his employer will be paying him for this week? No reason why the rent money should be in his pocket and not yours, he will have budgetted for it.

katrina_suzanne

Hi Tessy,

I agree with the other replies here.
You if he wants to pay by the day, he would have to book the days in advance and move his stuff out so you have a chance to rent the room for the other days.
If he gets used to you keeping the room for him without charge, he might not come back for 3 months... then you're stuck.
I would be firm but fair, and charge as normal.
Think of it like a gym membership.
Hope it goes well,

Kat

poppyolivia

yeah he is holding up someone elses space......you wouldn't get off with that with child minders or nurseries etc...

tessy_t

Thanks for all the replies, I'm new to renting so just wanted to hear what other people thought. I won't feel too bad next week when he pay's his rent now!

hardpressed

Have you got a written agreement with him, if not it might be an idea to sort one out. What happens when he is on holiday, or over Christmas?