I've got a lodger!!!

temba

I know this is an ancient post, but I found it and thought I'd drag it back out just to let people know my progress....

I got a lodger in May 07, turned out to be someone I knew a bit and I lived with her for 18months. It had its moments, but overall was brilliant. We became good friends, I made 6K whilst she was living with me, which went on lots of things: mortgage overpayments, tax bill, paying for me to do a month's occupational course in Canada, and also it meant I had someone house sitting whilst I was doing the course in Canada.

Now the lodger has moved out and I've got 2 months on my own before a friend of a friend (I know her a bit)moves in.

I really think financially it makes SOOOO much sense, especially at the moment, but there are draw backs. I had to be really patient at times. When you own the house it feels quite different if someone leaves their washing up around/doesn't empty the bin/is messy etc etc. It is weird living in a box room but to be honest I really don't mind it that much. i paid to get my loft boarded and proper pull down steps put in and that has made a real difference for storage. I'm glad I was living with someone I already knew and could trust, and don't think I'd do otherwise.

Well, good luck to anyone thinking about doing it. The money you can make is really worth the sacrifice.

T

Nix143

Really timely post for me as I have decided fastest way out of mess I am in at the moment is to get a lodger. So it's good to hear a success story :T

urg123

HI Temba,

It was really interesting to hear your story. I too have a lodger. I've not been lucky enough to have friends but it has been an excellent way to make money for me. I've used the money to help me pay off my debts.

My experiences have been variable, all of the people have been very nice but I have had to learn to be patient and not a control freak! There are times when I could happily strangle my current lodger but 95% of the time he is fine. I think of the extra money and know that I wouldn't be able to tackle my debts in the way that I have without them.

Good luck with your next lodger.

URG x x

temba

The one other thing I would recommend....if possible, is to try and get a time limit on the lodger, rather than an openended contract. To be honest any niggles I had with my lodger were drastically increased after about a year and I now know that this is about my limit! After about a year of putting up with little things which niggle you they start to become bigger issues. Noone is perfect so there will always be something which will drive you mad, but at least if you know there is an end in sight you can tolerate most things!

shell_girl

This thread has struck a chord with me- especially about the little niggles becoming big niggles after a while! My lodger has just said he's moving out in January which is a bit of a relief to be honest- he's been here two years now and while the money has been fabulously handy I think the arrangement has gone on a bit too long. No major problems, just a bit of thoughtlessness on his part and control freakness on mine! I'm already looking at how I can cut outgoings etc so I won't miss the rent too much, and have decided that if we ever have another lodger it will definitely be on a fixed term- and definitely no longer than a year!

I_Want_To_Be_Free_2

Hiya! I'm new to all this - but am taking in a Lodger for the first time.... I have a question for all lodger takers: Did you declare him on the home insurance?? I am having a few issues with my renewal at the moment and really would like some advice!!!!