Real-life MMD: Should I go without for the sake of my live-in tenant?

scotsbob

Why not suggest that she does you the occasional favour while she can't afford the rent.

pennypinchUK

Too many questions outstanding to give a proper answer...What's the nature of the tenancy (is there any non-contractual "scratching of backs" of any type)? Has your tenant helped you out in any similar way in the past? What was the reason for her moving in initially? How long have you known her? How close are you? How likely is it that she'll get another job quickly?

If you're good friends you'll want to help her out. If you're passing acquaintances it all depends on whether you trust her to pay you back.

happyinflorida

As usual MSE haven't given enough information to be able to give a correct answer.

Stop these time wasting questions MSE

chog24

Others have said it all already, really: without a clearer idea of exactly the situation it's not really feasible to give a useful answer.

I do agree with those who've said you should try to get it on an official footing as soon as possible, though. Doing things unofficially leaves both of you open to difficulties.

Pee

I have had lodgers who have been out of work and they simply claimed housing benefit for that period. It took a while to come through and I was patient during that time but then it was paid and I was paid. I can't see someone living in my house go hungry, so there was always food for them, even if it was eggs and bread and breakfast cereal.

My lodgers were almost all very young males. I did have a young female lodger who didn't sort out her housing benefit and did a moonlight flit to avoid the rent arrears, but that was a one off.

I also had the council pay dsome housing benefit directly to me and then try to claim it back as there had been an overpayment in the circumstances, they thought. I managed to get them to go away, but the sum involved was less than £100 (and I am not at all sure that there had been an overpayment).

As I recall i wrote to the council confirming the weekly rent and they did come around a couple of times to check the accomodation in respect of the price. Both times it was fine, although housing benefit will not include the heating and electric element of the rent. Technically that could be made up by the lodger from their income support/ JSA.

Your arrangement seems very unofficial. If you and your lodger were involved in a relationship then my advice may be different.

tallgirld

You could end up with her paying a lower rent for years!! I would give her notice to leave. Why should you struggle?

I suppose you could still end up struggling if you can not find a replacement straight away but I think it is worth the risk. As for being reimbursed don't believe a word of it!

davholla

I would say yes if she is a good lodger. We used to rent out rooms and will do so again to a previous lodger.
In my experience the percentage of problem lodgers is really high, it is well worth trying to keep a good one.
However try to have some conditions (she must apply for x jobs a week).
Although she should be able to get housing benefit and pay that way.
PS get a contract sorted out, it makes life easier.

Wyndham

I think you should put a time limit on it of a few weeks - give her time to sort herself out, but also be realistic about your own situation.

Mojisola

MSE_Debs wrote: »

My unofficial live-in tenant (no contract) has lost her job, so can't afford her rent just now. She’s asked me to lower it until she gets work again, at which point she'll reimburse me. Problem is, I rely on that income. Should I struggle myself, or tell her she has to move out if she can't afford to pay?

Why can't she claim Housing Benefit?

Augustus_the_Strong

It depends how good friends you are. Make a point of having a shared austerity programme - cheap meals in etc. If she doesn't comply, then suggest she leaves.