Struggling to find a lodger

np420

Hi all,

Would appreciate a bit of guidance with regard to finding a lodger.

We've had lodgers for about 5 years now and have never had a problem finding someone. However this time I seem to be hitting a brick wall and I don't know why.

I use Christianflatshare, Spareroom, Easyroommate, & gumtree.

We only take females in, and as most will know, women are more likely to rent a small apartment for themselves whereas men prefer a set up like we have - which consists of an all-inclusive price including 3 meals a day + drinks. It's a bargain compared to other lodger deals.

I don't feel I'm doing anything wrong. I'm doing everything that has always worked, but I guess I am wondering now if there is something new happening that I've ended up being out of the loop of due to 18 months with a contented lodger.

Advice appreciated.

NP420

silvercar

Maybe females see your offer and think they will be paying for meals they don't want. Could you also offer a food free price?

lee111s

It could just be that no one wants to move around Christmas/New Year. January is a tough month for a lot of people as employers often pay people early on in December and therefore people have to make theor money last longer.

BitterAndTwisted

Why on earth would you be offering three meals a day? If I wanted that kind of catering I'd be living with my Mam.

Perhaps the meal-thing makes it sound like you'll be full-on in their hair 24/7, or perhaps it makes people think you're running a B&B and not looking for a lodger

PasturesNew

3 meals a day and drinks sounds bizarre to me. I'd not even enquire

What sort of lodgers have you had in the past? What sort of people lodge like that?

TeamLowe

Could you offer two prices - one with 3 meals a day and one with say just an evening meal?

I wouldn't want to pay out for 3 meals a day as I'd be having lunch at work, possibly breakfast too so would want to make my own arrangements plus I'd be tied to what you wanted to make me for my meals and what if i don't like you're cooking? lol

LE3

I think your meals inclusive may be the issue - if I were looking for lodgings, I wouldn't be interested in that as I have food allergies & am very wary of eating from other people's kitchens until I know them due to cross contamination etc. I also eat at odd times due to shifts/other commitments - is your arrangement "dinner at 6pm" or "we'll provide food in the fridge for you to help yourself whenever you want it"

So unless you are chefs/professional caterers I would suggest you rethink the meals included bit ... do you do this so the lodger doesn't use your kitchen?

What facilities do you offer & where are you based?

If you are based in London, I think your arrangement would work well, it could appeal to a graduate or apprentice moving out of home for the first time, or somebody who wants the "security" of that sort of environment, but for the average lodger I think you are very restrictive ....

getmore4less

When I was looking for a short(6weeks) term in a big city there was nothing,

Most people wanted longer term or students(no council tax)
The only places that would consider shorter term were those further out and struggling to get people.

so short term might be an option if not already considered, someone working away might want meals a Mon-Fri.

how much? Is it competative against regular room rates.

Christainflatshare - never heard(used) that, but will put some people off if they realise from your adds on the other places.

all meals sound a bit like you are trying to get someone in to have around all the time, many people want independence.

I also have gut feeling that "female only" puts people off unless it is already a female only household


is it shared bathroom, access to kitchen at other time.

what is the local rental market like
eg. students most look in the late summer

business workers won't be getting job offers till mid Jan, most of the Jan starters will have found something by now)

home leavers, most are after the school exams when they start work.

If the right location you might find very short term B&B style might work

I eventually found a place on airbnb more than a house share but cheaper than a guest house/B&B

tBagpuss_2

I agree with PPs that the 3-meals-day sounds odd.
I'd be inclined to advertise it as just looking for a lodger and then when people enquire you can offer the option of meals.

When I had a lodger, the arrangement was that she had fridge-and-cupboard space and did her own thing for meals - we sometimes cooked and ate together but it wasn't standard.

I'd find a 3-meals-a-day offer off putting as I would prefer to have the freedom to cook and eat a times when I want to, rather than having to fit round someone else's schedule.

You might find your set up would be more appealing to short term lodgers - perhaps overseas students on shorter courses, or people on business trips.

I also agree that this time of year is probably not a good time to be looking.

getmore4less

LE3 wrote: »

If you are based in London, I think your arrangement would work well, it could appeal to a graduate or apprentice moving out of home for the first time, or somebody who wants the "security" of that sort of environment, but for the average lodger I think you are very restrictive ....

this might be a good target market

This is what Rolls Royce did for their apprentice scheme(35years ago not sure now)

They had a set of properties that people could use that were "just like home" great for people leaving home for the first time relocating to a new area. often sharing with a family and another apprentice.

problem is this was a late summer start after the exam results were out and the jobs offered.


........
How big is the household, is there just one lodger room?

jayss

Because you provide meals is the kitchen out of bounds?
I'd be put off by the meals, I often go out short notice and wouldn't like to be on your schedule.
Have you advertised with language schools? Yours sounds a similar arrangement to what a host family provides.