Lodger refusing to do share of cleaning

TheFox30

Hi, quick question:

I own my house, which I live in. I have 2 lodgers, one whose been with me for about 6 months, the other for 1 month.

Me and the first lodger have a cleaning rota (for hoovering / mopping all communal areas plus cleaning surfaces in kitchen and bathroom). This is a weekly rota that we both keep to.

The 2nd lodger had this explained to him when I first showed him round. It is also in his contract that he will 'share responsibility with the landlord and other tenant for keeping communal areas clean and tidy'.

However, when it's come to his turn on the rota, he's refused to do it, saying that he always cleans up after himself and goes home at weekends anyway. As a result of his refusal, I've given him his month's notice to leave, which he has accepted.

My question is: am I also entitled to keep his deposit when he leaves? (given that he's breached his contract)

jjlandlord

Keep £20 if you must but that's reasonably it, IMHO.

fairy_lights

I doubt it, the deposit is there to cover any damages caused by your lodger and unless his slovenliness has caused any physical, lasting damage I don't see what grounds you would have to keep it.

Bart1

Legally? I have no idea.

Morally? No way

RAS

Why two months; he is not a tenant? Was this written into the lodger agreement?

If not then "reasonable notice" is all that is required. A week would probably be reasonable.

Ms_Chocaholic

OP has not given two months notice, only one month, however I do agree with you regarding a week. The sooner you are shot of him the better.

Cheeky_Monkey

What does your lodger agreement say about returning the deposit?

TheFox30

I'd like to have him out in a week. However, it's written in the contract that if I want him to leave before the end of the contract (which was 6 months), I have to give him a month's written notice

varghesejim

Who is in breach of contract is debatable. Your lodger can very well argue since he cleans up after himself he is not in breach of contract. If it is disputed you are at more risk of being painted as an exploiting landlord who is trying to get free cleaning service from a paying lodger.

mrxry

This sort of thing can be a sore subject, I remember my first bedsit when I left home I washed up as I went along, brushed up any dirt I dragged in, and even had to wash plates from other tenants before I could use them but they used to say I had to do my share on the rota which meant we all did cleaning once a month i.e 4 tenants 1 week each which I found unfair as I had to clean up after them, they were tidy though it was just the pots pans and plates that were a problem, I remember arguing that it was unfair as I had to wash dishes and pans to use them anyway and then washed them after I used them, the only times I didnt was when I had a busy day so used to cook dinner, eat it in room, sit for about 15 minutes then wash them so I still washed them.

I am not sure in your situation though, but it could just be they think they have done their fair share already.

Mallotum_X

Lodgers have little rights, and this person presumably agreed to the rota before they moved in. I wouldn't give them a month but less. However unless you need to repair something they have broken or need to clean something they have damaged then no deductions. Hand the money back and be glad you are rid of this person.