Lodger refusing to do share of cleaning

RAS

TheFox30 wrote: »

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

So for the future makes sure you do not give your lodger rights additional to those to which they are entitled legally. There is no need to give 6 month contracts and no need for one month's notice.

Guest101

Mallotum_X wrote: »

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.

Lodger have little statutory rights, but have contractual rights.

The OP has given the lodger a 30 day notice in contract, if she kicks them out early, the lodger could sue for losses.

Now she could too, but what are her losses currently?

pinkshoes

varghesejim wrote: »

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.

I disagree.

Cleaning up after yourself is a basic requirement.

The lodger has the agreed to do his fair share of communal cleaning e.g. bathroom, kitchen, mopping, vacuuming etc..

I guess the OP could possibly deduct the cost of a professional cleaner to cover the lodger's rota of cleaning, but that would be pushing it...

Or the lodger could perhaps stop using the bathroom, kitchen etc... if they are not willing to help clean?

westv

I lodge during the week and when I was looking for somewhere I didn't bother viewing places where I was expected to do any sort of cleaning rota.

eastofeden

Westv, that is of course your right to choose. Think the OP made it clear though that the terms of lodging included helping out on a rota basis in communal areas. That was the deal and the deal was breached. Different matter entirely if you choose not to do it!

suicidebob

I don't think anyone cares if the lodger has followed a silly rota....

The OP wants to know if he or she can steal the lodger's deposit.

So, OP, is there any mention of you withiloding your lodger's deposit if he does not sweep the stairs?

Pixie5740

So you a lodger agreement that gives the lodger a 6 month fixed term and you want him to leave after a couple of months? I know lodgers have few rights but does this lodger agreement not give the lodger more than just statutory rights?

Deposits are for covering the costs of any damage a lodger causes or unpaid rent, not so you can punish them for not doing the washing up.

jjlandlord

Pixie5740 wrote: »

Deposits are for covering the costs of any damage a lodger causes or unpaid rent, not so you can punish them for not doing the washing up.

Deposits are a security against all losses resulting from any breach of the agreement.

Here the argument would be that the lodger breached the agreement resulting in OP having to do the chores himself.
So there is a loss though it's hard to quantify it, and it's probably minimal.

I was suggesting not more than £20 mostly because with a small sum the lodger might complain a bit but not pursue the matter further.

katejo

TheFox30 wrote: »

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

Why do you have a contract with a lodger? Contracts are usually for tenants. You could have a lodger agreement but it isn't usual to hold them to 6 months. With my lodgers i just have a 1 month arrangement. I can't guarantee 6 months. If I were to become seriously ill and need an extended stay in hospital, I would have to give the lodgers 1 month's notice.

I don't think you should keep more than a token amount of the deposit if any. Just let him go and write it off as experience. I had to get rid of a lodger earlier this year. He didn't believe in ever wearing a pullover indoors. He wanted to wear a summer t shirt and shorts and put the thermostat up to 24. I didn't keep any of his deposit.

TheFox30

Thanks for responses. General consensus is I've no rights to keep the deposit, so fair enough. I'll just be glad to be rid of him and write it off as experience.

It's fair enough for people to say 'I wouldn't lodge in a house where I had to do cleaning' - that's their choice. The issue here is that when I've showed this fella round, I've shown him the cleaning rota (which is stuck on the wall in the kitchen) and clearly said to him 'we have a cleaning rota and everyone takes their turn to do the cleaning, which will include you if you move in' and he's said 'yes no problem'. If he had an issue with it, he should have said at the time.