Finding new lodgers

beckysbobbles1

Hi all,

I just wondered whether anyone has any advice on how to find suitable lodgers?

I've had two different lodgers before and they've both been friends so it's been 'easy' living with them.

I'll be moving into a new hour bedroom house soon and my current lodgers (a couple) have decided they want to move into London instead (I'm Hornchurch so close enough to commute but a lot cheaper than London).

I financially don't need lodgers but I do like the idea of having someone else living with me. I have a dog so it's key that they are also animal persons.

I have it lucky at the moment as if I work late, I can ask my house mates to feed the pooch so ideally I'd like someone who wouldn't mind occassionally doing this is they are home before me.

Firstly do you think that's a cheeky thing to ask? I wouldn't ask all thet ime but just occassionally may be the case.

I'm not looking to charge high rent and would include all bills in the rent but an issue I've had with the house mates is things like leaving the lights on etc.

How do you set certain rules out? Any advice will be appreciated!

deedee71

I always find mine through https://www.spareroom.co.uk

I think it's best to have a set of house rules - even just things like how to work the heating, or when the bins need to go out. You can also set out deposit/notice/payment schedule.

My bills are also all included and I'm always going round turning lights off. I had two bodybuilding fanatics and my electric went through the roof because they cooked constantly, but there's not much you can do.

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask them to feed the dog occasionally, there's always come and go when you're in a shared house.

penguingirl

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask someone to feed the dog, but don't rely on them to do it and be upfront about it at the beginning. How often is it?

I knew someone who lodged in a house with a dog with an owner who would often text asking her to feed the dog and my friend also noticed that the dog was hardly ever walked so she often did that too. The owner seemed to rely on her to do these things, and it made my friend feel guilty when she stayed at her boyfriends as she knew the dog wasn't being fed.

Have you ever looked at the automatic pet feeders? We have one for our cat and it's great for if we're away overnight. I know other people who've used them with dogs if they are shift-workers.

booksurr

sources:
spareroom.co.uk
uk.easyroommate.com
torent.co.uk

& many other sources!

advertising for an animal lover will be crucial to how engaged they are with feeding the dog, but as above do not expect to rely on it

always remember that you are moving from having friends to having a stranger who is paying money for a service and therefore the dynamic between the 2 of you will be very different. As you say house rules are vital but so is how you enforce them! Eg, obsessive reminders to turn out lights would, I suggest, become a bone of contention for the majority of people.

you are taking a lodger not living in a house share. It is a vital distinction as they are not (yet?) your mate

beckysbobbles1

Thanks so much for the replies guys!

I would never rely on someone to feed my pooch. It would only be occassionally and I'd always try and ask in advance. I'm lucky my parents can also come feed him but if someone is at home, that would be easier than getting them to come round.

I would definately say in the advert that they need to be an animal lover so fingers crossed that will be clear.

Looks like the new lodgers are on hold a little as I have an issue with the chain at the moment so things may be delayed.

This whole process is so stressful!

inatdeepend

Looks like you've seen already but yes be very specific about the dog - and remember it'll sometimes actually work in your favour! I lodged a few times and having a cat or dog in the place was a massive positive given I couldn't have any of my own...

In fact I miss not having any animals at the moment now!

But spareroom is by far the best site. Easyroommate seems to attract a few strange people, and forget using gumtree unless you want some very very very odd people replying... :rotfl:

Make sure you take up references (previous residence AND a work one) and set everything down, get a "lodger agreement" off the internet to help you and take a deposit.

jonathanrolande

I think there is nothing unreasonable there. Sounds like a nice arrangement. Maybe look for a mature student.

lee111s

Another one for spareroom here, I've found all my previous lodgers on there.

ultrarunner

Definitely Spareroom.

gazter

Spareroom and easyroom. Both good..