Missing lodger

LilElvis

cyantist wrote: »

He is at his nan's apparently.

The last time I saw him he mentioned he had an abscess on his tooth and was trying to get a dentist appointment as it was agony. His mom mentioned that he had an abscess that burst and he was quite ill so it does fit. She was obviously very annoyed with him and I don't think that would be the case of he was banged up.

Her calls aren't getting through either. She said he was supposed to call her, but she wasn't convinced he was going to. She said she would ask him to contact us ASAP when she did speak to him.

It is all replaceable stuff as far as I can tell. But replacing all that stuff would still be quite expensive. However there is nothing to stop him coming back when we're out as taking all his stuff back.

Change the lock on your front door if you think he might do this. You don't want a set of your house keys ending up in the wrong hands, and even if he returns them that doesn't mean that he hasn't had another set cut.

I had lodgers for many years and most of them were lovely, but one turned out to be a nightmare. It culminated in him receiving an 18 month prison sentence and financial losses to me running into 4 figures.

FBaby

So why can't the mum communicate with the grand ma and grand ma with you? You seem to be very trusting which is a lovely quality but be careful to protect yourself. Many deceitful people are very charming.

Guest101

lee111s wrote: »

If you've not heard from him by Monday, change the locks and advise his Mum that he no longer has a room at your place and should he wish to collect his stuff then you will keep it for a number of weeks (you decide) after which it will be given to charity.


I'd also be keeping his deposit as he has unpaid rent.

NOT this! - Clearly you a re not a landlord!


Firstly you make an effort to contact him. - You've done this.


Then you serve notice on him (whatever your contract says) - yes in the empty room, preferably witnessed.


Once notice is expired you change the locks.


Even then you must keep his stuff. You can store it and eventually sell it to cover costs, BUT you must first give him a chance to collect it (that's beyond the notice period)


- Re his deposit. Keep the outstanding rent, return the rest.

Guest101

LilElvis wrote: »

Change the lock on your front door if you think he might do this. You don't want a set of your house keys ending up in the wrong hands, and even if he returns them that doesn't mean that he hasn't had another set cut.

I had lodgers for many years and most of them were lovely, but one turned out to be a nightmare. It culminated in him receiving an 18 month prison sentence and financial losses to me running into 4 figures.

The OP cannot in anyway prevent the lodger from taking HIS belongings.


Changing the lock would be foolish. The lodger then sues the OP for the value of his property. Even if the OP then says oh it's right here, there's still court fees to pay!


It's a shame you had a bad experience, but that doesn't mean the OP can keep the guys things.

LilElvis

Guest - I didn't suggest that she should keep his things, just that she exercise prudence for the sake of her belongings and her family's safety.

Even though my lodger was taken from my house in handcuffs I still let his friend collect his things, though I did use his toothbrush to clean the toilet first

Guest101

LilElvis wrote: »

Guest - I didn't suggest that she should keep his things, just that she exercise prudence for the sake of her belongings and her family's safety.

Even though my lodger was taken from my house in handcuffs I still let his friend collect his things, though I did use his toothbrush to clean the toilet first

Just to clarify (it's a long thread and I might've missed it) have there been any threats? Any reason to suggest the lodger might use violence?


(good revenge!)

cyantist

I was going to give him a little longer, until the deposit money has been used in covering the rent (I do know that this is risky as if there is any damage or anything there's no deposit money left to cover that).

As I only just managed to get in contact with someone who will be able to speak to him, it's only fair I give him him a little longer to get in touch as he genuinely might not have realised we'd be so worried.

I will change the locks after all this, but obviously won't keep his belongings. Though if I keep his blender and toastie maker it might make up somewhat for the fact he still has my iPad (first generation so not worth very much)!

Thanks for all your advice

fairy_lights

LilElvis wrote: »

Guest - I didn't suggest that she should keep his things, just that she exercise prudence for the sake of her belongings and her family's safety.

But there's nothing in the OP's posts that suggests her lodger is in any way a threat to her safety, or that he will steal or damage her belonging. He just sounds slightly !!!!less.

PasturesNew

cyantist wrote: »

.... obviously won't keep his belongings. Though if I keep his blender and toastie maker it might make up somewhat for the fact he still has my iPad (first generation so not worth very much)!

It doesn't work like that. He has a right to his stuff; you have a responsibility to keep it/safe; you have the right to sue him for any financial losses.

Get any one part wrong and it all goes teets up.

cyantist

Guest101 wrote: »

Just to clarify (it's a long thread and I might've missed it) have there been any threats? Any reason to suggest the lodger might use violence?


(good revenge!)

God no. When he was around he was actually a lovely guy, if a bit unreliable, and there is no reason to think he'd use violence.