Urgent advice needed re: lodger

tykesi

sgun wrote: »

It really was a shame when the key snapped in the lock and you had to change it. Of course, you told him straight away that this had happened and offered to let him have a new key in order to collect his belongings if you weren't in. You told him this in writing, an email would do. Unfortunately you haven't been in a lot since for him to collect the key as you are working extra shifts.
You are sure that at some point you will be able to negotiate a mutually convenient time for him to either collect a key or collect his belongings, again you let him know this in writing.


Yes its childish but you can't keep his stuff and you won't see your money.

This would be my suggestion. Make it as difficult for him to get his stuff as he is for you to get your money. As above you probably won't get your money but a bit of pleasure at him getting more and more p***ed off wouldn't go amiss.

moneyistooshorttomention

Yep - I've had lodgers before - so know what some can be like.

So:
- I'd tell his mum (she just "might" have some ability to make him grow up)
- Change the locks immediately (and...yep...if there's a remotely credible "excuse" for doing so I'd break habit of lifetime and lie as to why)
- Ditto to habit-breaking and I'd "find it inconvenient" to ever be in for him to fetch his belongings until I had that missing rent.

nkkingston

I would assume that if If he still has a key, he still owes ongoing rent. Change the locks, explain that you did it to draw a line under his tenancy, and he can collect his items at a reasonable, mutually agreed time. If you get your rent money, you can afford to take time off work and do it sooner. If you reach a point where you have to give him back his belongings and he still fobs you off on the rent, make sure you hand them over with a letter before action.

Kynthia

He's moved out and not liable for rent so he's not entitled to a key. Change the barrel of your lock and be difficult about when to collect his stuff. Tell his money and write him a letter before action saying you'll take him to small claims court if he doesn't pay within 14 days. The police will treat holding the possessions due to a debt as a civil matter and not criminal.

Smodlet

Booksurr is, unfortunately, absolutely correct. You cannot legally prevent this... person from retrieving his stuff. If you would like more confirmation on top of the link provided, just watch Judges Judy and Rinder. It seems the law, in this respect, is the same over there as it is over here, at least in NY.

Having said which, I would be sorely tempted to follow the other suggestions about broken keys, having to change locks at a moment's notice, never finding a mutually convenient time, etc. You are not preventing him, it just you are having to work overtime to make up the shortfall his failure to pay his dues has caused, aren't you?

You cannot keep this up indefinitely but, if he is crazy enough to take you to court, I hope it is Mr. Rinder's. You would have to give his stuff back and he would have to pay you rent provided no harm has come to any of his possessions. I would urge you to follow the advice to take pictures in the event he tries to claim for any damage. If you can prove it was already there, he should not have a leg to stand on.

Best of luck and please let us know how you get on.

onlyroz

Write off the money and get in a new lodger ASAP if you're struggling for money.

Crashy_Time

Yes, get a new one, give the guy his stuff back, make all new lodgers pay by direct debit. Alternatively get a house that you can afford without bringing people into the spare room.

booksurr

Crashy_Time wrote: »

Yes, get a new one, give the guy his stuff back, make all new lodgers pay by direct debit. Alternatively get a house that you can afford without bringing people into the spare room.

please learn the difference between direct debit and standing order so that your advice is at least practical

dc197

Be prepared for someone as dodgy as this fellow to break in to retrieve his goods.

djdust

dc197 wrote: »

Be prepared for someone as dodgy as this fellow to break in to retrieve his goods.

Wonderfully reassuring :eek: