Removing an ex from the house.

Old_Badger

I need some advice here, more specifically my sister needs advice.

She has been living with someone for 5 years in a house which is in my Sisters name only. (The other persons name isn't on any bills, or tenancy)

In the past few years things have become unbearable between them, and they barely talk.

My sister needs the sponge to leave.

The person she lives with contributes nothing to the house financially, pays no bills, does no housework, and generally sponges from my sister, which is making her life hell. She even has to pay for food for both of them, and has to fund the sponges 60 a day cigarette bill, while the sponge refuses to look for work, refuses to even sign on.

They also refuse to leave and my sister has become scared for her own safety if she tries to kick them out.

Help.

silvercar

Has your sister even mentioned to the sponge that it is time to go?

Legally, the sponge merely has the status of lodger, so would require minimum notice. Sister could change the locks while sponge is out sponging.

Old_Badger

She has mentioned it a few times, but I think she is scared to enforce it.

I've suggested the lock change, would her landlord be able to help?

Pixie5740

Your sister should read this Shelter guide for relationship breakdowns.

Relationship Breakdowns

Essentially if sponge is not on the tenancy agreement he was few if no rights to remain in the property. Your sister can change the locks to prevent sponge from entering the property. Changing the barrel of a lock is straightforward and there are plenty of YouTube videos showing you how to do it. It took me 5 minutes to change out a 5 lever mortice lock the other week.

How does sponge get money from your sister? Does she give sponge the money or does he have access to her bank accounts. If he can access her accounts she needs to get her PIN and passwords changed asap. (I used to have a sponge myself who would look over my shoulder when I went to the ATM and then take my bank card without my permission to try and get money out. Little did sponge know that I was on to his game and changed my PIN during my breaks at work. I lost count of the number cards that were swallowed because he stole them and punched in the wrong PIN.)

Old_Badger

Sponge gets money by being aggressive and intimidating towards her, so that she will give the sponge money toward cigs and soft drinks.

Sponge does work around 15 hours a week and pockets that entire wage, while expecting my sister to pay for everything. It's not like my sister is on a huge salary either.

westernpromise

Sounds like sponge is female.

Ask landlord's permission to change locks. Sorted.

Guest101

Unless they're married, in which case marital rights apply

marksoton

Well clearly sponge Bob square pants needs to Foxtrot Oscar.

Your sister needs to woman up.

Pixie5740

Time for your sister to put her big girl pants on and change the locks then. If sponge turns up and causes a scene then your sister can phone the police.

Edit: If sponge is abusive towards your sister and she needs support then your sister can contact Women's Aid for support and advice.

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

Sacredcat

I would consider moving house/flat to a smaller place and not invite sponge to accompany. To a cheaper place maybe, big enough for household minus sponge.

itchyfeet123

westernpromise wrote: »

Sounds like sponge is female.

Relevance?