UK Contract - Unpaid Lodger - Family Member Moving In

saajan_12

I would definitely present a document with 'house rules' and read them with him not only as grounds to evict in the event something goes wrong, but also to ensure all parties are on the same page regarding what is 'acceptable'. It saves the argument later when he says you're being unreasonable for 'just a shove' or a 'bit of drinking'.

As several posters have advised, I wouldn't formalise this into an agreement as you you may give him the impression of having rights which again only fuels an argument later when you want him to leave and have to start justifying through the 'eviction criteria'.

teddysmum

As you already have a daughter, my answer would be a 'no' . Your wife has to think of the possible effect on this child, who could be mentally or physically harmed, if he goes on some kind of binge, and put the little girl's wellbeing before that of her father, who probably won't mend his ways. (Even if you manage to throw him out, with possible aggressive reaction, the damage to the child is done.)

Toooldforthisagain

I work with people with drug addiction etc and I'm sorry but I would not have my dad living under the same roof as my young family if he was in the same situation as your FIL
I know that sounds harsh and with only limited information, but I see every day what it does to families

Sorry

Mossfarr

Another thing to take into account is that he will be putting you all at risk with regards to his possession of cannabis in your home. No matter how many time you ask him not to bring it into your home - he will, they always do. How will you feel if he is arrested and the police knock on your door at all hours of the night and want to search your home? You are then in the position that you have to convince them any drugs they find are not yours.
I know this might seem dramatic but it does happen!
Personally, I wouldn't put my family in that position. Much better to find him alternative accommodation.

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

Surely you can't, and don't have to, "evict" a guest. They are there at all times by invitation and can at any point be told to leave your house immediately.

FBaby

Your FIL might be full of good intentions, so are most people who want to stop smoking, start exercising, give up their every night bottle etc... most of them don't manage to fulfill them.

In the case of your FIL, this has the potential of serious complications. If the issue is that your wife feels under pressure and guilt that her father would otherwise be homeless, how will she avoid this when you and her can't take any more of his behaviour and have to tell him to go. The guilt would be much worse.

I agree with the suggestion to pay for him to lodge elsewhere until you are more confident that he is capable of following house rules.

Sea_Shell

If your wife doesn't want him to be homeless now, will she be prepared to kick him out in the future if he breaks the rules. That could prove a harder decision, having already offered him a roof.

Guest101

Mossfarr wrote: »

Another thing to take into account is that he will be putting you all at risk with regards to his possession of cannabis in your home. No matter how many time you ask him not to bring it into your home - he will, they always do. How will you feel if he is arrested and the police knock on your door at all hours of the night and want to search your home? You are then in the position that you have to convince them any drugs they find are not yours.
I know this might seem dramatic but it does happen!
Personally, I wouldn't put my family in that position. Much better to find him alternative accommodation.

That's really unlikely the police will not be interested in small amounts of cannabis and certainly wont be looking to search their home. And moreover wont be looking to pin it on a good samaritan

Guest101

ScorpiondeRooftrouser wrote: »

Surely you can't, and don't have to, "evict" a guest. They are there at all times by invitation and can at any point be told to leave your house immediately.

Indeed, this is correct.

cr1mson

I am guessing he may have convictions which would possibly need to be declared to your insurance company. Obviously this would depend on whether they considered him resident but would be worth checking for any impact it may have.