New lodger first month's rent and rude behaviour issue

NinaSwiss

randd wrote: »

Hello again,

I was just wondering if I go for a 1 week notice period either way, then

• Is it compulsory to go for weekly rent cycle or is monthly also fine?
• Should I ask for 1 week deposit only or 4 weeks (month) amount as deposit?
• If I go for monthly cycle rent and 1 week notice combination, how will the notice work? E.g. If a lodger gives notice in middle of the month then will I have to refund remaining week's amount or lodger just gets the deposit back with no refund from the current month's rent?

I've rented weekly before so I've got no idea how this works. I also read somewhere that for weekly payments I'll need to provide a rental book.

It will be good to read an example if someone can explain the edge cases like above bullet points for a weekly notice case.

Thanks

I've had a few lodgers in the past and currently have two. I have also lodged a lot. I take deposit(same value as full month rent) and first month rent on move-in day.
I always go with monthly cycles and stipulate 1 month notice periods for either party except for where:

• Rent is overdue - in which case I'll give them another 7 days to pay up or move. I'd also return deposit less the 7 days rent due.
• There has been some unreasonable behavior by the lodger. ( Unreasonable behavior includes illegal activity in the house, physical violence or threatening behavior towards occupants in the house or engaging in activities that risk the safety of occupants in the house or not sticking to the house rules which they agreed to)

Having said that, despite the one month notice we agree to I also appreciate that life happens so have no problem with a lodger giving less notice, provided that there has been no loss to me. But I don't advertise this.

Honeylife

The first time things don't work out is a very anxious time, but believe me you will have no problem being more decisive and pro active should anything similar occur again.

Most here have given you good advice and NinaSwiss and I are practically on the same page in our Lodger/Live in Landlord approach.

- My addition to this is please do NOT put your lodgers belongings outside for them to collect. That is totally illegal and should you be legally called out on this you will loose! They are entitled to return to collect their property. You just have to make sure you have a witness or indeed the police present if you have major concerns about aggro when they come to collect.

- I never give keys until monies are in my account no matter how often they ask. I actually have the person doing the online banking in front of me and check on my smartphone or tablet that its in my account.

- I also dont allow piecemeal payments of the deposit. They can borrow it from somewhere if they have to but I wont give on that as I have been taken for a ride on that twice. Never again.

- As everyone here has said. Change the locks pronto! If I have to do so, ie I dont get keys back, I take the cost out the deposit and make sure they get a copy of the receipt for doing that. And I added that to future contracts - never happened again!

- I continue to be hesitant about the one weeks notice unless you are in an area thats very transient. One month is more and more the norm. I wouldn't stay anywhere with just one weeks notice, so why should my lodger. Plus who can find decent new accommodation in a week!

Things arent always smooth you have had a little bump now move on.

Lodgersite.com is very useful with legal guidance for Live In Landlords.

randd

NinaSwiss wrote: »

• There has been some unreasonable behavior by the lodger. ( Unreasonable behavior includes illegal activity in the house, physical violence or threatening behavior towards occupants in the house or engaging in activities that risk the safety of occupants in the house or not sticking to the house rules which they agreed to)

Hello,
What is the notice period you use in the contract for this unreasonable behaviour case by the lodger? I understand the rent overdue case (another 7 days) but didn't understood the notice period in this case.

silverwhistle

It's very many years since I had lodgers: the early 80's in fact, and I have to admit the whole thing was very informal. I don't remember much in the way of written agreements and I never changed my locks (I had 5 lodgers over a couple of years). I had a local council official, dentist, policeman, nurse and can't remember, but no problems from any of them apart from one having some smoking friends. What I did rely on was instinct and not being being entirely desperate for funds, even at 15% interest rates!

I'd still go with the advice here and not CAB, by the way!

silverwhistle

And as an addendum, Phil above said "If you have a big, male family members or friends, have them round." Having anybody round is a help, even just as a witness. Some of us larger and more sporty women would be only too happy to help.:-)