Can we do a criminal check on a new lodger?

kobracai

Hello

I am a lodger in a small flat which I share with my landlady, she now wants to put another lodger in her spare room and there isn't a lock in my bedroom door, this means anyone can come in when I'm not there.

I raised this concern with my landlady and all she said is "have faith" but I heard way too many stories of flatmates leaving out of the blue and stealing laptops and Iphones to trust someone I don't know

It doesn't help that she didn't ask me to pay any deposit, even though we do have a regular contract. She's an elderly lady who still lives thinking there are "good people" out there The fact there isn't a deposit means the new lodger has nothing to lose from leaving after taking valuables

MY QUESTION: is there a way to perform a criminal check on a lodger from my side? or any sort of check? Because I doubt my landlady will do it

thanks

Gabbs_the_Newt

No there is not.

[Deleted User]

You can not do a criminal check on the new lodger. All you can do is persuade the LL to put a lock on your door (or let you do it) or move somewhere else with locks on the doors. Or wait and see how the new lodger works out.

I must admit I wouldn't have moved into a place without locks on the doors. As much because I like my privacy as for security.

Norman_Castle

Put a lock on the door or buy a cupboard with a lock. I would suggest the new lodger does the same.

Margot123

Past criminal convictions are just that, past convictions.

There is no system in place for private individuals to check someone's criminal record. In fact, it would be illegal for a law enforcement agent to conduct a search without reasonable authority during an ongoing case.

Mutton_Geoff

kobracai wrote: »

She's an elderly lady who still lives thinking there are "good people" out there

And she's quite right. The majority of people are good, it's just good stuff isn't newsworthy so all you read & hear is doom and gloom.


Most thieves are opportunists. Don't give them the chance, lock your valuables away. Every single hotel I stay in has a lock on the room door but also still has a small safe in the room. Not because the world is full of bad people, but to help prevent petty theft.


Look after your own things and try not to pre judge or be negatively suspicious of new people around you. The new lodger could end up being your best mate and looking out for you.

Pixie5740

If your landlady is happy for this new lodger to come and live in her home, just as she was for you to come and live in her home, I don't understand what your beef is. Perhaps shared living is not for you.

Detroit

Maybe encourage your landlady to ask for references?

Smodlet

Personally, I would tell your LL you will put a lock on your door and ask her to pay for it unless she does it herself. Better safe than sorry, imho. The lodger could still break into your room and steal your stuff but at least then you could claim on contents insurance (as far as I know) assuming you have this. If not, I would seriously consider getting some. I would not rely on your LL's policy (if she has one) to cover your belongings.

Failing that, it seems you can either "have faith" and hope or look for somewhere more secure to live. Good luck.

Fosterdog

Smodlet wrote: »

Personally, I would tell your LL you will put a lock on your door and ask her to pay for it unless she does it herself. Better safe than sorry, imho. The lodger could still break into your room and steal your stuff but at least then you could claim on contents insurance (as far as I know) assuming you have this. If not, I would seriously consider getting some. I would not rely on your LL's policy (if she has one) to cover your belongings.

Failing that, it seems you can either "have faith" and hope or look for somewhere more secure to live. Good luck.

I don't see why the LL should have to pay for the lock, she's not the one who wants it. Who then pays to have the door and frame put right if/when the lock is removed? It would be nice if she allowed OP to add their own lock but she should not have to pay for the privalage of somebody making an alteration to her property that she doesn't deem necessary.

Stubod

..its no big deal to fit a lock on a door, and then have it removed when you leave the property. I would just do it, (and the same on any other "private" rooms). If I was sharing with an "unknown" I would want to maintain some security / privacy, and i would consider that "normal"...