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Can we do a criminal check on a new lodger?

2

Comments

  • sevenhills
    sevenhills Posts: 5,938 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Put a lock on the door or buy a cupboard with a lock. I would suggest the new lodger does the same.

    kobracai seems like a honest guy, maybe the old lady knows has good sense.
  • economic
    economic Posts: 3,002 Forumite
    Find out what job the new lodger is in. If it is a professional job working for a reputable company then very unlikely to have any convictions such as theft or robbery.

    Best to buy a small cupboard with a lock. When i was a live in landlord i required the lodgers bedroom to remain always unlocked (unless he/she were in the property and wanted some privacy....).
  • franklee
    franklee Posts: 3,867 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic
    edited 17 February 2018 at 12:18PM
    Stubod wrote: »
    ..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"...

    Putting a lock on the door without the landlady's permission is not a good idea. It may even create a tenancy. Surely better for the OP to get a lockable cupboard or safe.

    http://www.lodgerlandlord.co.uk/2010/02/01/day-1-what-is-a-lodger-2/

    "Prevent exclusive occupation;

    One of the main features of a tenancy is that the tenant has exclusive occupation and is able to keep anyone out of the property, even the landlord. Therefore, if it is a condition of your agreement with your lodger that you have the right to come into the room from time to time, it cannot be a tenancy.

    It is important that you do this. Your lodger must *not* be allowed to keep you out of the room (although you should always respect his privacy). He should not be allowed to put a lock on the door, or if he does, you must have a key. If he objects to this, tell him that it is your home and you need to be able to enter the room from time to time to check its condition."
  • You can of course Google to new lodger's name and see what comes up. Any criminal offence which has resulted in a court case will be filed somewhere, most probably on local newspaper websites.
    "There are not enough superlatives in the English language to describe a 'Princess Coronation' locomotive in full cry. We shall never see their like again". O S Nock
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    NO - to the lock on the door, whoever pays. 'Exclusive Occupation'.

    Either trust the new lodger (maybe ask the LL if you can be involved in selecting this new housemate?), or move elsewhere.
  • sevenhills wrote: »
    kobracai seems like a honest guy

    What on earth makes you say that?
  • Smodlet
    Smodlet Posts: 6,976 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Well, colour me wrong! Thanks to G_M et al for pointing this out and apologies, OP. Good thing this forum is free, innit?

    I still would not be happy in this situation and can understand the OP's concerns. Guess a locking cupboard is a good idea. Good luck fitting into it. :cool:
  • Murphybear
    Murphybear Posts: 8,091 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    economic wrote: »
    Find out what job the new lodger is in. If it is a professional job working for a reputable company then very unlikely to have any convictions such as theft or robbery.

    Best to buy a small cupboard with a lock. When i was a live in landlord i required the lodgers bedroom to remain always unlocked (unless he/she were in the property and wanted some privacy....).

    I don’t normally mix with criminals but I have known 2 people in very reputable jobs who ended up in prison for theft. Even worse an acquaintance whom everyone admired ended up in Dartmoor ...
  • Norman_Castle
    Norman_Castle Posts: 11,871 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 17 February 2018 at 1:46PM
    When the new lodger goes out have a rummage through his room. If you find a balaclava and a crow bar he may be shifty. Steaming his post open could be informative.
  • JuzaMum
    JuzaMum Posts: 749 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I had lodgers (foreign students) for ten years in my home. No locks on any doors and no thefts. The lodgers all had keys to the house. Most people don't **** on their own doorstep.
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