Lodger agreement reasonable?

mrginge

Sounds like a plan. Just dont forget to buy a cattle prod to help out if things get a bit out of hand.

jonnygee2

No offence mate but this sounds like a prison camp

Oh, a bit harsh surely?! Okay, might be a bit tight on the kitchen, but I think 'prison camp' is overblowing it...

Might just have a daily rota for the kitchen instead, and say 30 mins for the bathroom (no one can tell me this isn't long enough?!).

Only thing I really want to keep is lounge for myself after 9pm. But - there is a TV/sofa/computer desk in his room but my rooms too small for those, and I think I need that little bit of space in the evenings.

In terms of everything else (noise and cleanliness), I think it's relatively fair right?

sevenhills

jonnygee2 wrote: »

I use the bathroom too at this time, I just need to get to work on time.

The toilet is separate from the shower. I'm pretty sure a man can reasonably shower and shave in 20 minutes! (seriously to me this sounds like ages). But I guess it wouldn't really kill if it were 30.

But isntit best just to tell them your routine, and both work around each other?
Some days she would be back early and use the kitchen first, and other days I was back first.
If your routines clash, perhaps you would find having a lodger troublesome. Some people will be in their room 24/7 others want to cook, other 100% take-aways.

sevenhills

jonnygee2 wrote: »

Only thing I really want to keep is lounge for myself after 9pm. But - there is a TV/sofa/computer desk in his room but my rooms too small for those, and I think I need that little bit of space in the evenings.

When I had a lodger, I didnt know if we would become good friends, maybe you are not thinking like that.

Edi81

I assume you are going to give them a cupboard in the kitchen, a shelf in the fridge and a drawer in the freezer to keep their food.

You sound like a nightmare to live with!

campbell19925

jonnygee2 wrote: »

Oh, a bit harsh surely?! Okay, might be a bit tight on the kitchen, but I think 'prison camp' is overblowing it...

Might just have a daily rota for the kitchen instead, and say 30 mins for the bathroom (no one can tell me this isn't long enough?!).

Only thing I really want to keep is lounge for myself after 9pm. But - there is a TV/sofa/computer desk in his room but my rooms too small for those, and I think I need that little bit of space in the evenings.

In terms of everything else (noise and cleanliness), I think it's relatively fair right?

I'd say its a bang on statement. You're trying to control your lodgers daily movements, when they can eat, take a dump, wash their clothes etc.

I'd say you are a nice person judging by your replies and the fact you put this up on here open to scrutiny - but you need to realise once they move in it's their home too

sheepy21

Dictatorship springs to mind, I've never lodged with anyone but I certainly wouldn't pay good money to live in such a restricted way! Fair enough about the shower, but the cooking limit is absurd, I often don't eat until 8-9pm, as long as the kitchen is free when you need it why be so restrictive?
And no laundry past 6pm!? What if the lodger finds they really need something cleaned? I don't see how them running the washing machine would affect you?
I personally don't think it sounds like you have the disposition to have a lodger, perhaps give it a miss

davidmcn

jonnygee2 wrote: »

In terms of everything else (noise and cleanliness), I think it's relatively fair right?

No it isn't! 9-6 for laundry is ridiculous - for anyone working 9-5 that means weekends only.

I'm not sure why you're assuming that "as he's a student he probably wouldn't be up before 9 on weekdays anyway" - I regularly had 9am lectures to get to. Might have classes until 5pm, then all it takes is a couple of hours of socialising / sports / part time job / commuting and he's missed his slot to use the kitchen.

jonnygee2

I'd say its a bang on statement. You're trying to control your lodgers daily movements, when they can eat, take a dump, wash their clothes etc.

Hmmmm. They can take a dump anytime! It's just the shower that's 'restricted'. For the laundry - he is a student, he'd be home most days (goes to uni three days a week). I suppose it wouldn't be a big pain in the evening, apart from that the extremely noisy machine is in the kitchen where everyone also has to eat dinner.

Based on the (somewhat extreme!) reaction I am having a bit of a rethink though. I thought maybe lowering the rent a bit (I asked for about 50% of what the market rent would probably be) and having a few restrictions would be a fair compromise, but maybe I should just not bother at all!

kerri_gt

jonnygee2 wrote: »

Hmmmm. They can take a dump anytime! It's just the shower that's 'restricted'. For the laundry - he is a student, he'd be home most days (goes to uni three days a week). I suppose it wouldn't be a big pain in the evening, apart from that the extremely noisy machine is in the kitchen where everyone also has to eat dinner.

Based on the (somewhat extreme!) reaction I am having a bit of a rethink though. I thought maybe lowering the rent a bit (I asked for about 50% of what the market rent would probably be) and having a few restrictions would be a fair compromise, but maybe I should just not bother at all!

you've hit the nail on the head there, this would be the lodgers home too - and they would be financially contributing in way of their rent. Whilst ground rules do avoid future disagreements and angst further down the line, flipping things round - how would you feel with such a list being issued to you?

Would it really be such a big deal for the lodger to be heating dinner in the oven at 7.45 while you're cooking? They don't need to be in the kitchen watching the oven GBBO style.

Similarly with washing, you could ask and say 'if possible could you do your washing during the day if it's just you in / we're out as the machine makes a bit of a racket'.

I do understand the 'additional guests' rule as you don't want to risk essentially ending up with two lodgers but you need to accept that they may not wish to sit in lodgers bedroom like a couple of teenagers and saying 'guests are not allowed in the lounge' seems OTT.

Having the benefit of the lodgers income means you may have to compromise on your ideal living situation (ie lounge to yourself 9pm onwards every night). If you don't feel you can do that then I'd strongly suggest having a lodger may not be for you.