Reasonable rules for lodgers?

kerri_gt

I would clarify to the lodger that any guests they bring home are expected to abide by the same guidelines / rules that they do (which I assume includes things like not leaving the kitchen in a tip) and the lodger is responsible for their guests behaviour while in the house.

bobwilson

Comms69 wrote: »

If you cant have adult conversations, don't be a LL.

Oh I can have adult conversations, but sadly the same cannot be said for some lodgers :rotfl:

snickersbars

These are my lodger rules, and I haven't received any objections to them from current or potential lodgers. In particular, before they moved in we discussed that the 2 nights/fortnight part was not necessarily a hard and fast rule, so could be amended to something slightly more flexible later on if needed. I've had some weird lodgers, but none of their guests have done odd things as you describe.

"The Lodger must not: act in an antisocial manner towards the Landlord or any visitor to the property; make excessive noise (particularly after 10.30pm); leave rubbish in inappropriate places/misuse the recycling, food and general waste bins; use the property for illegal purposes; smoke within the property boundaries; have overnight guests more than 2 nights per fortnight (and only with prior permission from the Landlord); allow any of their visitors to act in an antisocial manner; hold large gatherings in communal areas; run up excessive lighting, water or heating bills. The Lodger must clean up after themselves in communal areas, e.g. wipe down kitchen surfaces after use, load/unload dishwasher of items used in cooking, clean up spills in bathroom. The Lodger’s bed must only be used when covered with the mattress protector supplied."

sevenhills

CarrieVS wrote: »

I probably would have avoided staying where I couldn't have overnight guests point blank (even though I've not actually had anyone to stay in the time I've been here) but I think permission every time they want someone to stay is perfectly reasonable - if anything more so than the somewhat arbitrary two nights a week - compare having someone over for a week once in a blue moon versus two nights out of seven for months on end.

Maybe a rule which said overnight stayers are allowed, but if its too regular then the price maybe reviewed?
Since someone sleeping over at weekends has another house, that rule would discourage if happening too often.

jonnygee2

I wouldn't try and create a new rule unnecessarily. They have worked for you in the past. Sure it's also gone badly but any lodger situation can go badly whatever rules are in place.

Instead, I'd keep your rules as they are, but instead have a better plan to deal with situations that make you feel uncomfortable in your own home. Better communication from the outset of problems, and a willingness to give notice where necessary (its your home!) would help.

lookstraightahead

My mother in law has lodgers - she's in her eighties and she very relaxed, never had to set rules and never had any problems. If anything she was the loud one !

bobwilson

lookstraightahead wrote: »

My mother in law has lodgers - she's in her eighties and she very relaxed, never had to set rules and never had any problems. If anything she was the loud one !

Most people (especially nightmare lodgers) treat elderly differently to others. They have some kind of inbuilt respect or feeling scared of behaving how they do to others, to them as well. :rotfl:

FreeBear

• No smoking inside the house.
• No illicit drugs.
• No naked flames, candles, incense, oil burners, etc to be used.
• No food or drink to be taken upstairs.
• No overnight visitors without prior consent.
• No nuisance or disturbance to be caused to LL or neighbours.
• Pots, pans, crockery, etc to be washed promptly after use.

Should also have something about cooking in the early hours of the morning, but the "nuisance or disturbance" covers that. Also got a small print clause that states if the police are called for any reason, the licence to occupy can be terminated without notice. lessons learned after the last pair.

melanzana

No overnight guests is a no brainer surely? Another randomer using the utilities and increased cost for you...nah.

I would never agree to that. Does lodger decamp to the guest's home also? That would be ok with me. Two days here, two days there or whatever.

Problem is, it seems the lodger has to entertain the guest always!

But each to their own and all that.

I have good BS meter.

markin

If room and you intend to do it long term would it not make sense to have a kitchenette in the room, at the very least i would expect a sink to brush teeth get a glass of water at night.