Giving Notice to a Lodger

ThemeOne

I guess there's no right or wrong here, but how have you given your lodgers notice?

I've had one for about 6 months who's been unsatisfactory in so many respects, and have finally decided he has to go. Do I tell him all the things he's done wrong (I've already told him many of them as they occurred), give no reason, or make up some story about a long-lost aunt returning from abroad and needing the room?

What are your experiences?

GrumpyDil

I'd keep it simple as no need to be critical of someone's activity. Just state that you don't feel things are working and give him the relevant notice period.

theartfullodger

What does lodger agreement say about giving notice? Follow that.

AnotherJoe

The less you say, the fewer chances of causing offence or getting into an argument "OK I'm sorry i wont paint the ceiling in my room black any more so can i stay now".
Just say due to personal reasons you are giving them notice and they need to leave on or before X date.

FreeBear

In the notice I gave my last lodger, it was kept short and simple...

You are hereby given notice to vacate by the end of the month. I will endeavor to provide assistance in facilitating your move if required.

The last part would have been simply to change the locks on the date specified
In the end, it wasn't required, and he left quietly and without drama.

Nmob

I am a lodger with no lease or agreement. What rights do I have in terms of notice? Can I be immediatley ejected?

charlotte1994

Nmob wrote: »

I am a lodger with no lease or agreement. What rights do I have in terms of notice? Can I be immediatley ejected?

You don't, really. You need an agreement asap.

FreeBear

Minimal rights, you can be ejected with no notice or you could return one day and find the locks have been changed.


Even with a contract, your "rights" are limited, and a properly worded contract may well have a clause permitting immediate termination - The contract I use has such a clause that could be invoked for such things as illicit drug use or severe disorderly conduct.

scd3scd4

How about just a polite notice of a week or two. Sometimes lies are better..............I just want my own space for the foreseeable future.

Honeylife

What does in say in the Agreement? A month or two weeks? Try to honour whatever the Agreement says, just give him adequate time to find somewhere else.

Practice a bit with a friend or in front the mirror, but I think saying things are not working for you is really adequate. Then confirm in writing with the date you expect him to leave.

DigForVictory

If you usually talk to the guy, pretty much read aloud the letter you then hand him.

Do not justify yourself - as he may argue, or decide you're an unspeakable scoundrel. Take the reputational hit if any & get rid with as much calm professionalism as you can muster.

For pete's sake hand over the letter though. All being well, it'll be accepted as one of those things & he'll move off without additional fuss but you need to dance through the correct legal forms scrupulously & that's usually easiest done by letter.