Money Moral Dilemma: Should I tell my lodger he's using too much water and energy or increase rent?

OptimisticAbby

I like MalMonroe’s comment, an honest but polite conversation. The lodger may be unaware, some people aren’t as clued in as MSE folk. It’s astonishing, but sometimes they’re not! I expect that bills have already massively increased as this has been going on for a while, so it might be a good idea to get that information ready. Who knows? The lodger might be mortified and offer a contribution. Whatever happens, 45 minute showers cannot continue for environmental reasons as well as financial. Good luck to the poster, providing a home for someone is a good thing, and he or she shouldn’t be out of pocket or made to feel awkward. 

honestcove

Why do you have a lodger?
Is it purely for cash, or do you like the company - customer or friend or a bit of both. Which end of the spectrum will determine how much you are prepared to put up with their peccadillos.

eao

He shaves, so an adult.  Hot showers, 45 min, appalling...give him notice, let his mum do the educating.
Is he a wild -water swimmer and taking cold showers to keep in form, then talk to him and arrange an increase in rent...unlikely.

pollypenny

Running water when washing up or shaving is so wasteful. What in earth does someone do for 45 minutes in the shower?

Id get rid of him. 

Mr5Micawber

Get a new lodger.  That's a stupid length of time to spend in a shower and using running water instead of a bowl is wasteful in every sense.

RCN10

Groom said:

Speak to him and explain that your bills have shot up and that you are going to have to watch the amount of energy and water that is used. If he watches the news he will know that any way. Tell him that he can either help by limiting what he uses, or you will have to put his rent up by the same percent that your bills have increased. 

And tell him that the rent will go up every time energy tariffs and other household costs, such as council tax, increase in future.

Ed264

If you didn't have a lodger and otherwise lived alone, you would get 25% discount from your council tax, which of course you lose by having a lodger. We can presume his rent well covers that loss. As others have said, 45 minute showers are ridiculous. You need to talk to him directly and politely, making it clear that his excessive use of water is unacceptable and if this isn't rectified then you will have to increase his rent by whatever percentage you think appropriate. Do it today - don't put it off until tomorrow.

Ath_Wat

Dizzybird_22 said:

Just wondering how a human being can spend 45 minutes in a shower. I've got a teen daughter who doesn't take that long!

People turn it on then faff around doing other stuff for 15 minutes before getting in.  Hard to believe, I know, but not uncommon.

EnvoyCDX

Couple of things that maybe worth considering, not everyone is the same and hints can go un-noticed (not excusing said lodger, but verbal cues can make a heck of a difference).

Also, having a lodger, is there any clause in there stating that there is a rolling review of said rent, or is there a set period, ie 6 months, 12 months etc.

Whilst at the end of the day having a lodger is a business transaction from the most part (you provide a room, they pay you for that room etc) you are both human beings, and communication is required for any form of co-habitation. 

Use your words, I'm sure it can be easily resolved with out any more concern / stress for yourself, and in fairness to you, prices should go up just with the cost of living increases, so it would be an ideal time to address both really.

Janeiechaz

Yes, absolutely tell him! He must be living in a bubble to have not heard about energy crisis and drought situation so don't feel bad, just tell him showers limited to 5 mins, don't let tap run whilst shaving, brushing teeth and advise him of washing machine program he must use. I did this to my lodgers and now we are all clear and it's all good 😁