MONEY MORAL DILEMMA: Should Bob get a lodger?

JayD

"the only solution is to get a lodger"

So what is the question? If that is the only solution then he must get a lodger!
All the precautionary measures re vetting the lodger and laying down clear house rules etc of course apply - but if that is his only solution, then clearly that is what he must do.

BlackBladder

Three bedroom house. Currently one man and three girls living there. So two of the girls already share a bedroom.

Ken68

Get in a male lodger for him to marry one of the daughters. They have one bedroom, Bob has another and two girls share.
In addition Bob could ask for extra rent from the lodger on account of him being married and he takes on the expense of looking after his new wife.

Grumpysally

Presumably female lodger because of risk to the girls ( or risk to the male lodger from hormonal teenage girls) what about potential boyfriends of female lodger? Would anyone in their right minds want to lodge in a house with three teenage girls? I have to live with one (DD15) I wouldn't like to think I was paying for the privilege. (Well actually I am aren't I. ) : )

Adrian_McLeod

we live near a laungage school and at certain times of the year when the pennies are hard to come by, we move the eldest of our children in to our bedroom and rent the room for 1 week (sometimes 2 weeks) to 2-3 students, each student pays circa £89 per week and all is required is a basic breakfast and diner (own brand pasta and cereal always a good option)
This is a handy extra source of income, up to £300 per month if done regularly, it save the inconviance of having strangers in your house for long periods of times and both our children 4 & 10 like the interaCTION WITH THESE NORMALLY VERY WELL BEHAVED STUDENTS.

croseus

Take a lodger,but only if you're absolutely sure of the person.Use your intuition.Don't pick the first one that comes along. I've had bad and good and give advice from experience.Also lock away personal stuff such as credit cards etc(just in case!). Good Luck!

happyinflorida

Yes he should def. get a lodger to help him get out of debt.
It'll do his daughters good, teach them money doesn't grow on trees and in order to make money you have to make sacrifices, such as sharing your home.
He could involve his daughters by all of them interviewing prospective lodgers and compiling lists of questions they want to ask ie how much time do you normally spend in the bathroom each day?!
He could make even more money by offering board and lodging, ie men love this - homecooked meal in the evening and washing and ironing also done - which he can charge more for of course, should make enough to pay off debts very quickly!
They need to be careful who they bring into their home, preferably someone they know who needs somewhere to stay or they can ask the human resources/personnel depts of large companies in the area if they know of anyone who needs lodgings or can they advertise on their notice boards, that way the person has a good job, always get references and insist on seeing their bank statements for at least the last 6 months if not a years worth, just to make sure.

Dorrie

As his daughters are teenagers they are all old enough to contribute to the household. All three could get part-time jobs - newspaper deliveries pay very well nowadays.

I am assuming that Bob is mature enough (although with £20000 of debts that may be dubious) to explain to his daughters about his money problems and ask them to help.

If they are older teenagers then they may be working anyway, in which case they should already be contributing to the household.

thecraftybear

Not sure how big his bedrooms are for 3 girls to share - could cause problems. Can girls not get small job and start to pay shares in bills etc. Could everyone not start selling off unwanted items?

redhead26

Definitely yes, it won't do the kids any harm to share a room, it doesn't make any difference whether it's a male or female lodger as long as you trust your instinct and check references.