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Main site > Forums > Essential Money > House Buying, Renting & Selling > Lodger Advice
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      obsidianfox
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    • obsidianfox
    • By obsidianfox 13th Jan 20, 9:24 PM
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      What's this?

    obsidianfox
    Lodger Advice
    • #1
    • 13th Jan 20, 9:24 PM
    Lodger Advice 13th Jan 20 at 9:24 PM
    Hi I just joined this forum to get some sensible advice. I am a resident at a working centre I have a contract and so considered a lodger I guess. At the moment I don't work so I am on universal credit. The rent here is £430pcm £270 is considered rent and £160 in bills and an evening meal (even if you dont eat it you pay!). I get £550 from gov and pay £430 that leaves me with £120 for food and essentials for the month.

    Problems -

    The heating is on 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm approx.The hot water is on 6am to 11am and then 6pm to 11pm. During the day I cannot have a shower because of no hot water.

    The kitchen is shared between a few people and has an economy7 water heater which holds like 50 litres? So if it runs out the water is arctic to wash up so you have to either use 'boost' on the water heater and wait 30 mins or boil a kettle neither seem efficient or economical.

    My room which has single glazed windows and draft from windows & door. The room next door shares a radiator (timber partition wall with a gap!) so they can hear everything and so can I. If they open window my room gets cold too.
    I have been asked to pay 20p per hour to use a heater in my room on top of bills.

    I have been asked not to make phone calls in my room, not use kitchen after 10pm (told go hungry!) and laundry room now cant be used after 1030.

    As a working centre 'residents' nd voluteers have to clean toilets for guests. Residents that dont work have to work 20hrs a week or 15 if part time and 5 hrs if full time. (Having to work and pay rent!) Also we have to cook 4 times a month on rota.

    I'm just wondering if any of this is acceptable from a landlord or lodger perspective, you probably need to ask some questions .. interested in thoughts from either side. Thanks
    Last edited by obsidianfox; 13-01-2020 at 9:26 PM. Reason: paragraph spacing

    Sorry!

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Page 2
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      need an answer
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    • need an answer
    • By need an answer 14th Jan 20, 1:38 PM
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      What's this?

    need an answer
    “
    Also to use washing machine and dryer you have to pay an additional £1 per wash £1 per dry! All these little things add up... sounds cheap but i'm sure hostels don't run like this...?
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    This isn't an uncommon thing in shared accommodation, my student offspring has done this for the last 2 years.

    Yes I appreciate that costs mount up but planning and budgeting for these things are part of everyday life

    You seem resentful about living there so I guess there is more to this situation than you are posting about.

    There are people that are worse off than you,be thankful that you can boil a kettle to do the washing up and have a shower morning and evening,there are many who would swap places with you.
    Last edited by need an answer; 14-01-2020 at 1:44 PM.
    in S T 1 F 1
    out S 2 T F 2

    2017-32 2018 -33 2019 -21

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      00ec25
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    • 00ec25
    • By 00ec25 14th Jan 20, 1:47 PM
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      What's this?

    00ec25
    “
    When I had my own place I had a shower once a day about 10am, I had a combi boiler so no probs with hot water. I used to eat 3 times a day and eat after 8pm and sometimes have a snack after 10pm. All these replies are ok but only really work for a 9-5 job. So I eat once a day now as I cant be bothered with hot water.

    Don't you think that having no hot water to wash up is bad, having to boil kettles is inefficient...
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    the recurring issue in this thread that you are repeatedly ignoring that you have chosen to live in a shared property but you expect everyone else to adjust to your needs without you showing any consideration whatsoever for whether your preferences may be disturbing them

    as others have said, you are clearly unsuitable for shared accommodation and should get a place of your own . however, given your dependency on benefits your choice will be restricted, but still possible. The bottom line remains though that you seem to refuse to accept that you have compromise to fit in with others.

    I had a lodger for 12 years who worked 9 hour shifts (low pay). Once every 2 weeks he did "lates" returning home at 3am - he did not start cooking his "evening" meal until 7am out of respect for me not working those hours and still being asleep. When he did earlies he left at 2am and would do so quietly after having breakfasted on cold food. He would then be asleep by 7pm so when I got home I would use headphones on the TV and not clatter around in the kitchen.

    he (pathologically) showered every day fitting that in around who needed the bathroom when

    it is called compromising and respecting other people's needs. Your posts to date are all me, me, me
    Last edited by 00ec25; 14-01-2020 at 1:49 PM.

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      csgohan4
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    • By csgohan4 14th Jan 20, 1:53 PM
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      What's this?

    csgohan4
    “
    the recurring issue in this thread that you are repeatedly ignoring that you have chosen to live in a shared property but you expect everyone else to adjust to your needs without you showing any consideration whatsoever for whether your preferences may be disturbing them

    as others have said, you are clearly unsuitable for shared accommodation and should get a place of your own . however, given your dependency on benefits your choice will be restricted, but still possible. The bottom line remains though that you seem to refuse to accept that you have compromise to fit in with others.

    I had a lodger for 12 years who worked 9 hour shifts (low pay). Once every 2 weeks he did "lates" returning home at 3am - he did not start cooking his "evening" meal until 7am out of respect for me not working those hours and still being asleep. When he did earlies he left at 2am and would do so quietly after having breakfasted on cold food. He would then be asleep by 7pm so when I got home I would use headphones on the TV and not clatter around in the kitchen.

    he (pathologically) showered every day fitting that in around who needed the bathroom when

    it is called compromising and respecting other people's needs. Your posts to date are all me, me, me
    Originally posted by 00ec25 ”

    I wish every lodger/tenant was like that, so respectful and accommodating. Now a days people feel they are so entitled and the world revolves around them.

    Either that or you gave them tea and cakes to discuss arrangements
    "It is prudent when shopping for something important, not to limit yourself to Pound land/Estate Agents"

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    • By 00ec25 14th Jan 20, 2:07 PM
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      What's this?

    00ec25
    “
    Either that or you gave them tea and cakes to discuss arrangements
    Originally posted by csgohan4 ”
    we were never friends and did not socialise together, but he was indeed a very nice bloke and probably with what are now labelled as "old fashioned" values and personal integrity.

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      getmore4less
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    • By getmore4less 14th Jan 20, 3:24 PM
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      What's this?

    getmore4less
    What are the rules on this must do work if you don't have a job?

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      Crumble2018
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    • By Crumble2018 14th Jan 20, 3:43 PM
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      What's this?

    Crumble2018
    “
    All these replies are ok but only really work for a 9-5 job. So I eat once a day now as I cant be bothered with hot water.
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”

    But your post says that you're not working?

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    • By GaleSF63 14th Jan 20, 4:22 PM
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      What's this?

    GaleSF63
    “
    When I had my own place I had a shower once a day about 10am, I had a combi boiler so no probs with hot water. I used to eat 3 times a day and eat after 8pm and sometimes have a snack after 10pm. All these replies are ok but only really work for a 9-5 job.


    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    There's nothing to stop you doing exactly that now.

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      yksi
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    • yksi
    • By yksi 14th Jan 20, 5:44 PM
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      What's this?

    yksi
    Can't believe you are still complaining and finding new things to be unhappy about. £1 for a load of washing is NOTHING, a single person not working can easily get by on two loads a month, think about how long it would take you for that £2 a month to cost more than buying and running your own washer!

    Wake up, your board and lodging is a reasonable price overall, the rules are reasonable, and the real issue is that you want to be an unemployed housebound inconsiderate housemate getting everything for free.
    £3 a Day January £61/93
    £2020 in 2020 £61/2020

    Sorry!

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    • By Smodlet 14th Jan 20, 5:59 PM
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      What's this?

    Smodlet
    Unless I have misunderstood, you are not currently working, OP so your time is your own. If you know when hot water/whatever is available there is no reason other than ego not to adapt your lifestyle to suit these restrictions you perceive; they seem pretty loose to me.

    Buses run when they run, that's why taxis cost more. If you want the world to dance to your tune, you have to be able to pay for that.

    As others have said, if you don't like it, move. If you can't afford to, deal with and be grateful for what you have. 20 hours a week is fewer than 3 per day. Most of us who have our own homes spend at least that doing chores anyway.

    You get what you (can) pay for. If you want to run your own life any way you choose, find a job which will enable you to do so. If you can't, adapt to the situation as the rest of us have to. I would like to live in a mansion with acres of parkland and a full complement of servants; ain't gonna happen. Sorry, that's the way the world works.
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    • By onwards&upwards 14th Jan 20, 8:55 PM
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      What's this?

    onwards&upwards
    “
    If you don't do the hours or jobs you are asked to leave!
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”

    Work your way through this, and ring the helpline for advice if you think you need to after reading the info.

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/rights-at-work/pay/getting-paid-less-than-minimum-wage-or-living-wage/

    Sorry!

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    • By bouicca21 14th Jan 20, 10:33 PM
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      What's this?

    bouicca21
    I rather suspect that OP is in some kind of support scheme that is outside minimum wage criteria, but if he/she did get paid, that would be the end of universal credit, wouldn’t it?

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    • By FreeBear 15th Jan 20, 12:07 AM
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      What's this?

    FreeBear
    “
    but if he/she did get paid, that would be the end of universal credit, wouldn’t it?
    Originally posted by bouicca21 ”

    Depends on the number of hours worked, and the total pay. Below a certain amount, the housing benefit portion would still be paid in full, and the remainder would be on a sliding scale.
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.

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    • By elsien 15th Jan 20, 12:22 AM
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      What's this?

    elsien
    “
    Also to use washing machine and dryer you have to pay an additional £1 per wash £1 per dry! All these little things add up... sounds cheap but i'm sure hostels don't run like this...?
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    Laundrettes cost a lot more than that. £4 for the wash and endless 20p coins to dry. A pound is very cheap.
    You agreed the terms when you moved there. As Deanna said, there must have been a reason. If it no longer suits then look at alternatives.
    Why are you only eating once a day when you've got all day to eat. So what if boiling a kettle is inefficient. As long as you can get your washing up done, that's not a problem. Not eating rather than waiting a couple of minutes for a kettle to boil is a huge overreaction.

    On the work front, my guess is something like one of the Emmaus communities where working for the community is part of the rehab deal to get you back on your feet and rebuild self esteem. OP isn't talking about a straightforward hostel or paid work in the traditional sense.
    Last edited by elsien; 15-01-2020 at 12:28 AM.
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.

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    • By onwards&upwards 15th Jan 20, 8:47 AM
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      What's this?

    onwards&upwards
    “

    On the work front, my guess is something like one of the Emmaus communities where working for the community is part of the rehab deal to get you back on your feet and rebuild self esteem. OP isn't talking about a straightforward hostel or paid work in the traditional sense.
    Originally posted by elsien ”
    Entirely possible, but he’s not been very clear about it and from the description it could just as easily be one of the seedier setups that involve working for free and strictly controlled ‘accommodation’. Especially as I think the OP may not be a UK native.

    Sorry!

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    • By yksi 15th Jan 20, 9:19 AM
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      What's this?

    yksi
    Tourist lets often also have planning restrictions that require them to have a member of staff who lives on the premises - this is part of why many backpacker establishments are cleaned and maintained by people who live there.
    £3 a Day January £61/93
    £2020 in 2020 £61/2020

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    • By obsidianfox 19th Jan 20, 4:47 PM
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      What's this?

    obsidianfox
    I'm White British 'Native' (LOL) thanks "onwards" and my original question is to legality of obligations like having to perform duties on top of rent... Second was regarding 'additional' bills in a shared house does your landlord charge you to use the washer/dryer every time - its not about amount but as I said in OP rent is £430 including bills.
    Regarding hot water use, sure its ok to shower AM but the odd time you need a shower your stuffed- that was my point, having to work around restrictions. As for washing up yeah I can boil a kettle or wait for water to heat up bit. Your viscous posts remarking that I don't work and have all the time in the world, that's not true,
    I'm spending most of my time on projects to get me work (self employed IT tech ( I just moved out of London ) - its time consuming and disruptive, don't you see... In summary £430 could get me a room or bedsit place with a dishwasher, a power shower, bills etc and none of the aggro above...why I am here and barking about it is to find out if situation is legal, fair and rational and to try and have a sensible discussion maybe find ideas to help me or others with this info

    Sorry!

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    • By csgohan4 19th Jan 20, 4:56 PM
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      What's this?

    csgohan4
    “
    I'm White British 'Native' (LOL) thanks "onwards" and my original question is to legality of obligations like having to perform duties on top of rent...

    Second was regarding 'additional' bills in a shared house does your landlord charge you to use the washer/dryer every time - its not about amount but as I said in OP rent is £430 including bills.


    Regarding hot water use, sure its ok to shower AM but the odd time you need a shower your stuffed- that was my point, having to work around restrictions.

    As for washing up yeah I can boil a kettle or wait for water to heat up bit. Your viscous posts remarking that I don't work and have all the time in the world, that's not true,

    I'm spending most of my time on projects to get me work (self employed IT tech ( I just moved out of London ) - its time consuming and disruptive, don't you see...

    In summary £430 could get me a room or bedsit place with a dishwasher, a power shower, bills etc and none of the aggro above...

    why I am here and barking about it is to find out if situation is legal, fair and rational and to try and have a sensible discussion maybe find ideas to help me or others with this info
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    paragraphs done for you


    Legal yes, you agreed before you stayed there

    fair and rational is subjective but sounds fair, the LL cannot make an exception for you at the detriment of the other renters, So this way is fair

    Bare in mind if your not happy, move somewhere else that is less restrictive for you
    "It is prudent when shopping for something important, not to limit yourself to Pound land/Estate Agents"

    Sorry!

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    • By Jox 19th Jan 20, 5:05 PM
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      What's this?

    Jox
    You asked what the legal minimum temperature is, I think it's around 18 degrees though my bedroom is 16 degrees at the moment!


    Can you get a kettle for your room and make pot noodle type foods in an emergency?

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    • By kdotdotdotdot 19th Jan 20, 5:21 PM
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      What's this?

    kdotdotdotdot
    “
    Your viscous posts remarking that I don't work and have all the time in the world, that's not true
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    You yourself wrote that you aren't working so you can hardly be upset by others making the assumption that you're not working . . .

    “
    its time consuming and disruptive, don't you see
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    No, I don't see. That's life. No matter what you do, you'll always find other things getting in the way and taking up time.

    “
    In summary £430 could get me a room or bedsit place with a dishwasher, a power shower, bills etc and none of the aggro above
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    So why on earth haven't you moved already??

    “
    ...why I am here and barking about it is to find out if situation is legal, fair and rational and to try and have a sensible discussion maybe find ideas to help me or others with this info
    Originally posted by obsidianfox ”
    The situation sounds odd to me, but no idea if legal. You don't need ideas, you just need to move. Assuming nobody forced you to move in there, and nobody's forcing you to stay there, I've absolutely no clue as to why you'd stay there one minute longer if you don't like it. You surely don't need people on the internet to point out that you can move out of this situation?

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    • By obsidianfox 19th Jan 20, 5:39 PM
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      What's this?

    obsidianfox
    PMSL @csgohan4 don't remark on my content when you yourself have issues with the use of correct punctuation spelling and grammar! Walk before you run, eh? Nice avatar lol, kid.

    To everyone else stop asking why I am still here. Living in a Jacobean mansion is challenging sometimes can't you tell..shame some of you can't give information or chat without being petty. I just asked for advice that was all.

    You can stop replying now. I'll find a way to delete this post.

    Sorry!

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