I am currently dealing with a difficult lodger situation that has become increasingly stressful. Since moving into the property approximately one month ago, the lodger has repeatedly disregarded personal boundaries and house rules. I have found evidence that she has accessed my personal belongings, including my mobile phone and bags, without permission. On one occasion, she entered my private bedroom believing I was not present and sat on my bed without my consent.
There have also been ongoing disputes regarding access to communal areas. During a recent period of hot weather, the lodger insisted on sleeping in the living room despite being informed that this area was not included within her agreed accommodation arrangements. Despite clear communication of the house rules, similar incidents have continued.
I have sought legal advice and have been informed that, as matters currently stand, I must follow the appropriate legal process and honour the required notice period that has already been served. However, given the repeated breaches of privacy and the ongoing impact on my ability to enjoy my own home, I am concerned about what additional options may be available to protect my privacy and wellbeing while the notice period runs its course.
Has anyone experienced a similar situation with a lodger, and are there any lawful steps that can be taken when the relationship has broken down so completely?
@Shahnuaz
Sorry to hear about your situation.
Ask a landlord association (nrla etc) if you are a member
Document everything in writing and send to lodger (hand over hard copies and send by email) so you have a full record in case of any.dispute
Consider putting locks on any private areas the tenant should not be accessing such as your bedroom. However you cant charge the cost of these to the tenant due to Tenancy Fees Act
Provide a fan so tenant can sleep in own room
Offer £ for the tenant to leave early or provide alternative accommodation elsewhere.
Good luck
Does the lodger have access to any communal space? Shared bathroom & kitchen? If so, they are a licensee with very few rights, unless youve given them additional rights through a written agreement. Assuming not, you can give them 24 hours notice and exclude them from the property if you feel unsafe. If they dont share any living accommodation with you or youve given them a tenancy agreement by mistake, then they would be a non-housing act tenant with basic rights, including proper notice.
I would agree with David240 that you should speak to a landlord association or specialist solicitor for further advice.
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Every single door in the house has locks, she only has access to the communal spaces. This is a room only agreement with a licence agreement not a tenancy. I’m reluctant to kick her out and change the locks because she’s a young female. in fear of allegations made against me I’ve actually moved out until she leaves which is under 29th of june. The last thing I want is a malicious allegation made against me. OfCourse there will be no truth to this but I don’t need the aggravation especially as I’m fighting a custody battle with my children to have access to them.
She has really put me off ever having a lodger in my home ever again.
Assume you are male? Is it an Excluded Licence you have with her? Reluctant to throw out a female?? Throw her out . Head not heart.
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Bring some friends around to act as witnesses. You can only change the locks whilst she’s out anyway.
You should be aware that if you’re out of the house for too long, she may try to claim you no longer live there and that she therefore now has an APT not a licence.
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Having a female lodger who is a complete stranger to your children in a home that they will have to live in if you win custody is going to harm your chances of demonstrating that you can provide them with a safe environment to live.
Having the kind of lodger you describe is going to kill it stone dead.
Personally, my children would be the priority and this woman would no longer have access to my property.
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A lesson learnt. It was the difference between going under after the divorce or making it work. After some soul searching I’ve decided to sell the house buy something smaller and go mortgage free. This head ache isn’t worth it.
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