Lodger has been taking things...
Discussion
So I've been renting a spare room out to a lodger for the last 7 months or so. Nice guy, 28 years old, clean, tidy, pays on the dot every time etc.
It states in the lodge's agreement that he's to basically be self sufficient (food, laundry detergent, toiletries etc), but despite this I know 100% he's been using some of my stuff. When confronted about it he has denied it, but I know this is a lie. For example, I bought a new bottle of stuff and left in my room to use, and over the course of a couple of weeks the bottle I wasn't using became empty....
Anyway, minor stuff like that is an irritation, and far from terrible. However.....
A few months ago I bought a new bottle of aftershave, which wasn't cheap (£120 for 100ml). I got it because I was running low at work. I have used this bottle maybe 4-5x at most. I went to use it the other day and noticed it was almost 1/2 empty! Wondering whether I was going mad, this weekend I closed the drawer which contains the bottle but left it slightly ajar and at a jaunty angle and took a photo, so if it had moved I would know full well he'd been in my room.
I came back yesterday to find the drawer fully shut properly. I'm not in absolutely no doubt he's been going in my room.
Now..... Where do I stand RE eviction (contract states 4 weeks notice, but no mention of theft etc. and where do I stand RE his deposit? Only fair I keep some of it back to recompense me for what he's taken.
Current I have no proof, however, I got a small camera linked to my phone which is hidden on top of a wardrobe in my room. It works by motion detection, so as soon as the door opens it begins to record. This way, I will, at some point, get evidence of him stealing.
It's concerning that he's doing it, but it also begs the question WHY he went in there in the first place, WHAT he was looking for, and the fact he's likely been through all of my drawers, cupboards etc.
His deposit is only £250, mind. I'm very, very angry and obviously I've lost all trust in him but I feel I can't necessarily kick him out without proof, and certainly not withhold his deposit. If he argued for it with the police, it's only my word against his.
Thoughts on where I stand from a legal perspective?
Many thanks.
It states in the lodge's agreement that he's to basically be self sufficient (food, laundry detergent, toiletries etc), but despite this I know 100% he's been using some of my stuff. When confronted about it he has denied it, but I know this is a lie. For example, I bought a new bottle of stuff and left in my room to use, and over the course of a couple of weeks the bottle I wasn't using became empty....
Anyway, minor stuff like that is an irritation, and far from terrible. However.....
A few months ago I bought a new bottle of aftershave, which wasn't cheap (£120 for 100ml). I got it because I was running low at work. I have used this bottle maybe 4-5x at most. I went to use it the other day and noticed it was almost 1/2 empty! Wondering whether I was going mad, this weekend I closed the drawer which contains the bottle but left it slightly ajar and at a jaunty angle and took a photo, so if it had moved I would know full well he'd been in my room.
I came back yesterday to find the drawer fully shut properly. I'm not in absolutely no doubt he's been going in my room.
Now..... Where do I stand RE eviction (contract states 4 weeks notice, but no mention of theft etc. and where do I stand RE his deposit? Only fair I keep some of it back to recompense me for what he's taken.
Current I have no proof, however, I got a small camera linked to my phone which is hidden on top of a wardrobe in my room. It works by motion detection, so as soon as the door opens it begins to record. This way, I will, at some point, get evidence of him stealing.
It's concerning that he's doing it, but it also begs the question WHY he went in there in the first place, WHAT he was looking for, and the fact he's likely been through all of my drawers, cupboards etc.
His deposit is only £250, mind. I'm very, very angry and obviously I've lost all trust in him but I feel I can't necessarily kick him out without proof, and certainly not withhold his deposit. If he argued for it with the police, it's only my word against his.
Thoughts on where I stand from a legal perspective?
Many thanks.
Edited by TyrannosauRoss Lex on Monday 16th January 16:20
Edited by TyrannosauRoss Lex on Monday 16th January 19:52
Thanks chaps. I'm inclined to get it on camera first. Mainly because I'm petty and I don't think he should be evicted without knowing he's been sussed. The financial implications of what he's taking is negligible, really, but it's the principle of the matter, as I'm sure you'll agree.
I don't NEED a lodger, I'm otherwise perfectly financially stable, but I've been using the extra cash just to massively overpay on the mortgage and increase my pension contribution.
it was tempting to put a note on the aftershave saying something like "I'm watching you"....
I don't NEED a lodger, I'm otherwise perfectly financially stable, but I've been using the extra cash just to massively overpay on the mortgage and increase my pension contribution.
poo at Paul's said:
Have you thought about stealing things back? That’d learn him. 
Pretty hard to take back used aftershave it was tempting to put a note on the aftershave saying something like "I'm watching you".... Unreal said:
OP - have you checked your pants draw(er)? And the dirty ones. There could be more to this than nicking your Brut.
No, but one slightly concerning thing, is that when I took the photo of my cabinet drawers, my underwear drawer was slightly ajar, yet this was also shut when I got home.....
.
boombang said:
That app looks Tapo to me. https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=tapo+camera
Correct, C200. Works well! Caught him within a day boombang said:
Digger said:
Take another look at the image - bottom left 
aha so it is! I've got a C320WS in my garage and recognised the motion detection bit - although mine normally picks up spiders. I've no logo on my video, must have turned it off.On topic OP this must be part a relief in catching him and part a horrible feeling to know what they have done.
I wouldn't be able to live with them after this, whatever course of action you take it won't be fun - good luck!
Ham_and_Jam said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
He'll be going.
What time is the showdown?I didn't reply
paradigital said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
He's been in since early June last year.
The detections prior to that were me
How long was he in your room, not how long had he been a lodger The detections prior to that were me
Chat had. Initially he denied it, said I know without doubt he's lying (didn't mention camera) and he then didn't deny it. I said major breach of trust and that I couldn't have that and I want him out now. Lodger apologises and said he had nowhere to stay, I said I'd give him remaining month's rent back and he books a local hotel or whatever. Take his needs-must belongings and he can pick up the rest of the stuff when I'm available.
Been a long day, 11+ hour shift at work, this hassle too..... And it's my birthday, not the greatest I've had
Been a long day, 11+ hour shift at work, this hassle too..... And it's my birthday, not the greatest I've had
Mr Happy said:
pocketspring said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
Chat had. Initially he denied it, said I know without doubt he's lying (didn't mention camera) and he then didn't deny it. I said major breach of trust and that I couldn't have that and I want him out now. Lodger apologises and said he had nowhere to stay, I said I'd give him remaining month's rent back and he books a local hotel or whatever. Take his needs-must belongings and he can pick up the rest of the stuff when I'm available.
Been a long day, 11+ hour shift at work, this hassle too..... And it's my birthday, not the greatest I've had
Happy birthday! Get anything nice? Been a long day, 11+ hour shift at work, this hassle too..... And it's my birthday, not the greatest I've had
(Also, Happy Birthday OP!)
luckily that's at work! vaud said:
FrankAbagnale said:
Most of me is delighted with the concise nature of this thread, the solid follow ups including photo evidence and a swift conclusion.
There is a small a part of me that wished this turned in to a 100 page epic.
It still might.There is a small a part of me that wished this turned in to a 100 page epic.
Jimmy No Hands said:
I always wondered how people live with lodgers. Isn't it just weird having a - to a degree - stranger prancing about your home, your castle?
I just couldn't do it, even for good money. I can't stand the majority of people in the outside world, let alone want to let somebody into my personal abode.
It must be difficult? Do events like this make you regret it? (Legitimate question)
No I don't regret it. It is a bit of stress but he's paid me about £3700 since June (tax free). I hope to be mortgage free well before 45. My previous lodger was a really, really nice guy. We are still friends but he had to leave to care for his mother. He wants to come back when she passes away and he will be very welcome. I just couldn't do it, even for good money. I can't stand the majority of people in the outside world, let alone want to let somebody into my personal abode.
It must be difficult? Do events like this make you regret it? (Legitimate question)
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