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
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
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 draw 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 draw 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.
2 x choices -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 draw 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 draw 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
1. No proof, just serve him notice and evict.
2. Get proof with the camera, show him and turf out ASAP. Tell him any hassle and it will be reported to the police.
In the interim, get a lock on your door and keep all personal and valuable possessions in the locked room.
If you can get a video of him doing it you could confront him. Otherwise you can just give him notice and if you would like an easy way out something like "a family member needs to rent the room" or similar.
Good luck with the next lodger - if it helps, you are still financially up and the next one might be great. My lodger is my mate now and its nice having him there.
Good luck with the next lodger - if it helps, you are still financially up and the next one might be great. My lodger is my mate now and its nice having him there.
Hi lodger, sorry but the room is no longer available, as per the contract you have 4 weeks to move out.
Leave it at that, pursuing the lodger for costs for bits and bobs here and there will only anger you even more, when he denies it and refuses to contribute.
Get a lock on your door before the next lodger is found.
Leave it at that, pursuing the lodger for costs for bits and bobs here and there will only anger you even more, when he denies it and refuses to contribute.
Get a lock on your door before the next lodger is found.
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".... If you're really petty you could just write off the aftershave by having slash in it then let have free reign, safe in the knowledge that he's wandering around with Eau Du Urine splashed on his face.......or on the other hand, do the sensible thing and evict with no reasons and move on.
That's a bit creepy - I wouldn't be able to sleep at night with him in the house.
Probably been rummaging through your undies too
If it was me, I'd probably just give him notice saying your sister needs the room (or something) as if you get into a row it could be 4 very very dodgy weeks with him still in the house and able to get up to god-knows-what with his warped mind set on revenge
Probably been rummaging through your undies too
If it was me, I'd probably just give him notice saying your sister needs the room (or something) as if you get into a row it could be 4 very very dodgy weeks with him still in the house and able to get up to god-knows-what with his warped mind set on revenge
I used to rent a room from a mate, it was for the most part good fun, however, things started to go a little south when he'd send me a list of things demanding i brought home, nothing huge, hand soap, bog rolls, laundry detergent etc.
We used to pretty much share everything with that regard, however if i popped to the shop on the way home & for instance brought a supermarket own brand rather than a Fairy, or Daz, or Ariel or whatever, he got a bit arsey.
It was the beginning of the end for me & i gave him notice & moved out, partly because he'd pissed me off as i'd buy most of the food & do all the cooking/cleaning & i couldn't be bothered to fall out about not buying the right brand of washing detergent, plus he would help himself to my stuff (which i had no issue with really) but also as i was in the process of buying my own house.
As others have said, just get a lock on your room, hide everything of value in a locked room & give notice.
We used to pretty much share everything with that regard, however if i popped to the shop on the way home & for instance brought a supermarket own brand rather than a Fairy, or Daz, or Ariel or whatever, he got a bit arsey.
It was the beginning of the end for me & i gave him notice & moved out, partly because he'd pissed me off as i'd buy most of the food & do all the cooking/cleaning & i couldn't be bothered to fall out about not buying the right brand of washing detergent, plus he would help himself to my stuff (which i had no issue with really) but also as i was in the process of buying my own house.
As others have said, just get a lock on your room, hide everything of value in a locked room & give notice.
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
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.
Life's too short. On his last day tell him why but don't get involved with, by your admission, petty stuff ahead of that. Could cause more grief. I’d be telling him that you know and telling him he’s got a week. I had a similar situation but actually worse. I’d taken a lodger in as I was working away quite a bit and just wanted to know that the house was occupied.
It started off brilliantly and he was ever so respectful of the property, but over the months he just started taking more and more liberties, which foolishly I let pass. The final straw was coming home and realising someone had been sleeping in my bed. Now I accept that I’m a bit OCD so I’d have noticed even if the pillow was in a slightly different position, but he’d not even made an effort to make the damn bed properly. I was royally pissed off and asked him what the hell he thought he was playing at.
I got an absolute bulls
t story that his mum had been visiting when the weather closed in and she wasn’t comfortable driving home.
I knew he was lying which pissed me off even more. What was beautiful though, a couple of days later I was back at the house, and his mother was visiting, so I asked her if she’d slept well when she’d stayed over. She was like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He was gone a week later. His replacement, again started brilliantly but turned out to be a gambling addict and just wasn’t paying as he couldn’t, he was frittering away his monthly wage in a matter of hours of being paid.
He got very angry when I served him notice and I was away working at the time so couldn’t got home. I think it’s the most stressed I’ve ever been, he wasn’t answering calls and I was dreading getting home expecting a horror show. Got there on the Friday evening and he’d duly left, house was immaculate, his room was immaculate and he’d popped his keys back through the letterbox. Never had another lodger again.
It started off brilliantly and he was ever so respectful of the property, but over the months he just started taking more and more liberties, which foolishly I let pass. The final straw was coming home and realising someone had been sleeping in my bed. Now I accept that I’m a bit OCD so I’d have noticed even if the pillow was in a slightly different position, but he’d not even made an effort to make the damn bed properly. I was royally pissed off and asked him what the hell he thought he was playing at.
I got an absolute bulls
t story that his mum had been visiting when the weather closed in and she wasn’t comfortable driving home. I knew he was lying which pissed me off even more. What was beautiful though, a couple of days later I was back at the house, and his mother was visiting, so I asked her if she’d slept well when she’d stayed over. She was like a rabbit caught in the headlights. He was gone a week later. His replacement, again started brilliantly but turned out to be a gambling addict and just wasn’t paying as he couldn’t, he was frittering away his monthly wage in a matter of hours of being paid.
He got very angry when I served him notice and I was away working at the time so couldn’t got home. I think it’s the most stressed I’ve ever been, he wasn’t answering calls and I was dreading getting home expecting a horror show. Got there on the Friday evening and he’d duly left, house was immaculate, his room was immaculate and he’d popped his keys back through the letterbox. Never had another lodger again.
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