Finding sensible lodgers

Narj

Narj

Narj

Soldato
Joined
19 Feb 2010
Posts
13,254
Location
London
I've had lodgers in the past who were great. I eventually asked them to move on as usually after 2 years I need alone time for a year or so.

I'm soon going to be ready for another round of extra income given the spare room but I'm stuck as to how I find anyone outside my own circle that isn't a tramp/druggie/alcoholic.

How do others approach this and how do you make the ground rules clear as it's always been mates/family in the past? I'm paranoid tbh.

Do I just look for a night shift worker or something? Women are a no no as they tend to be untidy and eat all the toilet roll. :p
 
Last edited:
A friend of mine has used Spareroom for years with good results and hasn't had any idiots. It might be worth contacting a letting agency too. Although probably more expensive, I've used them for hassle free finding and vetting.
 
One thing you could do is a a 5 day monday->friday rental (or I guess Sunday evening -> Friday evening), that should get rid of the potentially chaotic tenants as it is mostly attractive for professionals who perhaps have a family home elsewhere but just need a place to sleep during the week.

Obviously you'll sacrifice a bit of income but you mentioned alone time in between lodgers/sacrificing income for a year at a time - this way you'll get some alone time every weekend.
 
Thanks chaps, I didn't even realise the weekday terms were even a thing. Great shout! Much appreciated :)
 
I think a shift worker would be better, then you are off work at different times. The only problem then would be having night shifts they would be sleeping in the day time.
 
Get anyone, in, doesn't matter. If they start irritating you simply walk around the house nake fapping with a shampoo bottle shoved up your bum, they'll disappear rather sharpish, mark my words.
 
Personal experience?

dpbadger said:
I think a shift worker would be better, then you are off work at different times. The only problem then would be having night shifts they would be sleeping in the day time.
Click to expand...

If one or other is working nights and the other isn't good chance it won't work unless both are considerate and even then it kind of limits what one can do during the day hours and potentially being woken up at night when they come in.
 
Rroff said:
Personal experience?



If one or other is working nights and the other isn't good chance it won't work unless both are considerate and even then it kind of limits what one can do during the day hours and potentially being woken up at night when they come in.
Click to expand...

I agree, terrible idea!
 
Narj - if you work for a fairly big organisation, you could advertise on your intranet noticeboard? This was in year 2000, but my workplace back then was 3000+ employees and it had a directory of landlords willing to rent out a house or a room. I ended up renting a room as a lodger, with landlady + I sharing the facilities. She worked later hours than I did, so I was able to use the kitchen by myself to cook and do laundry and it all worked out fine.

Edit: a more modern option might be Air BnB although it might be short term only?
 
Great replies. :)

Spare room is an interesting site. Lots of attractive young ladies angling for cheap rent but I'm too old to fall for that trap. :D

As for renting to workmates, do you really want someone that will talk shop in the evenings!?

Cheers all.
 
Last edited:
Thekwango said:
Never ever bunk with mates. always a bad idea.
Click to expand...
Me and my best friend rent a 2 bedroom together, sure we have our clashes every now and then but overall it's been a lot of fun.

Still, looking to buy a place with the girlfriend next year, now that will be real fun :cool:
 
dowie said:
One thing you could do is a a 5 day monday->friday rental (or I guess Sunday evening -> Friday evening), that should get rid of the potentially chaotic tenants as it is mostly attractive for professionals who perhaps have a family home elsewhere but just need a place to sleep during the week.

Obviously you'll sacrifice a bit of income but you mentioned alone time in between lodgers/sacrificing income for a year at a time - this way you'll get some alone time every weekend.
Click to expand...
My sister does this. She lives 20mins from the city and Docklands. She made good friends with one women from Bristol. You do sacrifice the income but you get weekends to yourself.
 
Pawnless Endgame said:
Narj - if you work for a fairly big organisation, you could advertise on your intranet noticeboard? This was in year 2000, but my workplace back then was 3000+ employees and it had a directory of landlords willing to rent out a house or a room. I ended up renting a room as a lodger, with landlady + I sharing the facilities. She worked later hours than I did, so I was able to use the kitchen by myself to cook and do laundry and it all worked out fine.

Edit: a more modern option might be Air BnB although it might be short term only?
Click to expand...

Coming from someone who used to rent rooms when working away I found Air BnB great for finding somewhere long term. I would just book for a week in rooms I liked the look at, if the week went well and I was happy I'd ask the landlord if they would want to come to some sort of arrangement outside of Air BnB.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom