How to ask your lodger to leave

You might end up wanting to get your lodger to leave for whatever reason – you might feel more comfortable living alone, or no longer need the extra cash.

Giving notice

To end your lodger's stay you don’t have to go to court to evict them, you just have to give ‘reasonable notice’ to leave. This is usually the length of the rental payment period, so if they pay rent weekly, you’ll need to give them a week to leave. This notice doesn’t have to be in writing.

It’s also worth noting that if you and your lodger both agree, you can ask them to leave at any time.

Issues with a lodger

If you're experiencing issues with your lodger, try talking to them first. If that doesn't work, the next best step is to write a letter voicing your concerns and asking them to change their behaviour. Don't threaten them, and keep a copy of what you've written. If your lodger doesn't take any notice of your note, you may need to write a second, more formal letter, warning them that if things don't change, you're going to have to ask them to leave.

Once you've decided to give them notice, it's best to do so in writing and hand them the letter personally. It's also a good idea to ensure there's someone else present. If there are any disputes, you can refer to all the written documentation you've got to prove that you've done everything properly.

On most occasions, the lodger will leave on or before the date stated in the notice you've given them. However, if they do refuse to move out you might have to proceed with eviction. Before you get to this stage, try all other options, i.e. you could contact their next of kin to see if they can help, or speak to their university accommodation office if your lodger is a student.

Thankfully it’s rare for things to get to this stage.

Evicting your lodger

Just before the notice period expires, ask your lodger when they’ll be leaving. They might need an extra day or two after the notice period (which you might agree to).

If your lodger still won't leave, you may ultimately need to prevent them from re-entering the property. One option is to change the locks while they are out and explain that they can no longer stay. If you’re worried there could be any conflict, consider having an independent witness or the police present for support. Avoid using any force, as this could lead to legal issues.

If you find yourself in this situation, it's wise to get legal advice – but this procedure should only ever be used as a last resort.