As the saying goes, fish and houseguests have about a three-day limit. After that they begin to, well you know…suffice it to say they should really be on their way out. That is the ideal of course, but unfortunately some houseguests don’t understand the temporary nature of being ‘a guest.’ Most anyone who has shared a dwelling with a roommate has had to deal with a third roommate issue on some level or another. It could be on the more basic level, like frequent unannounced guests, or on a more severe level, like suddenly finding themselves living with a full-fledge, zero bill paying freeloader house guest. If you are at this point or approaching this point rapidly, here are some techniques to help unload that freeloader.
It’s Time to Get Out!
If the houseguest is just beginning to wear out their welcome, the time is now to strike. Try talking to them and your roommate and inquire about their exit date and future plans. If the houseguest has been there for a while and has pitched their tent without any offer to contribute financially, odds are they are probably too inept to take any subtle signals. Best go straight to your roommate. Let them know as tactfully but directly as possible the problem with their friend or significant other staying without contribution or unanimous permission. Again, if it has gotten to the point where it is a problem though, best to be quickly direct before things get to an explosive confrontation.
Consult Your Lease
If diplomatic talks with your roommate and/or houseguest just aren’t working, there are some more drastic measures you can take. Many lease agreements have stipulations about long-term guests, and depending on your lease, your landlord may disapprove of houseguests tenants who don’t pay rent. If you do decide to take this route, be sure to approach it carefully as to not upset your roommate to the point where living together proves impossible. Letting your landlord know it’s a tricky situation could be the key to getting the houseguest evicted without taking the blame. Understand though, depending on the state and the lease agreement, even permanent houseguests have rights concerning eviction and sometimes require just as much notice as paying tenants.
Support Your Roommate
One last thing to consider when approaching freeloader situations like this is that in certain instances, your roommate may want to get rid of the freeloader as much as you do, even if it is their friend or the person they are currently dating. If you think that this might be part of the issue and your roommate might need the extra encouragement to cut their friend off, then mention that you will be helpful and supportive getting that person onto the next step in their lives.
- How to be a Good Houseguest
- How to Put a Friend or Relative Out of Your House
- Houseguests 101
- How to Get Your Houseguests to Leave
Whatever be the case, it is always a very delicate circumstance. Good luck and be strong!
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