Legal Definitions - lodger

A lodger is an individual who pays to occupy a room or a specific area within another person's home, where the homeowner also resides and maintains overall control and legal possession of the property. Unlike a tenant, a lodger does not acquire an exclusive legal interest in the rented space; the homeowner retains the right to access the area and remains in legal possession of the entire premises.

Here are some examples to illustrate the concept of a lodger:

• Example 1: The University Student

  A university student, Alex, pays a monthly fee to live in a spare bedroom in Mrs. Henderson's house, which is located close to campus. Mrs. Henderson lives in the house, provides Alex with breakfast daily, and occasionally enters Alex's room to clean it, always giving Alex prior notice. Alex shares the main bathroom and kitchen with Mrs. Henderson.

  Explanation: Alex is a lodger because they occupy a room within Mrs. Henderson's primary residence. Mrs. Henderson retains significant control over the property, including the right to access Alex's room (with notice) and providing services like cleaning and meals. Alex does not have exclusive legal possession of the room in the way a tenant would, as Mrs. Henderson continues to live in and manage the home.

• Example 2: The Traveling Professional

  Maria, a traveling consultant, rents a furnished bedroom in David's house for three months while working on a local project. David lives in the house, and Maria shares the kitchen, living room, and laundry facilities with him. David occasionally needs to access a storage closet located within Maria's rented room to retrieve household supplies, after informing her of his need to do so.

  Explanation: Maria is a lodger because she is occupying a room within David's home, where David also resides. David's continued residence and his right to access the storage closet within Maria's rented space demonstrate that he retains legal possession and control over the entire property, including the specific room Maria occupies. Maria does not have the exclusive right to exclude David from that specific area.

• Example 3: The Elderly Homeowner

  Mr. Chen, an elderly widower, rents out a spare bedroom in his large house to Ms. Lee to help with expenses and for companionship. Mr. Chen continues to live in the house, manages all utilities, and occasionally asks Ms. Lee if he can store some seasonal decorations in a small, unused corner of her closet, which she agrees to.

  Explanation: Ms. Lee is a lodger because she occupies a room within Mr. Chen's primary residence. Mr. Chen's continued occupancy, his management of the property, and his ability to request storage space within Ms. Lee's room illustrate that he maintains legal possession and control over the entire house, including the room Ms. Lee occupies. Ms. Lee does not have an exclusive property interest that would prevent Mr. Chen from accessing parts of the rented space with her permission.