lodger

A lodger is a person who rents a room or other part of a dwelling in which the owner or primary occupier also lives. Lodgers typically share common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room with the landlord. The occupancy is usually based on a license rather than a full tenancy, and the landlord retains substantial control over the premises. Rent is paid on a regular basis, often weekly or monthly, and the lodger may have limited security of tenure compared with a tenant.

Rights and protections for lodgers vary by jurisdiction. In many legal systems, lodgers have fewer statutory protections than tenants and may be asked to leave on shorter notice. However, the landlord still must comply with applicable laws, including proper notice and safe living conditions. Lodgers generally have a right to reasonable privacy in their own room and access to essential facilities, though they may share utilities and services with the landlord.

Common considerations for lodgers and landlords include the terms of the arrangement, such as rent, deposits, length of stay, rules for common areas, and expectations regarding cleanliness and noise. A written agreement can help clarify rights and responsibilities. Some lodgers live in a self-contained unit within the same building, though this is less common than a shared room in a house.

See also: boarder, subletting, tenant, roommate, house share.