Have you ever had a lodger in your house? Was it a mistake or good.

One Saturday morning at about 8am, there was a ring at the bell. A waif like woman stood there, himself had answered.

She wondered is we had a spare room. She knew damn fine we had as the kids had left home. So Josie arrived. I was not too keen, but as we had a spare fridgefrom my Mums flat she could use that.

She did pay rent, but my gut feeling was there was something wrong. She was fussy in what she ate, but I found out she was anorexic, and had used her sob stories before. She did not last long.

Next we had a fellow whose office was near us but lived on the other side of the country. He stayed with us when he worked nearby, always had the same breakfast, and paid by the night. A perfect combination. We could have charged by the whole week, but money is not my prime concern, just a few extra pounds.

We had work experience students in their early 20s from France. They were coming over here working with local firms and building up links while improving their language skills and learning vocabulary specific to their area of expertise.

They used to stay for about 6 months at a time. Most were delightful, one I couldn't wait to get rid off and another made a pass at me (I was younger then). The one of Allgerian descent taught me some great recipes, my French certainly improved, I became a fan of French folks songs and it was a worthwhile experience.

We had a nurse from Ghana lodge with us for a few months until she found her own flat. She was lovely and paid her rent very promptly. I don't know if I would do it again though.

Had one that was perfect, worked in city and home at weekends, others for a sports season from oz and didn't like but financially great. Too intrusive tbh

When I was married a friend of my ex moved in for a few weeks and it was a disaster. He paid very little rent but if eg we had a takeaway he expected us to pay for his share. He would drink milk like it was going out of fashion- he really cost us money because of his thoughtlessness. He was earning a very good salary, he could have afforded to rent a flat.

I could not take in a lodger now although I have the space- he or she would not like to hear me padding to the loo 3 hourly. Anyway I have been on my own for too long.

When I was walking in my village yesterday a woman stopped her car and told me how much she liked the fairtrade top I was wearing. She went on to tell me of her love of travel and Peru. She then drove off only to then reverse up and ask whether I had a spare bed. I am afraid I lied and said no. Having a lodger would be my worst nightmare because I am so set in my ways after 17 years living alone. I don't think she would like my 5am getting up either!

We had our mod langs assistants from my school staying, and then we had students from the local University. It was great fun most of the time, and it paid for all sorts of extras, and also paid for DD1 when she went to Uni.

Still in touch with several of them.

My son was in a band back in the 90's and the new guitarist moved in with us for "a couple of weeks'. Six months later when my son had actually moved out he was still here and my husband had to politely tell him it was time to move on - he went to stay with someone else in Reading and probably didn't pay then rent either. Having said that he was a lovely lad and a brilliant musician. While he was here we also had another band member stay in the same room - the mess had to be seen to be believed - he only lasted a fortnight

Since my brother had a breakdown, lost his job and his marriage ended I have had a lodger. He ain't heavy, he's my brother!

Our now SIL might just as well have been a lodger - but we did not get paid!

My Sister stayed here while house hunting , I am still on n
speaking terms ....................just about

My younger daughters boyfriend was sofa surfing so I said he could move in with us, stuck it out for a couple of months and I had had enough so gave them a deposit to rent a flat, never again!