I've been living in a house in London since summer 2025.
I signed a lodger agreement but I don't believe I'm legally a lodger because my landlord doesn't live at the property. He lives elsewhere and has to be called to come over whenever something needs fixing. I have WhatsApp messages proving this including one where he refers to it as "your kitchen."
The property has more occupants. The other occupants have self-contained studios with their own kitchen and bathroom on a separate floor. I have a lockable room with my own ensuite and a shared kitchen on another floor.
Yesterday he handed me a written notice citing Section 3A of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, claiming I'm a lodger and asking me to leave by 1 June. His reason is a relative is moving in.
My deposit was never protected in a government scheme.
I've spoken to Shelter who described it as a likely sham agreement and confirmed I probably have an assured tenancy. They also confirmed that this type of relative doesn't qualify under Ground 1 of the Renters Rights Act.
My only issue is that he has some empty rooms on ground floor and he gets bills on this address but I never shared the kitchen or toilet with him. He keeps insisting I am a lodger and he dismissed my concerns when I raised my rights. I still want to leave as I don't like to live where I am not wanted but I just want to make sure I have proper notice not how he put the situation that because of his good will I have one month notice.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any advice welcome.