10. What can I do about the flatmate from hell?
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England
Most problems in shared housing are to do with a clash of lifestyles or day-to-day issues. Whether you're living with an all night DJ, a chain smoker, a milk thief or a slob, other people's habits can be a nightmare! Try to choose who you live with carefully and agree some ground rules.
If the problems have already started, your options will usually depend on what the problem is and whose name the agreement is in. If you have separate tenancies, you may be able to ask the landlord to sort things out. But if you have a joint tenancy, you will probably have to sort out problems between you. If one person isn't paying their rent, you could end up having to pay their share. And if they cause problems, the landlord may decide to evict all of you.
In some cases, the only options may be to put up with the situation or move out. If this is the case, be sure to end your tenancy properly before you go. In extreme cases (for example, if your flatmate is violent or causes a serious nuisance) the council, or even the police, may be able to help you.
