Stingy, pretentious landlord Rigsby is looking for another lodger. One of his current lodgers, Miss Jones, is keen for her acquaintance, Philip, to move in because she is attracted to him.

Rigsby, Alan, Philip and Ruth go out to an upmarket restaurant (which has a strict dress code) for Ruth's birthday. Rigsby borrows his new lodger Spooner's suit, without his permission.

Alan wears an earring to attract the opposite sex, which Rigsby disapproves of. Alan sneaks Maureen into his room; Rigsby hears her and ejects her.

Rigsby has to tell an ill-tempered wrestler to turn down the volume on his radio.

Ruth's screams of a prowler brings Rigsby to her side and prompts a visit from the regional crime squad.

Rigsby's political loyalties are put to the test as election fever grips the house.