Tenant acting unreasonably

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jamesh764

184 posts

141 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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sugerbear said:
As for inspections they do seem pointless as the landlord can have their property destroyed at any stage if the tenant really wants. Why can't the landlord protect themselves with insurance if they are that worried about damage?
We never bothered inspecting our flat whilst it had a tenant in it. If he was going to trash it (and he did) then he was the one who had to live there in the trashed flat whilst paying rent.

northwest monkey

6,370 posts

188 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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LoonR1 said:
sugerbear said:
What an odd thing to say. There really isn't any difference between leasing a car and a house. If anything you get more protection as a landlord because of the requirement for a big up front deposit which can be used to offset any damage at the end of the tenancy.

Both business assets that are lent to people in return tor a payment.

As for inspections they do seem pointless as the landlord can have their property destroyed at any stage if the tenant really wants. Why can't the landlord protect themselves with insurance if they are that worried about damage?
A big deposit? One months rent, even two months can be swallowed up very quickly with some wanton damage. Ever tried returning a damaged car? The finance company will pursue you all the way, whereas a private landlord is often just an individual who can't afford to pursue.
Most of the time, the scrotes that cause damage aren't worth pursuing anyway. Even if you took them to court and won, they have nothing - no income, no assets. Part & parcel of being a landlord unfortunately.

LoonR1

26,988 posts

176 months

Friday 4th September 2015
quotequote all
northwest monkey said:
LoonR1 said:
sugerbear said:
What an odd thing to say. There really isn't any difference between leasing a car and a house. If anything you get more protection as a landlord because of the requirement for a big up front deposit which can be used to offset any damage at the end of the tenancy.

Both business assets that are lent to people in return tor a payment.

As for inspections they do seem pointless as the landlord can have their property destroyed at any stage if the tenant really wants. Why can't the landlord protect themselves with insurance if they are that worried about damage?
A big deposit? One months rent, even two months can be swallowed up very quickly with some wanton damage. Ever tried returning a damaged car? The finance company will pursue you all the way, whereas a private landlord is often just an individual who can't afford to pursue.
Most of the time, the scrotes that cause damage aren't worth pursuing anyway. Even if you took them to court and won, they have nothing - no income, no assets. Part & parcel of being a landlord unfortunately.
I know, believe me I know.

zarjaz1991

3,471 posts

122 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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PurpleMoonlight said:
Probably because your tenants are frightened of being evicted but personally I would call that oppressive.
My previous landlord started off with quarterly inspections, through the letting agent, but the purpose of these was to check on the property, not me.

For example, they spotted a cracked window....I had not cracked it, it was like that when I moved in but it got missed in the original inventory by both of us, so they had the glass replaced. The inspections were done to ensure routine maintenance got completed.

At my current rented property they don't seem fussed about doing them. However both the landlord and letting agent have a key which they know I am quite happy for them to use if they need to get in for any repair or inspection, they just text me and ask if it's ok. Invariably I'll be out at work when they want to come so I just tell them to go ahead.

Shoul they have an urgent need to go in at short notice, such as if a neighbour reported the alarm going off or something, then they know that they can do and they would just text or email me to let me know. I know they won't abuse this arrangement, and similar they know I wont abuse the property, which incidentally was rented to me in a May this year in fantastic condition and because it's my home I am just as keen as the landlord to keep it that way.

I even pay a gardener to keep the garden tidy. It's my home, I don't want it to be a tip. Not sure why some people seem to.

Kateg28

1,352 posts

162 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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When I rented, I had an annual inspection and I could choose (within reason) the date and time.

It was to check the property was in good repair so that meant I was treating it well and there was no damage caused by the house just being there. For instance one inspection threw up tree roots growing into the cess pit.

I hated them as felt I was being inspected and hated people walking through my home like they owned the place.

But they did and I respected their rights to do so. It was only 15 minutes of my year and then we all got on with our lives.

Hol

8,360 posts

199 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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If somebody borrows something from someone else, then they should look after it and maintain it to the same standard of repair - to the best of their ability.


Cars, trailers, Houses, Lawn mowers, electric tools, garden furniture, camping equipment - you don't expect them to be returned damaged and dirty.


Simply because you are paying rent should not invalidate societies rules.

jbsportstech

5,069 posts

178 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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I don't mind inspection had one company do them every 2-3 months as was a bit of pain as the agent would give me notice and there was no negotiation.

Other house I had the agent didn't bother till 18 months. I think since we have a good tenants ref form the last house why would we change and start trashing the place. Even had comments on one that considering I have young children the place is so well kept.

I have heard horror stories though one person I worked rented his cottage to some guy who had it as a holiday let and turned it into a cannabis factory.

Others I have know people completely redec a house to their taste without permission.

I think every 6 months is fine

zarjaz1991

3,471 posts

122 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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jbsportstech said:
I don't mind inspection had one company do them every 2-3 months as was a bit of pain as the agent would give me notice and there was no negotiation.

Other house I had the agent didn't bother till 18 months. I think since we have a good tenants ref form the last house why would we change and start trashing the place. Even had comments on one that considering I have young children the place is so well kept.

I have heard horror stories though one person I worked rented his cottage to some guy who had it as a holiday let and turned it into a cannabis factory.

Others I have know people completely redec a house to their taste without 9permission.

I think every 6 months is fine
No negotiation on dates and times of inspection? I'd have something to say about that, along the lines of "I will be at work. I need to work in order to pay the rent". Inspections should be at a mutually convenient time. I wonder if the landlord was aware of the letting agent's inflexibility? Many are not.

selym

9,539 posts

170 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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superlightr said:
nitrodave said:
Jeez, if you were my managing agent I'd be upset too.

Tenant moves in, and is subjected to frequent inspections which turn up nothing. He pays the rent and hasn;t trashed the place. I'm not surprised he's vexxed with you.

I rented a flat for a few years and not once did I see the managing agent or landlord.
did you read the posts? We are trying to get 1 inspection a year and are being refused. Hardly frequent.
I'd wager that the tenant agreed to the periodicity of inspections when signing the paperwork though? If they didn't read the agreement more fool them, but I'd bet they thought they could just chin it off when it came up.

zarjaz1991

3,471 posts

122 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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My previous landlord, who had several properties, had almost as much trouble with crap letting agents as he did with crap tenants. In the finish, despite being happy to pay letting agents their fee if they did it properly, he resorted to managing them himself. It was no more hassle to do that given the fact he was constantly having to sort out problems caused by the letting agents.

Only downside for me as a tenant is that I used to feel slightly guilty if I had to contact him over something. Irrational, but I felt I was disturbing him, whereas when you're calling a letting agency, that's their job.

Nonetheless as a tenant I rarely have much contact with the landlord. I get minor stuff sorted myself and only bother the landlord if it's something bigger, like guttering or heating. I leave the landlord alone and I find in return he leaves me alone.

I feel there are too many examples of both landlord and tenants who don't seem capable of acting wth reason and common sense when it comes to renting property.

Centurion07

10,381 posts

246 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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superlightr said:
They looked very silly when the mag said after their 'speech' it was not defendable as it was issued correctly.
You'd hope the solicitor would be in some sort of trouble for that.

It should be pretty clear if the correct procedures have been followed or not.

superlightr

Original Poster:

12,842 posts

262 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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Just had in a reference request from a new Landlord about this tenant. Tempted to say that we are seeking legal advice on what we can say before replying.

That may get the warning bells ringing.
Clearly we need to be factual and true.

LoonR1

26,988 posts

176 months

Friday 4th September 2015
quotequote all
superlightr said:
Just had in a reference request from a new Landlord about this tenant. Tempted to say that we are seeking legal advice on what we can say before replying.

That may get the warning bells ringing.
Clearly we need to be factual and true.
Just decline to comment. Send a letter back saying "we are unable to provide a reference at this point". It doesn't say anything negative, but speaks volumes to the receiving agent.

superlightr

Original Poster:

12,842 posts

262 months

Friday 4th September 2015
quotequote all
Centurion07 said:
superlightr said:
They looked very silly when the mag said after their 'speech' it was not defendable as it was issued correctly.
You'd hope the solicitor would be in some sort of trouble for that.

It should be pretty clear if the correct procedures have been followed or not.
the tenant didnt use a specialist solicitor so they were coming out with all sorts of nonsense why the notice should not be granted. They were being paid by their client who im sure told them to try it on even if they were advised it was not likely to succeed.

The tenant was a barrack room lawyer who though he could be super clever and tricksy - pretty much the only thing he hasnt said is that he is a Freeman of the land crap etc.

randlemarcus

13,507 posts

230 months

Friday 4th September 2015
quotequote all
superlightr said:
Just had in a reference request from a new Landlord about this tenant. Tempted to say that we are seeking legal advice on what we can say before replying.

That may get the warning bells ringing.
Clearly we need to be factual and true.
I'd tread very carefully, as it will almost certainly be seen by the tenant biggrin

Off Topic, I've just been badly let down by a landlord on a future rental. Aside from Rightmove and Gumtree, are there any other reasonable places to look for a rural 5+ bed in Yorkshire?

Vaud

50,291 posts

154 months

Friday 4th September 2015
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randlemarcus said:
Off Topic, I've just been badly let down by a landlord on a future rental. Aside from Rightmove and Gumtree, are there any other reasonable places to look for a rural 5+ bed in Yorkshire?
Long shot, but they the local university "for sale/rent" pages - often visible to non-staff as well...

JustinP1

13,330 posts

229 months

Friday 4th September 2015
quotequote all
LoonR1 said:
superlightr said:
Just had in a reference request from a new Landlord about this tenant. Tempted to say that we are seeking legal advice on what we can say before replying.

That may get the warning bells ringing.
Clearly we need to be factual and true.
Just decline to comment. Send a letter back saying "we are unable to provide a reference at this point". It doesn't say anything negative, but speaks volumes to the receiving agent.
I did that once about an employee and regretted it.

The guy ended up being a con-artist who scammed us and also another employee out of about £5000.

I declined, hoping that would send the message, however I got a phone call 6 months later by them asking to speak about my reference, telling me that he had done the same thing the other side of the country.

Devil2575

13,400 posts

187 months

Friday 4th September 2015
quotequote all
A lad I work with has a number of rental properties in town that he lets to students at the local university. He used to inspect annually but now he inspects them every month. His view is that a lot can go wrong quickly, especially with students who aren't always the most house proud/observent. One lot didn't notice a water leak that ended up taking the ceiling down over a 6 month period. They were either oblivious to it or didn't think that they should inform him.

It's his asset and the regular inspections are discussed before contracts are signed. If potential tennants aren't happy they are free to go elsewhere.


matchmaker

8,463 posts

199 months

Friday 4th September 2015
quotequote all
LoonR1 said:
superlightr said:
Just had in a reference request from a new Landlord about this tenant. Tempted to say that we are seeking legal advice on what we can say before replying.

That may get the warning bells ringing.
Clearly we need to be factual and true.
Just decline to comment. Send a letter back saying "we are unable to provide a reference at this point". It doesn't say anything negative, but speaks volumes to the receiving agent.
Exactly - the same way you would deal with a reference for a former employee who was carp!

BobSaunders

3,028 posts

154 months

Friday 4th September 2015
quotequote all
I rented from 2005 to 2008, and 2010 until 2014. It was standard as part of the terms and conditions for a review/walk around. If it wasn't i had it amended so that it was - simply protects landlord and tenant.

It's a simple walk around - looking for stuff like damp, problems with electrics, water etc. It's not rummaging through sock draws. Landlord simply came in and looked around for issues like damp, electrics, plumbing, general wear and tear. It was always done at agreed times when we would be there so we could walk them around and talk them through things.

Why anyone would think it's an invasion of privacy? god knows. Your renting.. It's not your house/flat/whatever.