The state of our tenanted flat after 2 years
Discussion
We have a flat in the south, which has been in our family since 2003. It went on the market briefly 3 years ago, but due to legal issues with the management company and the subsequent discoveries and complications, it's become currently impossible to sell until these problems have been brought to a conclusion.
After a year, a couple of our acquaintance who we were on good terms with were given notice on an adjacent property they were renting. They were in a potentially difficult position, and after some discussion, involving us negotiating and vouching for them ( they have two cats, which in principal aren't allowed here ), the residents association relaxed the rules and granted permission, on the basis that they were house cats and would present no concerns to others in those circumstances.
For the avoidance of doubt, we were instrumental in this being offered to them, as there was a significant amount of reticence displayed by some other residents due to them having pets. We also agreed to limit the rent to what they could afford, several hundred pounds a month less than market value. We did this on the basis that they were known to us, had tenanted locally for 3 or 4 years and we had heard nothing negative about them. We also felt the flat would be better off being lived in than standing empty.
Fast forward to this week. I drove from Newcastle to Southampton on Sunday to a vacated flat after a not inconsiderable amount of resistance to our requesting them to depart. We had given them 11 months notice that we would need access to the flat this month due to changing family circumstances and the need to update and let the flat out commercially for the market value. We also had said due to the parking difficulties in the complex, and the necessity for us to have two vehicles here, we would need access to the garage, the response to this being that they had the garage full of their own stuff, and what did we expect them to do with it. Given that the general rule is that the garages here should be used for cars due to the parking difficulties, it came as a surprise to us that they weren't complying with this. We were left having to point out what I felt to be the obvious answer, and that it would be needed for it's intended purpose on our arrival, despite their disregard of this during their stay.
Having set out already knowing I would be replacing the ensuite in it's entirety, fit an up to date fuse board, a new kitchen floor, and various minor other jobs, it's become apparent that our decision to try and help these people has left us with absolutely zero faith in humanity. The carpets are filthy, they have had various candles etc burning, and have been vaping, which has left the woodwork and hard surfaces discoloured and sticky to touch, the cats have used the curtains as a scratching post, meaning the linings are torn, and the entire flat smells unclean.
The final straw yesterday was when it became apparent that we had both suffered from flea bites. Further investigation has revealed the place to be riddled, and having found them on our bedding this morning, we're at the point where I now have a professional company booked in on the 23rd to spray the place with pesticide.
My plans now are somewhat in tatters. I ripped out the ensuite on Monday, and have multiple deliveries either on site already, or on their way. I've sought help from friends here who are also tradesmen, and who have put time aside to help me. I was planning to be here for most of January, with a weeklong break to go to Dubai to watch the 24 hour WSR at the Autodrome that I go to annually, then back to continue the work. Cancelled now. We think we'll have to book into a hotel locally rather than stay in the flat, as it's impossible to sleep or even relax in it as it stands.
I'm not proud to say that I'm known for my short temper. This has taken even me to a point I rarely get to. The previous occupants have secured short term residence in another apartment in the complex while the owner, recently bereaved, is away for a few months to pull herself together. Ostensibly they're house sitting for her. We know her well. If we had known what fate was to befall us due to their lack of gratitude and respect for our property, I would have had no qualms over warning her of what she might expect on her return, but she had already departed, and they were already in when we arrived, so that ship's sailed.
This an an ultimately pointless rant, a way of venting in a way that doesn't affect those who have to live with my outpourings. But if anyone is stupid enough to say to my face about how landlords are simply in it for themselves, and it's easy money with no downsides, I can see a night in the cells coming my way. In short, it's safe to say that the suggestion that doing people favours from this point on will be regarded by me with the derision it deserves, and they'll be living on the streets before letting them put me through this again,
After a year, a couple of our acquaintance who we were on good terms with were given notice on an adjacent property they were renting. They were in a potentially difficult position, and after some discussion, involving us negotiating and vouching for them ( they have two cats, which in principal aren't allowed here ), the residents association relaxed the rules and granted permission, on the basis that they were house cats and would present no concerns to others in those circumstances.
For the avoidance of doubt, we were instrumental in this being offered to them, as there was a significant amount of reticence displayed by some other residents due to them having pets. We also agreed to limit the rent to what they could afford, several hundred pounds a month less than market value. We did this on the basis that they were known to us, had tenanted locally for 3 or 4 years and we had heard nothing negative about them. We also felt the flat would be better off being lived in than standing empty.
Fast forward to this week. I drove from Newcastle to Southampton on Sunday to a vacated flat after a not inconsiderable amount of resistance to our requesting them to depart. We had given them 11 months notice that we would need access to the flat this month due to changing family circumstances and the need to update and let the flat out commercially for the market value. We also had said due to the parking difficulties in the complex, and the necessity for us to have two vehicles here, we would need access to the garage, the response to this being that they had the garage full of their own stuff, and what did we expect them to do with it. Given that the general rule is that the garages here should be used for cars due to the parking difficulties, it came as a surprise to us that they weren't complying with this. We were left having to point out what I felt to be the obvious answer, and that it would be needed for it's intended purpose on our arrival, despite their disregard of this during their stay.
Having set out already knowing I would be replacing the ensuite in it's entirety, fit an up to date fuse board, a new kitchen floor, and various minor other jobs, it's become apparent that our decision to try and help these people has left us with absolutely zero faith in humanity. The carpets are filthy, they have had various candles etc burning, and have been vaping, which has left the woodwork and hard surfaces discoloured and sticky to touch, the cats have used the curtains as a scratching post, meaning the linings are torn, and the entire flat smells unclean.
The final straw yesterday was when it became apparent that we had both suffered from flea bites. Further investigation has revealed the place to be riddled, and having found them on our bedding this morning, we're at the point where I now have a professional company booked in on the 23rd to spray the place with pesticide.
My plans now are somewhat in tatters. I ripped out the ensuite on Monday, and have multiple deliveries either on site already, or on their way. I've sought help from friends here who are also tradesmen, and who have put time aside to help me. I was planning to be here for most of January, with a weeklong break to go to Dubai to watch the 24 hour WSR at the Autodrome that I go to annually, then back to continue the work. Cancelled now. We think we'll have to book into a hotel locally rather than stay in the flat, as it's impossible to sleep or even relax in it as it stands.
I'm not proud to say that I'm known for my short temper. This has taken even me to a point I rarely get to. The previous occupants have secured short term residence in another apartment in the complex while the owner, recently bereaved, is away for a few months to pull herself together. Ostensibly they're house sitting for her. We know her well. If we had known what fate was to befall us due to their lack of gratitude and respect for our property, I would have had no qualms over warning her of what she might expect on her return, but she had already departed, and they were already in when we arrived, so that ship's sailed.
This an an ultimately pointless rant, a way of venting in a way that doesn't affect those who have to live with my outpourings. But if anyone is stupid enough to say to my face about how landlords are simply in it for themselves, and it's easy money with no downsides, I can see a night in the cells coming my way. In short, it's safe to say that the suggestion that doing people favours from this point on will be regarded by me with the derision it deserves, and they'll be living on the streets before letting them put me through this again,
The old saying no good deed etc.
You are now in a position of no easy way out, I would bite the bullet, stay in a premier inn and gut the place as quick as possible as from what you describe it needs full carpets etc.
If money is tight, charity shops often have great curtains that people change for peanuts. Not ideal but when we re do a rental full carpets are around a grand for the whole house which if you are going to re rent they will need doing.
I have been where you are where between an inspection, every three months our agency does, they wrecked the place and the deposit went no where to the damage.
If you can sue them great but unless the deposit was held legally you will end up not getting anything.
Try not to lose your temper, hard I know as it will not help. good luck mate
You are now in a position of no easy way out, I would bite the bullet, stay in a premier inn and gut the place as quick as possible as from what you describe it needs full carpets etc.
If money is tight, charity shops often have great curtains that people change for peanuts. Not ideal but when we re do a rental full carpets are around a grand for the whole house which if you are going to re rent they will need doing.
I have been where you are where between an inspection, every three months our agency does, they wrecked the place and the deposit went no where to the damage.
If you can sue them great but unless the deposit was held legally you will end up not getting anything.
Try not to lose your temper, hard I know as it will not help. good luck mate
So, a tenant who you argued to be permitted to keep cats left your flat in a condition that one might expect post keeping 2 cats indoor for several years?
What deposit did you take and what conditions did you introduce in respect of end of tenancy cleaning / condition / flea treatment etc?
Fleas are easy enough to- go to a vets and get some of their nasty spray stuff - get a mask, do all the carpets, curtains, soft furnishings, beds and then go out for the day. You might need to extend treatment to communal carpeted areas which might be unpopular with other residents.
This seems pretty normal, assuming you've documented the condition of the flat before they move in and again now, you can just pay a cleaner to deep clean the place and take it out of their deposit. Different people have differing levels of acceptable cleanliness, so they probably feel theyve done nothing wrong.
If you're finding this stressful, seriously reconsider renting out the flat. I suspect you'd be more suited to a less involved use of your cash
If you're finding this stressful, seriously reconsider renting out the flat. I suspect you'd be more suited to a less involved use of your cash
OP have you told your (ex ?) friends how stressful and unacceptable this is to you.
They need to appreciate that you stepped in to help them when they were in need and this is completely unacceptable.
What do they say about the fleas?. Surely they must have been bitten while they were in the flat.
They need to appreciate that you stepped in to help them when they were in need and this is completely unacceptable.
What do they say about the fleas?. Surely they must have been bitten while they were in the flat.
Andeh1 said:
Only to echo the above, you'd be amazed at what some people think is "normal" in terms of cleaning.
Not just cleaning, but the amount of junk they have lying around, clothes drying on radiators and towels hanging on banisters. All renters seem alergic to fresh air, close all trickle vents, refuse to open windows and then complain about mould. They are also completely incapable of wiping condensation from windows, or wiping off the inevitable mould.My tenants move out at the beginiing of February, then I am goign to gut and refurbish the property and get it sold. I am looking forward to not having the hassle of a buy to let anymore, or someone else's housing needs being my problem.
Plus it is clear the government sees amateur landlords as the enemy, so they will be taxed harder and harder in future.
Yes tenants can be t
ts.
We've started selling off our BTL's and started the eviction process on our first one.
I did a visit to see what needs doing for the sale, only to find that since my last visit they have hand painted the kitchen cupboard doors with emulsion which looks terrible (as well as them not having permission). As it was a gloss finish its already peeling off.
It was a brand new kitchen when they moved in.
ts.We've started selling off our BTL's and started the eviction process on our first one.
I did a visit to see what needs doing for the sale, only to find that since my last visit they have hand painted the kitchen cupboard doors with emulsion which looks terrible (as well as them not having permission). As it was a gloss finish its already peeling off.
It was a brand new kitchen when they moved in.
P675 said:
Well you know this is the cost of having the mortgage paid for you or making some cash off it in the 2 years.
Trouble is, the reality is there is very little money to be made in BTL, you would most likely be better off just putting the money in an S&P tracker for five to ten years.I will give you some sample maths.
House value = £425K, mortgage outstanding = £135K, interest only mortgage = £570 a month.
Rent = £1500
Agent fee is 10% = £150
40% tax on £1350 = £540 (Soon to be 42% tax)
That leaves £810 - £570 mortgage leave £240 a month. That doesn't include any repairs, void periods, gas safe certificates, landlord insurance etc.
Plus you will have needed to put 30% deposit in when you bought the property, and paid secondary stamp duty.
Honestly, just not worth the bother and as I said you are a sitting duck for any sort of taxation or legislation that comes in.
Plus it is going to be virtually impossible to get rid of tenants in the future. Even now, if you have not got a gas safe certificate from eight years ago, or didn't issue the how to rent brochure when they moved in you will never be able to issue a section 21.
98elise said:
Yes tenants can be tts.
We've started selling off our BTL's and started the eviction process on our first one.
I did a visit to see what needs doing for the sale, only to find that since my last visit they have hand painted the kitchen cupboard doors with emulsion which looks terrible (as well as them not having permission). As it was a gloss finish its already peeling off.
It was a brand new kitchen when they moved in.
Had one who painted every single door in out door grade heavy duty black vinyl paint, did a proper job and well.ts.We've started selling off our BTL's and started the eviction process on our first one.
I did a visit to see what needs doing for the sale, only to find that since my last visit they have hand painted the kitchen cupboard doors with emulsion which looks terrible (as well as them not having permission). As it was a gloss finish its already peeling off.
It was a brand new kitchen when they moved in.
Will cost way to much remove it, new doors would be cheaper, so have left it be.
bennno said:
So, a tenant who you argued to be permitted to keep cats left your flat in a condition that one might expect post keeping 2 cats indoor for several years?
Most cat owners would give their cats flea medication on a regular basis.So no, only an utter cretin or a serial bulls
tter would suggest fleas are normal.Hol said:
bennno said:
So, a tenant who you argued to be permitted to keep cats left your flat in a condition that one might expect post keeping 2 cats indoor for several years?
Most cat owners would give their cats flea medication on a regular basis.So no, only an utter cretin or a serial bulls
tter would suggest fleas are normal.Having been through something similar years ago, I Feel for you.
After me and the wife bought a house together and mine not being sold at the time, I stupidly took pity on someone who insisted they would be a great tenant, had no pets, only 1 kid yadayada.
turned up to do a house inspection, 3 kids living there, 2 dogs, she was smoking inside the house so every wall was yellow and the place reeked of smoke.
Carpets with burn holes, piles of dog st all over the garden, garage door damaged from her idiot BF crashing into it while pissed.
The deposit went some way to paying for repairs but the house must have taken 3 coats of paint on every single wall to cover the smell of smoke.
Absolute fkin nightmare.
After me and the wife bought a house together and mine not being sold at the time, I stupidly took pity on someone who insisted they would be a great tenant, had no pets, only 1 kid yadayada.
turned up to do a house inspection, 3 kids living there, 2 dogs, she was smoking inside the house so every wall was yellow and the place reeked of smoke.
Carpets with burn holes, piles of dog s
t all over the garden, garage door damaged from her idiot BF crashing into it while pissed.The deposit went some way to paying for repairs but the house must have taken 3 coats of paint on every single wall to cover the smell of smoke.
Absolute fkin nightmare.
Colonel Cupcake said:
Hol said:
bennno said:
So, a tenant who you argued to be permitted to keep cats left your flat in a condition that one might expect post keeping 2 cats indoor for several years?
Most cat owners would give their cats flea medication on a regular basis.So no, only an utter cretin or a serial bulls
tter would suggest fleas are normal.
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