tenancy complaint - mess

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Discussion

SantaBarbara

3,244 posts

108 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
Wings said:
The OP’s posts highlights the need for all private LLs to both vet their own potential tenant/s..
How on earth does it "highlight ". That?

SantaBarbara

3,244 posts

108 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
Ahbefive said:
I'd suggest that the bush or driveway is not meant to be used as a skip, temporarily or otherwise and that people only have storage space in their garages or houses and not in the communal areas or driveways.

I'm sure you would be happy if someone just put a pallet of crap under a tarp on the verge at the end of your driveway but some people don't find it appealing.
What is wrong with that?

mjb1

2,556 posts

159 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
I'd at least mention to the tenant that there's been a 'complaint'. I think I'd prefer to know if someone had been complaining about me. The complainant might have spoken to the tenant already and been told to Foxtrot Oscar. Maybe suggest that they could store their stuff in the garage (since you said that's empty).

Also, what's in the photo's does look fairly trivial, but bear in mind that there might be fair bit more going on. There's evidence of dust marks on the drive way, that appear to be on beyond the tenant's parking space. It's possible that they are coming and going several times a day to load and unload stuff (although the minor amount of materials in the photo doesn't really suggest that), and whilst that isn't a crime, it could get a bit irritating if a bunch of noisy builders in a rattly old transit are constantly coming and going.

Alternatively, reply to the complainant with a link to this thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... and tell them that it could be a whole lot worse!

SantaBarbara

3,244 posts

108 months

Wednesday 20th September 2017
quotequote all
Just say
We do not countenance spurious complaints from SNOBs

jdw100

4,102 posts

164 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
Maybe it was a nice quiet property before with a car on the drive and now its changed to one where blokes in a white van are coming and going?

I imagine -as white van people often are - they are noisy, slamming doors etc.

I'd be upset if I had that going on next door. Total change from what the neighbour has experienced prior to this point.

Now, I'd go and have a word (as I have in previous situations) but maybe the neighbour isn't up to it, perhaps intimidated by white van type people? He is not in the wrong to contact the landlord to express his concerns.

If I were the landlord I'd at least have a chat with tenants and say I've had a few comments and can they ensure they keep noise to a minimum etc.



katz

147 posts

92 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
The sheer snobbery and derision of certain occupations on this thread is amazing. I rent- have been in the same place for nearly three years, maintain the interior of the property as if it was my own, never been behind on the rent. and if my letting agent knocked on the door and said that a small pile of bricks tucked away next to the garage was a concern, I would be out of here like a shot, leaving the landlord wondering how a good paying long term tenant was persuaded to leave. This is my home, and expect to be able to live in it, like my neighbour, and if that includes being a little messy on occasion so be it.

superlightr

Original Poster:

12,852 posts

263 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
jdw100 said:
Maybe it was a nice quiet property before with a car on the drive and now its changed to one where blokes in a white van are coming and going?

I imagine -as white van people often are - they are noisy, slamming doors etc.

I'd be upset if I had that going on next door. Total change from what the neighbour has experienced prior to this point.

Now, I'd go and have a word (as I have in previous situations) but maybe the neighbour isn't up to it, perhaps intimidated by white van type people? He is not in the wrong to contact the landlord to express his concerns.

If I were the landlord I'd at least have a chat with tenants and say I've had a few comments and can they ensure they keep noise to a minimum etc.
and what if they weren't a tenant but owned the house?

RTB

8,273 posts

258 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
jdw100 said:
Maybe it was a nice quiet property before with a car on the drive and now its changed to one where blokes in a white van are coming and going?

I imagine -as white van people often are - they are noisy, slamming doors etc.

I'd be upset if I had that going on next door. Total change from what the neighbour has experienced prior to this point.

Now, I'd go and have a word (as I have in previous situations) but maybe the neighbour isn't up to it, perhaps intimidated by white van type people? He is not in the wrong to contact the landlord to express his concerns.

If I were the landlord I'd at least have a chat with tenants and say I've had a few comments and can they ensure they keep noise to a minimum etc.
I am a landlord and have been in that position. I told the neighbour to go and talk to the tenant and not bother me again.

It isn't my job as a landlord to referee minor neighbourly disputes. The contract I have with my tenant is that I provide a clean, safe house that he and his wife are able to enjoy, while he looks after the property, manages the garden and pays the rent on time. Why would I upset the smooth running of that contract (which I benefit from) to assuage the whining of a busy-body neighbour?




surveyor_101

5,069 posts

179 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
katz said:
The sheer snobbery and derision of certain occupations on this thread is amazing. I rent- have been in the same place for nearly three years, maintain the interior of the property as if it was my own, never been behind on the rent. and if my letting agent knocked on the door and said that a small pile of bricks tucked away next to the garage was a concern, I would be out of here like a shot, leaving the landlord wondering how a good paying long term tenant was persuaded to leave. This is my home, and expect to be able to live in it, like my neighbour, and if that includes being a little messy on occasion so be it.
It cost me to move from rented housing last time I did (not including hols off work and time to sort the houses out)

£300 fees for the new property.

£120 for a van to move as no works van available at the time 3 days of my time.

or £400 for movers

several days hols.

I recon its in excess of £500 and some agents are now charging £400 in just vetting and tenancy fees *(countrywide.

I wouldn't just throw a tantrum if it meant moving a small pile of stuff to keep all parties happy.

Waters wet sky is blue and neighbours moan especially when its a tenant as alot will treat you different. One lady in our street won't give renters the time of day but speaks to all the home owners.

Its how you deal with it.

My current neighbour waited 24 hours before coming round and having a go at me over nothing.


Edited by surveyor_101 on Thursday 21st September 13:54

SantaBarbara

3,244 posts

108 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
surveyor_101 said:
It cost me to move from rented housing last time I did (not including hols off work and time to sort the houses out)

£300 fees for the new property.

£120 for a van to move as no works van available at the time 3 days of my time.

or £400 for movers

several days hols.

I recon its in excess of £500 and some agents are now charging £400 in just vetting and tenancy fees *(countrywide.

I wouldn't just throw a tantrum if it meant moving a small pile of stuff to keep all parties happy.

Waters wet sky is blue and neighbours moan especially when its a tenant as alot will treat you different. One lady in our street won't give renters the time of day but speaks to all the home owners.

Its how you deal with it.

My current neighbour waited 24 hours before coming round and having a go at me over nothing.


Edited by surveyor_101 on Thursday 21st September 13:54
We call that the Hyacinth Bucket syndrome

jdw100

4,102 posts

164 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
superlightr said:
and what if they weren't a tenant but owned the house?
Then I guess the aggrieved party would have to take another route?

If the property is rented you have another line of complaint - the landlord.

I've been there, years ago with the first property I bought. Nice couple next door moved and rented it out via a local agency. A dad rented the place out for his two sons. The end of this road went from a nice quiet place to quite unpleasant.

These boys thought it was okay to arrive at home blasting out music and slamming car doors at all hours. As soon as the summer started they were in the back garden shouting, drinking and playing loud music until dawn.

Black bin bags in the front garden, friends outside the front smoking and drinking. These were small houses so practically on my doorstep.

I had quite a few words with them as did the neighbour the other side. Nice lads but just had no concept of how to behave properly. I was in their house a few times at 04:00 on a Sunday morning telling them to turn it down.

In the end - started on the rental agency; they were good about it. Had words with the lads and, I believe, the father. Made no difference and were given notice to leave. House then sold to a nice lady.

Seen it with some friends as well. Family rented house next to them and turned it into a terrible mess in three months. Dog barking all the time, old wooden pallets on the drive, doors slamming all the time etc etc. Again they got moved on.

Now, I don't know the full story here but as per my post if its gone from a very quiet environment to one where there is increased noise and mess - I'd be upset.

I also think as a landlord you do have a responsibility wider then just collecting the rent. As a landlord (and I am one now and have been in the past) if I thought that my tenants might be causing an issue I would go and have a quiet word at the very least.



superlightr

Original Poster:

12,852 posts

263 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
jdw100 said:
superlightr said:
and what if they weren't a tenant but owned the house?
Now, I don't know the full story here but as per my post if its gone from a very quiet environment to one where there is increased noise and mess - I'd be upset.

I also think as a landlord you do have a responsibility wider then just collecting the rent. As a landlord (and I am one now and have been in the past) if I thought that my tenants might be causing an issue I would go and have a quiet word at the very least.
I agree with you about the noise and what you said in your situation BUT in this instance you have as much info as I do - all we have is a photo and a moan from a neighbour. They are not saying there is noise disturbance or playing music late at night/parties etc just a van that may turn up during the week from time to time. I don't see the items in the photo as a breech of the tenancy although some people may see it as a bit untidy.

If I thought the tenants were causing an issue ie a breach of the tenancy agreement/anti social then yes we would take action but in my view from the photo and description the neighbour has made I don't think there is a breach of the tenancy and nothing even close to justify disturbing these good tenants.


We even have neighbours complain about dandelions before......i'll try and did out that reply.

Another property a flat with a Polish couple in - we had a noise complaint from a neighbour - we asked for proof and had a list of times/noise etc. None of the other neighbours who were closer had any issues with the tenants - we wrote to them. When we checked the times/dates it over a period of time the tenants were not even in the property. The whole thing was a pack of lies trying to get them out.
So if a neighbour can convince me there is a real issue/breach then yes we will get them out. But just having a van and working and having some bricks next to their garage then the neighbour will just have to build a bridge and get over it.




Edited by superlightr on Thursday 21st September 15:05


Edited by superlightr on Thursday 21st September 15:10


Edited by superlightr on Thursday 21st September 15:12

Dagnir

1,895 posts

163 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
You're all missing the fundamental point - The tenant has done nothing wrong.


You remember the yellow car debacle from last year?

Wings

5,813 posts

215 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
jdw100 said:
Then I guess the aggrieved party would have to take another route?

If the property is rented you have another line of complaint - the landlord.

I've been there, years ago with the first property I bought. Nice couple next door moved and rented it out via a local agency. A dad rented the place out for his two sons. The end of this road went from a nice quiet place to quite unpleasant.

These boys thought it was okay to arrive at home blasting out music and slamming car doors at all hours. As soon as the summer started they were in the back garden shouting, drinking and playing loud music until dawn.

Black bin bags in the front garden, friends outside the front smoking and drinking. These were small houses so practically on my doorstep.

I had quite a few words with them as did the neighbour the other side. Nice lads but just had no concept of how to behave properly. I was in their house a few times at 04:00 on a Sunday morning telling them to turn it down.

In the end - started on the rental agency; they were good about it. Had words with the lads and, I believe, the father. Made no difference and were given notice to leave. House then sold to a nice lady.

Seen it with some friends as well. Family rented house next to them and turned it into a terrible mess in three months. Dog barking all the time, old wooden pallets on the drive, doors slamming all the time etc etc. Again they got moved on.

Now, I don't know the full story here but as per my post if its gone from a very quiet environment to one where there is increased noise and mess - I'd be upset.

I also think as a landlord you do have a responsibility wider then just collecting the rent. As a landlord (and I am one now and have been in the past) if I thought that my tenants might be causing an issue I would go and have a quiet word at the very least.
^^^ I absolutely agree with you, and vetting potential tenants is of the utmost importance, and not just reference checks and occupation, but also hobbies interests etc. etc

Most people bring their work back to their home, and a builder is no different, so no surprise, and should not be for the OP, that the OP’s tenant is leaving building material, rubbish at the residential rental property.

I remember a few years ago seeking tenants for a three bed detached property, the same with a double garage and a large off street parking area. The potential tenants were being supplied by a local agent, after about six weeks of not letting the property, the agent contacted me enquiring on why I had refused to let the property, to those potential tenants interested in taking on the tenancy.

My reply was, that one potential was a self-employed builder with three adult children, another was a self-employed second hand car salesman, another was a software programmer moving from Slough to start new employment in Bristol, another a single mother on social housing who was also a mobile hairdresser, and another was a female porn glamour model. It took me nearly three months to let the property, eventually letting to a married couple, both teachers at a nearby private school.

All immediate neighbours of every one of my letting properties, have both my home and mobile telephone numbers, and if I ever have to visit a rental property, I will always make my visit known to those same neighbours.




surveyor

17,811 posts

184 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
Wings said:
jdw100 said:
Then I guess the aggrieved party would have to take another route?

If the property is rented you have another line of complaint - the landlord.

I've been there, years ago with the first property I bought. Nice couple next door moved and rented it out via a local agency. A dad rented the place out for his two sons. The end of this road went from a nice quiet place to quite unpleasant.

These boys thought it was okay to arrive at home blasting out music and slamming car doors at all hours. As soon as the summer started they were in the back garden shouting, drinking and playing loud music until dawn.

Black bin bags in the front garden, friends outside the front smoking and drinking. These were small houses so practically on my doorstep.

I had quite a few words with them as did the neighbour the other side. Nice lads but just had no concept of how to behave properly. I was in their house a few times at 04:00 on a Sunday morning telling them to turn it down.

In the end - started on the rental agency; they were good about it. Had words with the lads and, I believe, the father. Made no difference and were given notice to leave. House then sold to a nice lady.

Seen it with some friends as well. Family rented house next to them and turned it into a terrible mess in three months. Dog barking all the time, old wooden pallets on the drive, doors slamming all the time etc etc. Again they got moved on.

Now, I don't know the full story here but as per my post if its gone from a very quiet environment to one where there is increased noise and mess - I'd be upset.

I also think as a landlord you do have a responsibility wider then just collecting the rent. As a landlord (and I am one now and have been in the past) if I thought that my tenants might be causing an issue I would go and have a quiet word at the very least.
^^^ I absolutely agree with you, and vetting potential tenants is of the utmost importance, and not just reference checks and occupation, but also hobbies interests etc. etc

Most people bring their work back to their home, and a builder is no different, so no surprise, and should not be for the OP, that the OP’s tenant is leaving building material, rubbish at the residential rental property.

I remember a few years ago seeking tenants for a three bed detached property, the same with a double garage and a large off street parking area. The potential tenants were being supplied by a local agent, after about six weeks of not letting the property, the agent contacted me enquiring on why I had refused to let the property, to those potential tenants interested in taking on the tenancy.

My reply was, that one potential was a self-employed builder with three adult children, another was a self-employed second hand car salesman, another was a software programmer moving from Slough to start new employment in Bristol, another a single mother on social housing who was also a mobile hairdresser, and another was a female porn glamour model. It took me nearly three months to let the property, eventually letting to a married couple, both teachers at a nearby private school.

All immediate neighbours of every one of my letting properties, have both my home and mobile telephone numbers, and if I ever have to visit a rental property, I will always make my visit known to those same neighbours.
I see saw between thinking wings is astute or a bit precious at times

Vaud

50,423 posts

155 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
surveyor said:
I see saw between thinking wings is astute or a bit precious at times
Wings, what was wrong with the geek?

"software programmer moving from Slough to start new employment in Bristol"

TooMany2cvs

29,008 posts

126 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
Wings said:
I remember a few years ago seeking tenants for a three bed detached property, the same with a double garage and a large off street parking area. The potential tenants were being supplied by a local agent, after about six weeks of not letting the property, the agent contacted me enquiring on why I had refused to let the property, to those potential tenants interested in taking on the tenancy.

My reply was, that one potential was a self-employed builder with three adult children, another was a self-employed second hand car salesman, another was a software programmer moving from Slough to start new employment in Bristol, another a single mother on social housing who was also a mobile hairdresser, and another was a female porn glamour model.
You are going to have to explain the software guy to me, because I cannot see your objection there. I might or might not agree to your other objections, but that one is genuinely baffling.

The Moose

22,845 posts

209 months

Thursday 21st September 2017
quotequote all
Just be grateful they're not running a brothel from there. We had that once...was really surprised that no one complained.

Obviously only knew what was going on after the fact...and I didn't indulge in place of the rent!

surveyor_101

5,069 posts

179 months

Friday 22nd September 2017
quotequote all
TooMany2cvs said:
You are going to have to explain the software guy to me, because I cannot see your objection there. I might or might not agree to your other objections, but that one is genuinely baffling.
What tenants would you let to then?

Doctors, nurses and lawyers only?

vsonix

3,858 posts

163 months

Saturday 23rd September 2017
quotequote all
TooMany2cvs said:
Wings said:
I remember a few years ago seeking tenants for a three bed detached property, the same with a double garage and a large off street parking area. The potential tenants were being supplied by a local agent, after about six weeks of not letting the property, the agent contacted me enquiring on why I had refused to let the property, to those potential tenants interested in taking on the tenancy.

My reply was, that one potential was a self-employed builder with three adult children, another was a self-employed second hand car salesman, another was a software programmer moving from Slough to start new employment in Bristol, another a single mother on social housing who was also a mobile hairdresser, and another was a female porn glamour model.
You are going to have to explain the software guy to me, because I cannot see your objection there. I might or might not agree to your other objections, but that one is genuinely baffling.
It seems to me that attitudes like Wings' above are what fuels social inequality in this country and sets us back decades.