Advice on this tenant...
Discussion
Just a couple of small issues that I'm dealing with that I'd appreciate a view on. For context this tenant is otherwise trouble free, property is a modern 3rd floor apartment all up together and furnished to a high standard.
1) Drying clothes in the property. I've asked him not to do it. I've explained that the property has a washer/dryer and whilst I accept these aren't the last word in efficiency it is to be used. I have pointed out that at the very least I would expect windows and balcony doors to be left on security latch to enable fresh air flow.
I visited the property today and the french doors had water streaming down them with a little black mould beginning to form. Clothes were on racks drying in the property. Doors sealed.
2) The reason I visited today was that the tenant called to say the outer glass on the oven door has spontaneously exploded. Initially I was sceptical but I can see this as being possible due to stress on opening/closing and would be inclined to give benefit of the doubt, although heavy handling on his behalf is just as likely a cause. Looks like glass is 'Discontinued' by manufacturer so potential for a whole new double oven £££... do I just have to suck this one up?
3) General condition. Again visiting today the place just looked like very little love is being shown to my property. He is keeping two push bikes IN the property which are already marking the walls. There is an underground car park with bike racks for these, which is where I kept mine when I lived there. Overall the place just looked like a student was camping....
So, in summary he's a good lad and we get on well and I have no qualms raising the above points with him. Due to chat about oven tomorrow. But I wonder if this needs to be put in writing or would that be OTT. How to approach is I guess what I'm asking.
1) Drying clothes in the property. I've asked him not to do it. I've explained that the property has a washer/dryer and whilst I accept these aren't the last word in efficiency it is to be used. I have pointed out that at the very least I would expect windows and balcony doors to be left on security latch to enable fresh air flow.
I visited the property today and the french doors had water streaming down them with a little black mould beginning to form. Clothes were on racks drying in the property. Doors sealed.
2) The reason I visited today was that the tenant called to say the outer glass on the oven door has spontaneously exploded. Initially I was sceptical but I can see this as being possible due to stress on opening/closing and would be inclined to give benefit of the doubt, although heavy handling on his behalf is just as likely a cause. Looks like glass is 'Discontinued' by manufacturer so potential for a whole new double oven £££... do I just have to suck this one up?
3) General condition. Again visiting today the place just looked like very little love is being shown to my property. He is keeping two push bikes IN the property which are already marking the walls. There is an underground car park with bike racks for these, which is where I kept mine when I lived there. Overall the place just looked like a student was camping....
So, in summary he's a good lad and we get on well and I have no qualms raising the above points with him. Due to chat about oven tomorrow. But I wonder if this needs to be put in writing or would that be OTT. How to approach is I guess what I'm asking.
DoubleSix said:
1) Drying clothes in the property. I've asked him not to do it. I've explained that the property has a washer/dryer and whilst I accept these aren't the last word in efficiency it is to be used. I have pointed out that at the very least I would expect windows and balcony doors to be left on security latch to enable fresh air flow.
I visited the property today and the french doors had water streaming down them with a little black mould beginning to form. Clothes were on racks drying in the property. Doors sealed
This strikes me as odd. We have drying clothes almost constantly hanging in the spare room during the winter with the door often shut and have never had any of these issues. I visited the property today and the french doors had water streaming down them with a little black mould beginning to form. Clothes were on racks drying in the property. Doors sealed
I wonder if he is using the washer correctly and not using the spin cycle. I know it's written in woman on the front but might be worth checking.
Never had an issue with drying clothes in any flat I've lived in. Does it have adequate ventilation? No chance of water leaking / soaking from somewhere else?
Your tenant is renting the place, they're not a guest. It's their home, and they have a right to quiet enjoyment of it. It's not really any of your business how often they clean the bath or whether they leave their socks on the floor. Or even if they choose to keep bikes securely in their flat rather on a rack where they'll get stolen. Inventories and deposits are there to deal with any damage or inadequate cleaning at the end.
Your tenant is renting the place, they're not a guest. It's their home, and they have a right to quiet enjoyment of it. It's not really any of your business how often they clean the bath or whether they leave their socks on the floor. Or even if they choose to keep bikes securely in their flat rather on a rack where they'll get stolen. Inventories and deposits are there to deal with any damage or inadequate cleaning at the end.
DoubleSix said:
Just a couple of small issues that I'm dealing with that I'd appreciate a view on. For context this tenant is otherwise trouble free, property is a modern 3rd floor apartment all up together and furnished to a high standard.
1) Drying clothes in the property. I've asked him not to do it. I've explained that the property has a washer/dryer and whilst I accept these aren't the last word in efficiency it is to be used. I have pointed out that at the very least I would expect windows and balcony doors to be left on security latch to enable fresh air flow.
I visited the property today and the french doors had water streaming down them with a little black mould beginning to form. Clothes were on racks drying in the property. Doors sealed.
While you are seeing it at the worst time of the year for internal condensation, you would be right to point out to him the impact of his actions. I’d say verbally for the moment, but if you’re due a quarterly or mid term inspection and if it was still on going then I would warn him, in writing, that unless he got a professional clean at the end of tenancy you would and charge to his deposit.1) Drying clothes in the property. I've asked him not to do it. I've explained that the property has a washer/dryer and whilst I accept these aren't the last word in efficiency it is to be used. I have pointed out that at the very least I would expect windows and balcony doors to be left on security latch to enable fresh air flow.
I visited the property today and the french doors had water streaming down them with a little black mould beginning to form. Clothes were on racks drying in the property. Doors sealed.
DoubleSix said:
2) The reason I visited today was that the tenant called to say the outer glass on the oven door has spontaneously exploded. Initially I was sceptical but I can see this as being possible due to stress on opening/closing and would be inclined to give benefit of the doubt, although heavy handling on his behalf is just as likely a cause. Looks like glass is 'Discontinued' by manufacturer so potential for a whole new double oven £££... do I just have to suck this one up?
Try http://www.espares.co.uk/ for the replacement glass, I have had good results with them. It might be worth Googling the make and model to see whether there was a recall. I’d swallow one repair without comment, but I would be checking it closely at any inspectionDoubleSix said:
3) General condition. Again visiting today the place just looked like very little love is being shown to my property. He is keeping two push bikes IN the property which are already marking the walls. There is an underground car park with bike racks for these, which is where I kept mine when I lived there. Overall the place just looked like a student was camping....
How pristine was it when he moved in, and how much of this is now fair wear and tear? The bikes may be expensive and may require internal storage for insurance – might! I was lucky with the last place I rented in that the landlord redecorated before I moved in so I did the same & had no argument. If he is going to be there long term – beyond the initial AST - I’d be tempted to stick the rent up 3 - 5% on renewal to cover a lick of paint when he moves out.DoubleSix said:
So, in summary he's a good lad and we get on well and I have no qualms raising the above points with him. Due to chat about oven tomorrow. But I wonder if this needs to be put in writing or would that be OTT. How to approach is I guess what I'm asking.
At the end of the day he’s a tenant not a mate. In his shoes if I got a letter as a first step I’d get the right arse, if I got a friendly “when I rented I did the same but the landlord was t
t and withheld my deposit without giving me chance to put it right, so I don’t mind you carrying on as you are as long as at the end of the tenancy it’s back in the condition you got it in” I’d take the hint and make sure I’d done something to bring it back up to scratch, or plan on not getting my deposit back. Clearly air circulation, or lack of, is the problem.
They should allow fresh air to enter the place but it is very cold at the moment.
A de-humidifier might help, where they hang the washing, but if they don't allow to damp air to escape, the mould and condensation will continue to be an issue.
As for the bikes, tell him to use the racks downstairs or at least protect the walls inside the place.
I've never heard of an oven door just shatter. Can you find a replacement door on ebay?
They should allow fresh air to enter the place but it is very cold at the moment.
A de-humidifier might help, where they hang the washing, but if they don't allow to damp air to escape, the mould and condensation will continue to be an issue.
As for the bikes, tell him to use the racks downstairs or at least protect the walls inside the place.
I've never heard of an oven door just shatter. Can you find a replacement door on ebay?
Edited by Davel on Monday 18th January 13:21
1, Problem with the property, not enough air circulating, I had a similar problem, I changed the vent on the extractor in the kitchen and got the landlord to change the extractor in the bathroom to a type with a moisture sensor, its worse in winter due to not having the windows open & not being able to dry clothes outside. My place looks like a Chinese laundry some days...
2, Your going to have to suck it up, unless you can prove the tenant was negligent.
3, Whens the next inspection due? On the next inspection (id assume you do them every 6 months) after the inspection send him a letter with the things you'd like to see fixed. I personally don't see how him storing his bikes in the flat BUT he needs to be aware of the damage it could cause and take steps to minimise that (putting something in place like foam so it doesn't mark the walls and a mat down so it doesn't mark the carpet/flooring)
It does sound to me like he has little respect for your property so when the time comes perhaps get a new tenant, but tbh I don't think he is that bad.
2, Your going to have to suck it up, unless you can prove the tenant was negligent.
3, Whens the next inspection due? On the next inspection (id assume you do them every 6 months) after the inspection send him a letter with the things you'd like to see fixed. I personally don't see how him storing his bikes in the flat BUT he needs to be aware of the damage it could cause and take steps to minimise that (putting something in place like foam so it doesn't mark the walls and a mat down so it doesn't mark the carpet/flooring)
It does sound to me like he has little respect for your property so when the time comes perhaps get a new tenant, but tbh I don't think he is that bad.
In all the house-shares I did it never ceased to amaze me how many otherwise intelligent professional people didn't understand the simple dynamics of drying clothes and the need for ventilatation. Unless it is in his contract that he's not allowed ot do it then you may have to suck that one up, but inform him that you'll be taking the cost of a full professional clean out of his deposit if he leaves it like that. Gives him the opportunity to put things right.
Bikes - if it's just a bit of scuffing on some walls then it's no real drama for him or you to paint over at change of tenancy.
Oven - never heard of an oven door spontaneously exploding, ever. I think he's bullstting you here, but difficult to prove it.
Bikes - if it's just a bit of scuffing on some walls then it's no real drama for him or you to paint over at change of tenancy.
Oven - never heard of an oven door spontaneously exploding, ever. I think he's bulls
tting you here, but difficult to prove it. Thanks for the more useful responses! 
RE Oven Glass: Initially thought it was unlikely but quite a few similar accounts of oven glass spontaneously shattering on the web. Also the design of the door is such that I can see it putting strain on the glass so I am going to give benefit of doubt here - just annoying I can't source the glass!!
RE Condensation: This is his lifestyle/behaviour causing the problem. I know this because I lived in the property myself for 3 years prior to the tenant without any such issues. The french doors are such that you can lock them ajar if that makes sense but the tenant just isn't doing so. There are also trickle vents and extractors too - this is a smart 1 bed apartment that rents for over a grand a month not a mouldy basement - so he just needs to use a bit of common sense. Also, he is the sort that does hockey on Tues, rugby on a Weds, Gym on Thurs and so on... so there is a constant source of wet clothing that he is drying on a clothes horse not just a weekly wash.
RE Bikes: Not overly fussed about this one but the undercroft is full of expensive carbon stuff and I stored my own rather nice bike down there without issue so just a bit annoying to have to repaint.
I haven't bothered doing any regular inspections and haven't put the rent up in the 4 years he's been in there as I take people on trust (and my own judgement) and value trouble free tenants, but I think both of those things may be about to change.
RE Oven Glass: Initially thought it was unlikely but quite a few similar accounts of oven glass spontaneously shattering on the web. Also the design of the door is such that I can see it putting strain on the glass so I am going to give benefit of doubt here - just annoying I can't source the glass!!
RE Condensation: This is his lifestyle/behaviour causing the problem. I know this because I lived in the property myself for 3 years prior to the tenant without any such issues. The french doors are such that you can lock them ajar if that makes sense but the tenant just isn't doing so. There are also trickle vents and extractors too - this is a smart 1 bed apartment that rents for over a grand a month not a mouldy basement - so he just needs to use a bit of common sense. Also, he is the sort that does hockey on Tues, rugby on a Weds, Gym on Thurs and so on... so there is a constant source of wet clothing that he is drying on a clothes horse not just a weekly wash.
RE Bikes: Not overly fussed about this one but the undercroft is full of expensive carbon stuff and I stored my own rather nice bike down there without issue so just a bit annoying to have to repaint.
I haven't bothered doing any regular inspections and haven't put the rent up in the 4 years he's been in there as I take people on trust (and my own judgement) and value trouble free tenants, but I think both of those things may be about to change.
At the very least, why can't he lock the windows on vent when he's at work etc?
And, as said by someone else, I had two Doctors rent a property with very young children. They should have known better but there was mould in the corners and near to the window frames simply because they wouldn't let the place breath.
It's just not good for the place.
And, as said by someone else, I had two Doctors rent a property with very young children. They should have known better but there was mould in the corners and near to the window frames simply because they wouldn't let the place breath.
It's just not good for the place.
All my clothes are dried on racks - what's the point in using an expensive dryer when they dry in 24 hours on a rack? Just ask him to use a bit of sense regarding ventilation and point out that mould is growing (he may not even be aware). I also have 5 bikes in the living room and another 2 in my bedroom 
AyBee said:
All my clothes are dried on racks - what's the point in using an expensive dryer when they dry in 24 hours on a rack?
Because many thick, heavy or large items retain moisture for a long time. Especially in winter when it is colder overnnight.I can always identify the people who dry their clothes in this manner as they stink of damp and mildew.
Our tenancy agreements tell tenants they may not keep bicycles in the property, there is no better way of screwing up flooring, doorcases, paintwork etc than bikes being brought in and out, particularly if its been raining.
Also no clothes to be hung on/near radiators, when we do inspections any bikes found in the property are removed..........Change your AST to a new one, we had one tenant who rightly pointed out that tumble drying ruined the collars on his Jermyn st shirts, he hung them in the shower to dry which didn't cause any problems.
The other thing we ask landlords to do is jam open any vents in windows so they are always open
Also no clothes to be hung on/near radiators, when we do inspections any bikes found in the property are removed..........Change your AST to a new one, we had one tenant who rightly pointed out that tumble drying ruined the collars on his Jermyn st shirts, he hung them in the shower to dry which didn't cause any problems.
The other thing we ask landlords to do is jam open any vents in windows so they are always open
Dromedary66 said:
AyBee said:
All my clothes are dried on racks - what's the point in using an expensive dryer when they dry in 24 hours on a rack?
Because many thick, heavy or large items retain moisture for a long time. Especially in winter when it is colder overnnight.I can always identify the people who dry their clothes in this manner as they stink of damp and mildew.
It was a long time ago, but my (inner, not outer) glass on the oven door did shatter so it does happen.
If I was renting, I wouldn't be very impressed with a landlord telling me how to dry my clothes. In the winter, I dry my clothes in my spare room and don't have a problem with condensation - in a heated house, they don't really take all that long to dry.
If I was renting, I wouldn't be very impressed with a landlord telling me how to dry my clothes. In the winter, I dry my clothes in my spare room and don't have a problem with condensation - in a heated house, they don't really take all that long to dry.
Ken Figenus said:
I installed a high end washer dryer to combat similar mould/damp issues from drying clothes on rads in a property. HUGE mistake. Its now worse. Make sure its an externally vented device...
The dryer we have creates way more condensation than drying clothes in the flat, I actually thought the sink was leaking the other day because there was so much moisture under the sink (I'm guessing it's not vented to the outside!). If it was my flat, I'd politely point out the mould growing and ask if he could take a bit more care with ventilation - solved Gassing Station | Business | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff