We have been landlords for nearly 40 years and, about this time last year, found a previously reliable tenant had moved on and sublet the property. A divorcee with a good regular income, he said he needed more than one bedroom for his teenage children to stay on weekends and during the school holidays. He was always present for appointed inspections and had obviously left his furniture in place when he moved on.
However when the property started to deteriorate and his excuses were inadequate, we gave him notice to leave. He didnât pay the last two monthâs rent and gave no forwarding address saying he was leaving the country. We were able to keep his deposit but it was only when dealing with Council Tax arrears that we learned his name had been removed 18 months earlier.
The cost of repairs, white goods and redecoration came to more than a yearâs rent. While we doubt he left the country - or at least not for more than an extended holiday - from previous experience, we didnât think it worth chasing after him with a CCJ.
Itâs a shame because weâd liked the chap and felt let down but believe itâs just one of those things that happens to landlords every now and then.
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Thank you for your advice Geoff. You leave to learn everyday.
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Evict with a section 8 on fully justified grounds.
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It also depends on the number of occupants, number of floors etc.
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Your welcome , itâs just my opinion and the way i avoid issues by unauthorised people staying in my properties
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How can you prove its not a relative staying over for a few days ? You would have to virtually camp outside 24/7 and record all comings amd goings . Maybe its sometimrs best to be blissfully ignorant . If the rent is coming in and you do an inspection every 3 months and the property looks ok why get involved at all ?
You cant worry about sonething you dont know about .