Due to some water damage recently I had to rehouse my tenants and install a new bathroom. The tenants moved back in once the work was completely they moved back in.
Unfortunately during the time the builders were in the flat (3 wks) mice have moved in. The tenants notified me and I immediately booked an exterminator. My tenant is quite phobic if mice and stayed with friends until 4 days had passed (the time the exterminator said it would take for the mice to be killed). The second visit of the exterminator is booked to happen in a few days but my tenant is now saying she will withhold rent until the problem is dealt with as she says she has had to stay in am air b and b and that her mental health is being affected.
We have always had a good relationship and I have been a good and responsive landlord but this seems ridiculous and unfair.
I have moved the appointment forward so it’s as soon as possible but I would really appreciate advice / guidance on where I stand here.
The contract normally has a clause that states the rent should not be withheld under any circumstance and may state that interest may be charged for late payment after fourteen days.
The issue is being dealt with so she should pay rent.
I am not sure where phobias come in under law as normally one would live in a house when you are eradicating them.
Personally I would enforce the contract ( I have lived in a house and so have many others whilst mice were being eradicated). It is not unreasonable to expect rent .
The law does not state we have to accommodate the tenant’s phobias.
I agree with A_A. Politely and calmly explain that it is a breach of contract to withhold rent and you take that very seriously. You have done everything that could be expected of a landlord and are sure the problem will be resolved very soon.