I’m a first time landlord with my first tenant. The tenant is from hong kong and agreed to move in to the small unfurnished flat for 6 months in June and paid 6 months upfront before moving in. This week, 22nd November, my agency managers did their contractual inspection of the property and found after all this time he hasn’t even installed a bed in the bedroom, no kitchen appliances and with the exception of a small sofa, has not purchased a thing for the property. The inspector also commented on the rude behavior of the tenent:
“Tenant initially refused me to take any photographs. Eventually after 20mins of explaining, slhe allowed me to do 4 photos in each room. It doesn’t look like the tenant is living there and he was very rude and dismissive of me. Property is in good condition and as mentioned, doesn’t look like anyone is there.”
I was wodnering if anyone would consider this behaviour cause for alarm in anyway. No one in the building has seen the tenant or had any complaints about them so far. In most respects they appear to be the perfect tenant from a landlord perspective. Any feedback or advice anyone can offer would be appreciated. I’m waiting to hear if the tenant will renew for another 6 months and should hear in the next week or so.
Yes he was, he apparently didnt object to the inspection, just the photographs. Its strange behaviour that kind of males me think he’s hiding from someone and using my property as a dud incase someone comes looking.
why you think they will “renew” for six months? surely you had a six month AST which means after 6 months it continues on a rolling basis. don’t lock yourself in to 6 month contracts, you have much more flexibility to evict on a rolling contract. I would be highly concerned about this situation, it makes no rational sense to pay for something you aren’t using and you should ask them what is going on. Check what your contract says, normally it should say that someone should be living there or else they are in breach. Even if you do not intend to evict right now, if they are in breach then you need to bring to their attention to start the clock ticking. Normally there should be a clause saying the premises are for the private residence of the tenant, and a clause saying to notify landlord of absence from property. Sounds to me like your agents need to get on top of this. There are many illegal activities that can be run from a property although many require at least a bed…
Yes agreed, check your AST tenancy agreement and there should be a clause in there stating that the tenant/s have to notify the landlord or agent if away from the dwelling more than 7, or 14 days.
This is very important as your landlord property insurance will also be invalid should something happen and you need to make a claim on your property insurance.