Need help what options do I have as a landlord. Tenant not paid current month rent and not living at the property. After several attempts of contacting him, he responded he not living in the property and challenging me to track him if I can. He left his things at property including the food in the kitchen fridge and on dining table. Its rotten and smelly getting complaints from neighbour about rats. Am I allowed to clean the mess and dispose his goods as I have sent several messages to collect his goods and pictures but no response from him. What I can do to remarket the property.
You absolutely can arrange inspection visits and cleaning and pest control to maintain your property.
In terms of ending the tenancy, if you want to take back possession on grounds it’s been abandoned you have to gather evidence no longer being lived in (from neighbours, tenant etc). There are various threads here with advice re abandoned properties. You do have do it legally or face a potential large fine for illegal eviction.
Or get tenant to sign a deed of surrender or give notice they are leaving (perhaps they have done already in their messages - legal advice needed)
If you wish to evict and take back possession you can use s21 before 1 may or RRA s8 grounds (most take longer) from 1 may.
Good luck
I have sent multiple messages asking when he can collect the food, but I haven’t received any response. The food is damaging the property, and I will need to dispose of it; otherwise, pest control won’t be effective until the food items are removed. He also left furniture in the garden, which is developing fungus and attracting rats to the property.
If you’re going to treat the property as abandoned, get some specialist legal advice first. The RRA changes things and increases the risk for landlords.
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