Ukrainian refugees

I live in a different city and rely on the agent. Initially, the tenant was a single professional. When we asked why he wanted a 4/5 bedroom home, he said he would be getting married soon. However, he is now playing different cards, unfortunately. It’s hard to trust anyone’s words these days.

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Just decline permission
He cannot add additional occupants without your permission
If you don’t want them politely decline

Not passing sweeping judgement but speaking through experience he’ll want them added to the contract for benefits

If this were me I would go round and do an inspection
Clear out those that are not meant to be there or s21 while you can

My guess is you have an HMO
Get on top of it before it gets on top of you … financial penalties jail …

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My query would be why you would let a single person live in a 5 Bedroomed property?
Reality is unless you have conclusive proof that they are permanently living there you will struggle legally as you cannot stop people coming as visitors, which is what he will say.
I would conduct full checks on them and if you intend to keep them increase the rent in a months time after the 6 month window.
I am really cautious now about Tenants as a huge percentage are rubbish and liars that’s why so many are looking for a property, but you have to hang your hat on someone, that’s where rent guarantee is a good idea.

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If your contract stipulates that no other person must reside at the property, then you have a right to refuse plain and simple. If his girlfriend and mother are living at your property then they’re in breach and you can serve a notice if your wish to do so.

It is better to have a meeting at the property and meet with the additional tenants. If your rent is being paid on time, it would be wise to add the new tenants to the contract. It is important to consider compassion to the absolutely dreadful circumstances Ukrainians are going through.

Your good will would be taken into account by a judge if there were any late payments and subsequent court proceedings in future.

If the accommodation is clean and tidy and you are receiving rent in accordance with the AST, then why rock the boat? You could always increase the rent slightly under these circumstances.

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Thank you. I have decided to include them as permitted occupants, with the existing tenant remaining solely responsible for the rent. So far, the property has been well-maintained, and the rent has been received on time. I’m also securing rent guarantee insurance as an added precaution. It seems that buy-to-let isn’t entirely a hands-off business, and one troublesome tenant can easily disrupt things.

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So you are buying a property for them and expect me to pay for it from my taxes, while I am renting myself and paying every penny of my rent?

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Tell your agent you are unsure that this is a family unit and needs evidence that these three people are will be treated as a family unit by the local council, HMRC and benefits agency.

You should inform the council if the house as more occupants and the tenant should be aware they will lose their council tax single occupancy allowance. Your additional tenants should also be treated as a single cohabiting family as regards benefits and tax . Ie they are regarded as dependents of the lead. tenant. It should be clear he has no right to charge them any rent or sublet and your main tenant is liable for the rent if they don’t go when he moves out and that the tenancy agreement is only terminated with vacant possession and return of all keys.
You should inform your agent if you are not willing to pay them the cost of any variation to the contract or additional fees.

Girlfriend is a loose term that can mean anything. You need to ascertain whether they are living together as man and wife or if it is effectively an illegal subletting arrangement we here they pay him rent without a contract or him having the obligations of a landlord . You need to alert your agent to your suspicions and ask them for evidence that they are being legally regarded as a single family.

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I agree it is quite ignorant to refer to “typical” UC claimants, as if they were a problem. It’s wrong to even suggest that UC claimants and “unemployed” are the same thing. The facts are that many millions of fully employed and hard working families are having to claim UC to support the high cost of living, including renting, in the U.K. Meanwhile they are unable to save enough to to buy their own place. It’s quite likely that many landlords have tenants claiming UC and HB that they’re unaware of, because they are perfectly honest and responsible and pay their rent on time to keep a roof over their heads. There are many respectful landlords on here, but it would be better for everyone if others could try to stop regarding their tenants as the enemy and see them instead as humans trying to live their best lives and do the best for their families. If you respect your tenants, they will respect you.

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BK
If you tenancy agreement has been done properly, it will specify the people that are allowed to occupy your property.
If you suspect that they are more individuals living in your property you can issue a notice to leave. Avoid the headache.