How to end a rental agreement with a LA

BitterAndTwisted

My ex-neighbours moved out of their 2-bedroomed flat and into a house which they bought elsewhere. They signed a rental agreement with our local authority for one year. The LA have installed a family, presumably from the waiting-list (debatable) and the agreement-period has now elapsed. They have spoken to the LA and have asked for possession and the LA have declined to move the family out because they "have nowhere to move them to". Now my poor ex-neighbours have got it into their heads that these council tenants have somehow gained squatters rights of some kind and are frantic.

The flat is now in an absolutely appalling state, it's obvious to us who are living here that there are at least ten people living in the place, including children and that one of the bedrooms is being used as a kitchen. It appears that they are living there as three separate families.

My questions are:

What formal documentation do the ex-neighbours need to serve the LA to gain possession and do they need to serve notice on the LA, the tenants or both?

Is this something that they can do themselves or do they need legal representation?

How do they arrange for the flat to be returned to it's original, immaculate state? Will they have to pay for it and claim the costs back from the LA, or should the LA do the work themselves?

Should I pop onto LandlordZone and ask my questions on there?

Many thanks,

B&T

Hector-The-Inspector_2

Most rental agreements with LAs are usually between two and five years, your ex neighbour (the LL) cant serve notice to any tenant, only to the LA, and only if the lease allows it. Usually LAs video the property before taking on the lease, usual terms state that the property will be returned back to it's original condition less 'fair wear and tear' sometimes this can be negotiated. . Some LAs will hand back a property and pay two months rent to cover all damages :eek:

It all depends on the lease.

clutton_2

""They have spoken to the LA and have asked for possession and the LA have declined to move the family out because they "have nowhere to move them to".""

this is the heart of this problem - your ex-neighbour needs to go to see a solicitor and take her agreement with the LA with her (some sols offer a free surgery for a 20 minute consultation).

there are two contracts here - one between houseowner and LA, and one between LA/tenants - a solicitor really will need to read the first contract very carefully to see how he can help her get the house back.

it seems to be that the LA are in breach of their one-year agreement with the house-owner, and that the house-owner may have to take LA to court to regain possession - but as Hector says it does depend on the terms of the contract that was signed.