Bad tenant - "leaving" with no notice - owes money

James_N

At the beginning of the month, our tenant informed us by phone he was leaving on the 29th December. No written notice has been given. I am not confident about these tenants, so we have counter-issued a section 21 giving 2 months notice.

If he does leave, how can I be sure he's really gone with nothing in writing. he could pop up again and claim I'd put him out by changing the locks. if i don't secure the house, we could get squatters.

What about utilities, council tax, damage while it's empty (pipes). Apart from the section 21 how else can i protect myself against false claims by him? What about the oral notice, issued at the wrong time of the month. it's a periodic tenancy.

G_M

There's a section here on Landlordzone on abandonment. Read it.

Try your best to get something in writing from the tenant. Never mind enforcing rent/notice periods etc, just get a written notice of his intention/agreement to vacate on xxx date so you can move forward. Otherwise you are in limbo land. B****** tenant!

Arguably if the tenancy is still in force the utilities will still be in tenant's name so his responsibility. But check. He may have contacted them to end his contracts. If so, check the meters so you don't also get hit for his consumption. Assuming you dare gain access of course.....

Landlordzone gives one piece of advice I would suggest you consider carefully (well, consider it all - but this one is dubious:

"You leave a clear notice (Abandonment Notice) on the door informing the tenant that the lock has been changed and that if they require access they must contact you at the address supplied to obtain a replacement key"

This seems to me a clear invitation to thieves, vandals or squatters!