Help, Murder in my rental property!!

Engeroosi

I need advice, I don't know if I am obliged to do anything by law in this case, tenant murdered by her partner who was also a tenant.

Any advice or assistance is appreciated!

HappyMJ

I think giving notice to quit would be a good idea.

PasturesNew

Their AST is still valid. I'm guessing the murderer is in a police cell - and won't be getting out.

You need to look at when their AST ends, what date?
Do you have any contact information for family members? Somebody will need to clear their stuff out at some point.

Maybe the contract has now become 'frustrated' and so you can get out of the AST so long as you do it properly (e.g. get their next of kin to clear it out and hand over the keys).

So, need to start with:
- what dates are the AST?
- is the murderer in a cell, not going to be released before the court case?
- do you have any contact information for family/guarantor?

You're stuck with them being a tenant for now. You can't take the property back, or really enter it either.

I'm sure somebody will shortly post precise and explicit information that you can use as a road map to getting this resolved.

PasturesNew

Just noticed you're in Aberdeen too. So it's Scottish law. Hadn't spotted that before.

Engeroosi

Thanks, the murderer is in police custody.

Think I will have to wait and see now what happens. I am not a professional landlord either, I couldnt sell so had to rent out as was moving away for work.

The tenancy was month to month as the initial period was 12 months which has passed. Have no contact details for next of kin. The tenant I dealt with was the one that was unfortunately murdered.

redbull5

when did this murder happen, nothin on the news yet>

Caroline73_2

redbull5 wrote: »

when did this murder happen, nothin on the news yet>

Do you think all murders get on the news?

redbull5

most of them do, especially on bbc news in the section areas so locals can see the direct news in there area.

theartfullodger

The murderer is not (necessarily..) in custody, simply a suspect (at this stage).

Suggest you avoid doing, saying, posting or writing anything too incriminating (including describing someone as "murderer" before the court has convicted them) in case (unlikely I'm sure you think..) the punter in custody turns out to be innocent or acting in self-defense and wanting their home, their property (your investment only currently) back..

Sincere sympathies to murder victim, their family & friends if reading this (not 1st clearly..).

Suggest also calling SaL and asking advice. If not already a member join now - you need help...
http://www.scottishlandlords.com/

It'll be interesting trying to relet that property when the time comes eh?? I've felt like murdering tenants from time2time but never did (yet..).

I believe there are processes for serving paperwork on those on remand. Why does this matter?? Well, to validly serve notice2quit/AT6/S33 notices you either need recorded-signed-for (hmmmnn noone in to sign..) or Sheriff's officers (noone in to accept..) so suggest calling your friendly neighbourhood Sheriff Officers for advice..

Are they still in the initial fixed-term or now rolling by tacit relocation or similar??

Cheers!

Artful

Catblue

I would suggest that you see a specialist solicitor as soon as possible.

The last thing you need is to take an amateurish (or illegal) approach to getting your house back. If you evict him illegally or get rid of their stuff illegally then he will have recourse to the courts to sue you or he might get his family or friends to step in on his behalf.

You really have to consider your own safety here. Seriously, do not get involved - let the solicitor handle everything. That will be expensive but I don't see a way round it unfortunately.

sheslookinhot

Emulsion the flat walls in nice pastel shades.