Tenant put large shed in garden without asking

G_M

Look - you asked a simple question about a shed, and got a clear answer.

Now you come along ranting about a load of other issues. What are you actually worried about?

On 2nd thoughts - scrub that. Your question's been answered.

marliepanda

Why is it relevant that you haven't chosen to build a shed at your place? You could if you wanted to...

Also...

If they'd have asked and I could've said as long as back to how it was fine if I keep part of the deposit but not to be asked is the annoying thing. When I rented I even asked the LA to ask the LL if I could make the back garden more secure at my own cost (for his and my benefit) and said I'd remove it when I vacated, but at least I asked.

Why would you keep part of the deposit if it was back to normal? Honestly you seem to be trying to think of ways to keep the deposit already.

I don't see why you should have been asked. I know a garden isn't the same as a room in the house but you couldnt complain if they put in a snooker table. Or a picnic bench, or another 'large' item, why is a shed such an issue? It's not as if they've put a pool in.

jjlandlord

If they leave the shed behind, and in good condition, the landlord may not have grounds to claim any deposit deduction either IMO.
At the end of the day deposit deductions or other are to compensate for the landlord's losses. Adding a shed in a garden is not necessarily a loss, and may actually be a net gain.

Werdnal

I agree that perhaps the tenants should have asked first, but now the shed has appeared, I don't think there is a lot you can do.

If tenants have caused you issues with late rent, then issue notice on them at th earliest opportunity, but you seem to suggest this was only the first month? If this is the case, and they have paid in full and on time since, I think you need forget about it now.

If tenants are causing neighbours problems with moving cars etc, this is not your concern - neighbours fall out even when both own their own houses - do not get involved with this, you are not a social worker or lifestyle coach, so leave it to them to sort it out.

If shed is not removed and damage put right at the end of the tenancy, or the garden is left untidy and needs work to rectify it, you are at liberty to APPLY to keep part of the deposit BUT only if you or your agents have a written inventory detailing the condition at the start of the tenancy. If there is no formal record of the start condition, you are in a difficult position as you need proof to justify the deposit deductions.

Not having your own shed is irrelevant.

You seem very emotionally attached to the property and getting upset that perhaps the tenants are not quite so "involved" with looking after it the way you did when you lived there. You must learn to treat the property as a "business asset" - it is no longer your home, you have limited control over how the tenants choose to treat it whilst they live there.

kiwigirl

I agreed with LA that they could have full enjoyment of property but alterations had to be requested first, assembling a shed I assume would be classed as an alteration, that could damage grass / fence / plants already there? Obviously with more than one thing happening without being requested what else is happening in the property? I might be getting a bill from the other neighbour to fix the fence that they damaged whilst erecting the shed.

If she had a legitimate reason fine, but to ask first. She's assumed 4 things to date, I've agreed the first 3 albeit had to be done retrospectively as she'd not asked. So I think so far I've been quite a nice LL, but do not want to be walked over by the tenant. What's going to be next, assume it's OK to live rent free?

I'd prefer not to take any part of her deposit, I was actually hoping she'd buy the property as she was telling the LA she'd fallen in love with the place, esp the flowers I had in the garden which now she's covered with a large shed! But if she couldn't manage the rent on time I suspect maybe she doesn't have accessible savings to buy the place or not at the moment anyway.

Re-seeding the lawn to do a small patch (removed tree) took about 8 weeks to look ok there.

I don't know if any damage has been done to any of the remainder of the garden if any - I was hoping for some advice on the forum but apparently I'm an evil LL although my tenant is fine to not have the courtesy to phone / email me to ask a simple question or two.

marliepanda

I would see it as a sign that she does want to stay in the property for a long time, as she has gone to the time, expense and effort to put up a large shed, which ties her to the property (or ones similar if she wants to keep the shed)

If she damaged the neighbours fence whilst erecting the shed and this can be proved, then I would expect her to pay for the damage, irrespective of the shed issues.

You mention the other issues she has 'assumed' but as you don't specify what those are, how are we supposed to know if she is being an awkward tenant or you are being an awkward landlord?

And maybe your tenant didn't feel the need to ring you as your neighbour keeps you up to date on things anyway...

BitterAndTwisted

Good Lord! Just read your last post back to yourself. If you think your tenants are unsuitable or going to be too much trouble just get shot of them at the earliest opportunity. I don't think you are really cut out to be a landlord as you appear much too emotionally attached to the property. I reckon you should just sell it and get on with your less stressful life.

paddedjohn

OP, you really need to wind your neck in and get on with your life, the property is owned by you but for the term of the lease its the tennants home to enjoy and as long as they leave it as they found it there will be no problem.

DebiT

Either the majority of people posting on this thread are the most laid back, easy going people on the planet, or they are all tenants.
If I was a landlord myself, I possibly wouldnt mind if my tenant put a shed up, but I would expect them to ask first.
I would also want to know if they intended to take it with them when they left, and if so I would make sure they understood they would be expected to leave the garden in as good a state as they found it.

nathand_2

DebiT wrote: »

Either the majority of people posting on this thread are the most laid back, easy going people on the planet, or they are all tenants.
As a landlord myself, I possibly wouldnt mind if my tenant put a shed up, but I would expect them to ask first.
I would also want to know if they intended to take it with them when they left, and if so I would make sure they understood they would be expected to leave the garden in as good a state as they found it.

Not necessarily. I'm sure many commenters are home-owners, some even landlords. Why should a tenant ask permission to put up a shed. They signed the T&Cs stating they'd leave it in the same condition so why cause tension so early on. These tenants could be there for years to come so it makes no sense making an issue over it. This simply sounds like nosey neighbours and an inexperienced landlord.