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Trying to sell flat - tenant has made it look awful
glamourpug
Posts: 68 Forumite
First off, I'm a reluctant landlord. COUldn't sell flat 5 yrs ago. Now endowment shortfall looming so have to sell my 2-bed shared-ownership flat. Had viewings yesterday and OMG what a shock. The tenant has removed my furniture, fitted locks on bedroom doors, and appears to be using the living room as a bedroom too. How am I going to sell it? Should I serve a section 21, evict her/them and refurbish (obviously losing rental income) or just trust that a buyer will be able to see past the low-wattage lightbulbs, dark curtains blocking all the light, and odd assortment/arrangement of furniture?
Highest debt: mountain of £8,691 in early 2003. [strike]Debt when I joined MSE in 06: mound of around £2,246... smaller mound of around £1900[/strike][strike] 
/ as of Apr 07 little heap of £443[/strike]. as of June 1 2007: zero
/ as of Apr 07 little heap of £443[/strike]. as of June 1 2007: zero0
Comments
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If they are using the lounge as a bedroom it probably means they have more people living there than stated on the rental agreement.
I would be inclined to kick them out!Eat vegetables and fear no creditors, rather than eat duck and hide.0 -
Sounds like having this tenant will increase the amount and time it takes to sell, and could also reduce the price you get. Serve s21.
Is the tenant subletting? Is this allowed? Sounds like they might be with the locks on bedroom doors."Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance" - Confucius0 -
Are they still living there? Sounds like they're renting it out room by room and pocketing a big profit
Section 21, get it cleaned up, sell.0 -
thanks Phill and Kinger. tenancy agreement is for her only (she allegedly has a child there too). have been researching and apparently subletting is allowed by some agreements - don't know (yet) if hers does. even if agreement allows it, she still needs to get my permission, which she hasn't. apparently tenants can take in a lodger, but again need landlord's permission, which she doesn't have.Highest debt: mountain of £8,691 in early 2003. [strike]Debt when I joined MSE in 06: mound of around £2,246... smaller mound of around £1900[/strike][strike] / as of Apr 07 little heap of £443[/strike]. as of June 1 2007: zero0
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PasturesNew, I don't know if she's living there, tbh. Have been arranging access for valuer, viewings etc via her mobileHighest debt: mountain of £8,691 in early 2003. [strike]Debt when I joined MSE in 06: mound of around £2,246... smaller mound of around £1900[/strike][strike] / as of Apr 07 little heap of £443[/strike]. as of June 1 2007: zero0
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glamourpug wrote: »PasturesNew, I don't know if she's living there, tbh. Have been arranging access for valuer, viewings etc via her mobile
Smells fishy....0 -
Have you ever done inspections of the property?
Personally I would be put off buying a property with a tenant in situ as it can take months to get them out. Issue a section 21 and sell with vacant possession.0 -
Stop trying to have your cake and eat it.
Issue the S21, then have the house as you want.0 -
Pixie5740, I personally haven't inspected the property but my OH has, although not for a couple of years. And yes, I wish I had now...Highest debt: mountain of £8,691 in early 2003. [strike]Debt when I joined MSE in 06: mound of around £2,246... smaller mound of around £1900[/strike][strike] / as of Apr 07 little heap of £443[/strike]. as of June 1 2007: zero0
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Thanks for your insight, marliepandaHighest debt: mountain of £8,691 in early 2003. [strike]Debt when I joined MSE in 06: mound of around £2,246... smaller mound of around £1900[/strike][strike] / as of Apr 07 little heap of £443[/strike]. as of June 1 2007: zero0
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