Problems with tenants

Amara

Hello.
I've rented my flat in October last year. Flat was serviceable condition, but needed some decorating. We agreed on three months rent free in exchange of them decorating. We wrote an agreement and they supposed to finish work on 31 March. So far, all they've done is painted one room and wallpapered another. I went to see them last Saturday ans they were rude to me. They said they wanted to move out , as I charge them too much and they can rent something bigger for that and council will rehouse them, as flat is overcrowded (one bed, couple with 10 years old son). I don't know what to do. Should I just send them notice? Flat still needs some work and I'm worried I won't find a tenant now.

hazyjo

Did you take/protect their deposit? How long did they sign up for? Was there a break clause? Did you get the decorating agreement in writing?

Three months free! Either it's a very big flat, or very cheap rent!

Are they professional decorators by trade? If not, lesson learned I'm afraid. Most people I know are pretty rubbish at decorating (apart from my OH fortunately!) I'd not trust some random tenants to do a good/professional job.

Mind you - if you force them to stay, do you really want them as tenants?!

You might be able to keep the deposit (if it was protected and if decorating agreed in writing) - but you'd need advice on that, not just my word!

Jx

RAS

Did you take a deposit?

Was it properly protected and did you send the precribed information within 30 days?

Do you have enough information on them (job, NINO, ID, referees) to be able to pursue them at the end of the tenancy?

How long was the fixed term? When does it end?

dimbo61

Problems with tenants

NO NO NO Problem with LANDLORD
Why would anyone offer 3 months free rent to a tenant?
Let me guess no inventory done and signed by both parties?
Credit checks done, references taken? Deposit paid and registered within 30 days along with prescribed Information given ?
Gas safe check done? Property fit to live in ?

Amara

I didn't take a deposit, I know that was stupid. She's friend of mine sister, I didn't know them before, but I've got their details, I know , where to find them.. Area is cheap but I think I charge them fair rent. It was six months contract, started in October, finished in March, now is on roll-on contract. We wrote in the agreement all decorating details. My DH tells me to just cut the loses, serve them with notice and rent place as it is now. It's dated, but useable. Perhaps it's the best way?

Amara

Inventory- done and sign. Gas check- yes. Details- yes. Property fit to live in.

RAS

Answered above.

Section 21 notice - join a landlord's association and get them to do it for you.

If they want to move out, they need to give one month's notice tied into the date of the rental periods.

You can agree an early surrender to get them out sooner but make sure it is in writing and get a lawyer or the LA to check it out.

Foxy-Stoat_3

Are they upto date with the rent?

Amara

Foxy-Stoat wrote: »

Are they upto date with the rent?

Yes, just not decorating.

Foxy-Stoat_3

Upto you if you want to wait for them to find somewhere else or issue a S21 notice now, but they may stop paying the rent if they know they are being kicked out rather them leaving on their own.

Lesson learned about the decorating then !

topdaddy_2

How is is three months rent? Hiw much decorating is required(three months is a lot im guessing)