Tenants requesting bed removal

Herbalus

2 bed flat about 70 miles from where I live, fully furnished and currently let to the same 2 professionals for about 3 years. Now the 2 tenants have emailed to ask if one of the double beds can be removed as they're in fact a couple and are going to have a baby (didn't know this, but of course there's not really a reason for tenants to tell LLs all about their lives, until they want something changing!). They've got their own cot to put in the second bedroom, and want the bed removed so there's more space.

What would you do? I have no objections to removing the bed, apart from I can't transport it (my car is too small) and I don't really have enough space in my house anyway. Storage and rental vans cost money, and I don't want to sell or dump the bed as I'd then have to get a new one if the tenants leave anytime.

At the moment I've told tenants they can dismantle it to make it smaller and I'll get back to them. Any ideas?

anselld

You could allow them to either transport/store or dispose/re-purchase at their own expense. It is really their problem to deal with.

eddddy

Wouldn't it be funny if...

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5409219

pollydollydoodah

I disagree. It's not their problem as its not their bed, it's the landlords.

You could ebay or freecycle and ask for buyer to collect, however that's assuming they wouldn't mind waiting in.

Similar with local charity shop?

You could hire a man with a van then see if you have friends family with storage space/garage/or a need for a bed.

HouseBuyer77

I disagree. It's not their problem as its not their bed, it's the landlords.

The choose to rent a house with furniture, the landlord is under no obligation to remove stuff they no longer want.

In order to maintain a good relationship with tenants you could choose to help out (as you are doing) but I wouldn't go too far out of your way. I'd suggest telling them either they have to store it themselves (somewhere dry where it won't get moldy) or they can buy it off you then dispose of it at your leisure (or if it's sufficiently old/cheap just say they can chuck it but they have to deal with it).

Need_a_name

Surely this is a good thing: new baby = expensive/busy and they won't want the disruption of moving out the property for a long time

If they have been there for 3 years and had no problems do what you can to keep them happy

bigfreddiel

Two tenants, presumably good ones, paid up and not been a problem for three years.

Do you want to risk losing them and taking on someone new that could be the tenant from hell all for the sake of a bed?

If yes then go for it, tell them the beds staying! Or they can buy it off you and get rid of it themselves.

Or you could be a really ace landlord, arrange for the bed to be removed and buy them a cot of their choice.

After all you've made a nice little earning from your property.

Let us all know what you do please.

Cheers fj

carebabe

some charities will come and collect furniture. not worth risk of upsetting decent tenants. a void and then nightmare tenants will cost more in the long run than the cost of replacing a bed.

pollydollydoodah

Care babe that's a cute idea Haha.

Sorry operating, I assumed it was landlords responsibility as we once had a furnished house and the landlord removed what we didn't need.

But for a good tennant and to keep goodwill I'd move it as above. But obviously it's your choice.

agrinnall

How big is the room, and how much stuff is in there apart from the bed? If it's a reasonable size and not packed with furniture I'd simply suggest to them what you already have, to dismantle the bed, stack the parts against a wall, and put the mattress in front of it. That should leave plenty of room for a cot, which will solve the problem for a year or two.

G_M

Do what you can to help out. They're good tenants, likely to stay longterm by the sound, so worth keeping happy.

How old is the bed?
How much life has it left?
What quality/how expensive?

Depending on the answers, either

* give them permission in writing to get rid of it how they want (council, charity, freecycle, ebay...)
* offer to sell it to them (at a sensible token amount ( then they can get ris how they like)
* arrange transport/storage (though cost of this may exceed the bed's value)
* arrange a sale yourself
etc