Universal Credit Tenant Rent

easty

Lover_of_Lycra said:

easty said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

easty said:

My dad sounded so embarrassed as he told me he didn’t get me a birthday present a few days back, and that he wouldnt be able to buy anything for Christmas for the family either. I assured him it didn’t matter in the slightest, and we don’t need gifts from him, but it was horrible to hear him feel like that. 

When universal credit came into place here in December 2018 there was nae doubt in my mind it would adversely affect my dad. He rents out the 3 bedroom flat my family lived in, but as we grew up and moved out he didn’t need 3 bedrooms, so he rents a wee 1 bedroom place and rents out the 3 bed.
First month of universal credit, tenant paid half the amount. Over the next few months she paid random amounts when it suit her. My dad started proceedings to evict her, which takes bloody ages. When it’s finally underway, Covid hits and the case is delayed even longer.
It’s only just been found in his favour through the courts, but he cannae get in to tidy the place up because she gets 30 days extra free accommodation in case she wants to appeal. Absolute joke.
My dads now waiting on a remortgage to come through, he’s having to take equity out the flat, because from start to now, this has cost him over £10k. He’s absolutely skint. While the tenant sits in his flat celebrating Christmas with my dads rent money. 

Solicitor says they can try to get the money back through courts, but the tenant has no money. It’s all benefits. Plus, my dads saying he’s just got no more money to spend on solicitors now. 

Rant over.

That’s the risk your dad took when he chose to become a landlord. He could have sold the 3-bedroom property and bought himself a 1-bedroom place to live in instead which would probably have been tax efficient too. I am guessing from some of the language you are using this is in Scotland so if you have an issue with  housing and tenancy laws in Scotland contact your MSP. 

Contact the MSP why exactly? She’s being evicted already. 

You seem to have a problem with the housing and tenancy legislation in place so take it up with your MSP if you want things to change. 

I don’t care if things change. My dads £10k out of pocket, a change of rules now doesn’t help him. So he’ll now move back into that flat cos he’s not going to risk it happening again.