Tenants family member being abuse

s_m_2

macman said:

I think you need to decide if you are their LL or their social worker. The two roles are not really compatible. 
As above, definitely bill the tenant for the wilful damage: she is liable for damage caused by her guests.

He is not a guest; they all moved in as a family since the beginning. He was her dependent, hence I only had the mother's name on the tenancy, and I never realized that such a situation would arise. Now, he is not a dependent. If I include him on the tenancy agreement, considering his behavior towards me and the situation he has created, he may refuse to sign.

anselld

s_m_2 said:

Updated: I've had an engineer come to fix the light, and it's now working. However, he reported that the damage was deliberate vandalism; the switch was left disconnected, live parts exposed, and some lights were left non-functional. Can you please guide me on how to write a letter of warning? I want to prevent further damage to my property and avoid ongoing expenses.

The only warning which has any effect is the service of notice s8 and/or s21.  These are the only warnings with any clout and the key thing is they signify intent but they do not need to be acted upon if the situation improves.  Any other form of warning is a waste of time and if anything just draws you further into the situation for no benefit.

Flugelhorn

Was he a minor when they moved in? just surprised that he isn't on the rental agreement.  Reckon I might be concerned that if you tried to evict the named tenant then he would just stay

saajan_12

s_m_2 said:

macman said:

I think you need to decide if you are their LL or their social worker. The two roles are not really compatible. 
As above, definitely bill the tenant for the wilful damage: she is liable for damage caused by her guests.

He is not a guest; they all moved in as a family since the beginning. He was her dependent, hence I only had the mother's name on the tenancy, and I never realized that such a situation would arise. Now, he is not a dependent. If I include him on the tenancy agreement, considering his behavior towards me and the situation he has created, he may refuse to sign.

That's precisely a guest or a licencee. You can't get rid of the son because you didn't bring him there. The mum is allowing him to stay, and if you evict she'll probably allow him to stay at the next place too. Can't force people to act how you think makes sense. 

The tenants (including their invited guests)are collectively damaging your property, it's not your concern who within that group it is. You have no power over a subset , it's all or nothing.