Flat Share

Al_Ross

I own a 2 bedroom flat. I let out the two bedrooms to different people unknown to each other when they move in.  

  I pay the council tax and all bills.They pay a monthly rent everything is included.

  

I have never had a problem in the past but I now have one renter moved out and the remaining one is playing akward with viewings and today I did the viewing on my own and the viewer is keen to meet the existing renter first but she doesn't want anything to do with it.

She is also stating she wants at least 24 hours notice before anymore viewings

Emmia

Al_Ross said:

I own a 2 bedroom flat. I let out the two bedrooms to different people unknown to each other when they move in.  

  I pay the council tax and all bills.They pay a monthly rent everything is included.

  

I have never had a problem in the past but I now have one renter moved out and the remaining one is playing akward with viewings and today I did the viewing on my own and the viewer is keen to meet the existing renter first but she doesn't want anything to do with it.

She is also stating she wants at least 24 hours notice before anymore viewings

Perhaps you could ask if the remaining person wishes to rent the whole place (for a suitable rent), or if not if they'd prefer to find the other tenant?

I can sort of see why they wouldn't want someone imposed on them.

Al_Ross

Yes but the person who moved out had been there for 6 years the existing one 2 years. So she understood what she was getting when she moved in.

I am tempted to ask if she wants to lease for the whole flat and tell her she will be liable for Council Tax and all utility bills. She won't want that. Would I be within my rights to tell her she will have to vacate if she does not want the whole flat.  I would neen to give her two months notice is that correct?

Emmia

Al_Ross said:

Yes but the person who moved out had been there for 6 years the existing one 2 years. So she understood what she was getting when she moved in.

I am tempted to ask if she wants to lease for the whole flat and tell her she will be liable for Council Tax and all utility bills. She won't want that. Would I be within my rights to tell her she will have to vacate if she does not want the whole flat.  I would neen to give her two months notice is that correct?

Why don't you ask her to find the new tenant? Perhaps she knows someone? The fact she moved in more recently is a bit irrelevant, you're the one imposing the new person.

Also how do you know she won't want to lease the whole flat? Have you asked her?

RAS

You can't just change her tenancy at will. What exactly does she rent, a half share of the flat, or a room and access to common spaces?

If you do ask her to find a tenant, explain that they have to comply with all your normal affordability and credit checks.

Al_Ross

 A room and shared facilities.

Al_Ross

She hasn't a problem with me finding a tenant. She is point blankly refusing to meet any of them prior to them taking it. She says she is a private person and is happy to trust the process and my judgement in finding a suitable tenant.

The thing is any new tenants will want to meet her briefly first. I think I have lost a dead cert tenant today, after doing the viewing earlier this afternnon, as I had to go back and tell her she was not agreeing to meet her at the property, anytime even with me there.

Tabieth

Al_Ross said:

She hasn't a problem with me finding a tenant. She is point blankly refusing to meet any of them prior to them taking it. She says she is a private person and is happy to trust the process and my judgement in finding a suitable tenant.

The thing is any new tenants will want to meet her briefly first. I think I have lost a dead cert tenant today, after doing the viewing earlier this afternnon, as I had to go back and tell her she was not agreeing to meet her at the property, anytime even with me there.

That sounds like a bit of a problem and is the disadvantage of renting out the rooms separately. You obviously can’t make your current tenant do anything, and any new tenant will quite reasonably want to meet the person they’ll be living with. The only thing I can suggest is to appeal to your current tenant. Say that, while she might be happy, the new person will want to meet her, even just for a few minutes. Maybe sweeten the deal with coffee and cake? Good luck!

Hoenir

Al_Ross said:

She is point blankly refusing to meet any of them prior to them taking it. She says she is a private person and is happy to trust the process and my judgement in finding a suitable tenant.

What process? You haven't got to live with them. People make great actors for good reason. Often not what they seem on the surface. 

Murphybear

Sometimes these things can work out.  I was in a similar situation once.  I advertised for a flat mate and when she arrived we ended up going to the pub for a drink.  She became my BFF until she died from cancer after 20 years.  

elsien

At least 24 hours written notice  (texts ets count) to enter the property for anything other than emergencies is the norm.