my tenant has done a runner, advice needed

MissMoneypenny

Elliesmum wrote: »

Oh !!!!!! you lot - OP came on for a bit of advice, what happened to the "be nice to other MSE'ers" rule on this forum

OP - have you insurance? Yes - then use it to replace locks, carpets etc to get the place back up to a standard and as mentioned either sell or re-let.

clutton has told the op how to get the money back out of the deposit scheme (the MSE way). The op said the damage will cost £400. Was the deposit for less than £400?

seven-day-weekend

I really don't understand why people are being so nasty to the OP when it's her tenant that is at fault.

As for saying she should not have keys to her own property.....!!!

Without private landlords, there would be hardly any rented accommodation available. We may not like that state of afffairs, but it's a fact. There is hardly anyy social housing left and most people would not qualify for it anyway.

Why is everyone on her back?

To the OP, either get your money out of the deposit scheme like Clutton has advised or use your insurance as Ellies' mum has suggested. I personally think it would be besrt to use the deposit as that is what it is for and your insurance premiums won't go up.

clutton_2

any damage you claim for on your insurance (as being the fault of the ex tenant) will normally incur much higher excess payments on the claim - sometimes as much as £1,000 - read your policy documents.

sooz

Claim the deposit back as Clutton has said, and then change agents.

The ones you currently have sound rubbish!

chappers

However you do it beg , steal, borrow, sell your body.
You need to get your house sorted and let again, these things do happen but remember for every bad tennant out there there are five good ones, your best gaurd againts bad tennants are good, thorough references. Use someone like homelet.

clutton_2

if you choose self employed tenants next time - get them to show you their last 6 months of bank statements to prove how they manage their finances. If they wont provide them, dont offer a tenancy.

polly7_2

Yes, I agree, my agents were as much use as a choclate teapot but sadly I didn't find that out until it was too late.
As for not taking self employed etc. I was told by the agent he was employed. he gave them his works name & address for a reference. if the work place didn't specify he was only a subcontractor how else do we find out??
The carpet was not just dirty, it was past cleaning.
I had written to him at his 'works' address and stated the facts. What needed cleaning, repairing, renewing etc and gave him estimates from relevant firms. I also sent him photographs of before and after his tenancy. I explained I had his camcorder for safekeeping and told him to pay rent etc into my account and send back keys by 8th Feb or I would take him to court.
This morning I received a curt email stating he received my letter. He had signed the DPS form signing deposit over to me and he will return keys tonight.:T . he has made no mention of his camcorder.

To all of you who gave helpful advice without criticism I thank you unreservedly.
To those of you, and you know who you are, that gave advice heaped with patronising criticism. Get over yourselves. It's people like you who stop others asking questions. This is a help forum, try to remember that

seven-day-weekend

Good news Polly!

Elliesmum

Yes - excellent news Polly.

EM xx

iolanthe07

I for one feel very sorry for you, Polly. Exactly the same thing happened to me back in the early nineties and I had to sell the house in the end. I wasn't a BTL landlord in the usual sense; I was living in tied accommodation and this was to be my retirement home. Trying to pursue the tenant through the courts was just throwing good money after bad. It put me off ever letting property again. I hope you have better luck next time - I'm sure there must be some lovely tenants out there.