Any landlords or anyone know where i stand....

I own a property in Selby that i let out and I have had a bit of trouble with my tenant.

I had a call from a friend who lives next door complaining that it's been used by a load of youths on a weekend being loud and causing a nuisance and damage.

I went round Saturday to a smashed front door amongst other things and a strong smell of cannabis so I gave him till yesterday to sort it out and I was going for a chat and see what's happening.

I've gone round and he has cleared the place and gone so I'm not sure what I can do with regards to rent that was due today as he's got 4 months left on his contract.

Any advise from those who have had a similar issue would be gladly received.

 

He can’t just up and leave it’s a breach of contract, maybe time to consider contacting a legal representative.

Couple of websites that may help with the answers you are looking for

www.housingrights.org.uk
www.landlordlawblog.co.uk

 

My partner has six properties and o er the years has found it easier and cheaper to write it off. Send a letter terminating his tenancy and I know he has gone but it keeps you covered. I have a copy of a letter if you need one.

 

Ok cheers I'll PM you should I need one thank you.

 

This is the correct answer. Yes there are legal routes, but if your tenant doesn’t want to be found, you won’t find him. Cut your losses and move on- no doubt. Best of luck

 

You could try pursuing it in court (small claims?). However, I know someone who did this and won their case, but the ex-tenant never paid a penny - and the courts didn't enforce it.

As jax2 says, it's probably easier and cheaper to write it off and concentrate on getting a new, trustworthy tenant in asap if you can.

Good luck.

 

That was my initial thought but I'm a bit miffed as if I'd of wanted him out he would have had every right to stay and honour the contract we both signed but as he's left I'm out of pocket but expected to just write it off....

There is quite a bit of damage to the property to doors and the carpets that his bond should cover so I think getting another tenant in and moving on would be less hassle and stress like you say.

 

As other have said, provided the property isn’t wrecked, then just let it go and be happy that it’s not cost you anything really (as assume rent was upfront and also you have the deposit to cover any minor repairs etc).

Getting rid of nuisance tenants has been an issue for me once. And the state they left the property in was far in excess of the deposit. On the flip side the best I ever had were a Polish couple for a flat down south. In 3 years not a single call, missed payment or a fleck of paint off the wall when they moved out. In fact would say they left the flat looking better than when they moved in. Just what I needed living 170 miles away.

 

I was relieved in a way like you say he hasn't wrecked the place or put up a fight to stay so I'm lucky in that way so I'll just move on and make sure ibget a better tenant next time.

 

Has he still got the keys? Technically even if he's cleared the place he is still your tenant.

 

Cleared the place and posted them through the letter box....

 

Take photos of the damage and looks like your well rid.

 

I would still change the locks matey. He may have a copy.

 

In future make anyone a bit scroat like sign a guarentee... with the local loon as the guarentor. Rent paid everytime.

 

Good advice I'd say & change the locks, etc. Get a decent tenant in. I know a bunch of landlords & every now & then they get one like this & it is pointless trying to recover via the courts, due to cost & time involved, even if you can trace them.

 

Aren’t rents supposed to be in advance or have I got that wrong?

 

Even if he's posted the keys back? Not disagreeing with you as I've never rented or let but that seems really harsh. I'm all for tenants having some protection but there needs to be a balance.

 

I think he thought I was the local loon on Saturday when I turned up to see what was going on.... I wasn't impressed and must of worried him as he was gone Sunday afternoon according to bloke next door.