UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hi

My tenant has paid 12 months rent upfront, she has 4 months remaining.

Literally from the start she has reported minor issues, which she has exaggerated but I have resolved each time.  On 4 occasions I have sent out trades people to address issues that she reported however each confirmed it was a user operating error on the tenant's part and I was charged a call out fee.

To date I spent £2000.00 repairs and renewals for various items. She is reporting issues every week to the letting agent. She refuses to speak to me and can be difficult with trades men and staff at the letting agent.

I don't mind if want to terminate the remaining tenancy.

Any thoughts or tips from anyone that has been in a similar situation.

Tell your letting agent to recharge future "user error" call out fees and to tell the tenant that will be the case when they report an issue.

thank you jpkeates

She has has also said that she will get repairs done with her own contractors as she claims the contractors I send are siding with me and claiming there is no fault..

Can she claim from me, if my trades have aleady confirmed no fault found

You can't stop someone making a claim from you, but you shouldn't expect them to win.

As you have the rent in advance, what the tenant can do is limited, because they can't deduct the cost from rent due at the moment.

I'd communicate with the tenant as best you can and explain that no one is allowed to work on your property without your consent. So if she does retain her own tradespeople they must contact you before actually doing any work. Repeat that you are confident in the tradespeople that have already attended as they have been paid for their work and have turned down the opportunity to earn more as there's nothing that needs doing.

I'd point out that they are clearly unhappy with the property and that you intend to increase the rent significantly at the end of the 12 months in order to recover the additional costs that are being incurred.

your first line is so true .. thanks..

Serve notice at the first opportunity. You made a mistake in allowing this to escalate after the first few incidents. In the meantime, I agree with JPK, do not let her get trades in that you do not vet first. Do wish her well in her quest to find the perfect property and landlord.