UK Landlord Forum / Life

 Hi everyone, i'm new to the site 

I consider myself as a decent private landlady.  I pay for a british gas policy every year that covers heating, gas, electricity, plumbing and drains so the tenant has complete piece of mind, and more importantly me!  For the policy to be valid, a service has to be done on the boiler every year and to cut a long story short my tenants keep ignoring my txts and calls meaning the appointment can't be made.  Service is now overdue.  I txt the tenant, waited 48hrs and then txt again.  I know they've received and read the txts as my iphone tells me. Its been another 48hrs so i called their mobile and house phone number and again was blanked.  They also keep changing their numbers, making it increasingly difficult to contact them.  They pay the rent on time each month but i'm really concerned about the communication.  Their/my old neighbours had to tell me the other week that there was a gas leak in my property......surely they should be letting me know?  I called around after 6 months for property check when they told me that water had been coming through the kitchen ceiling light .  WTF? Ceiling was manky  & caked in water stains.  All's they had to do was call british gas or myself and it would have been sorted same day.  So my next step is to send a recorded delivery letter advising them of required service.  If they dont respond, where do i stand?  Thanks

I become irked by poor communication like this. Yes, a Tenant has a right to quiet enjoyment, of course they do... but they also have responsibilities in the areas that relate to their own safety (Gas Safety Certificate) and the upkeep of the property they are renting from you. Is the Tenant normal in every other way or are they a bit of an oddball?

If the timing allows... I would consider a Section 21. You could maybe start again... or it could help to focus the minds of the Tenant.

Hi,
Yes they are quite normal it seems, however I don't trust them.  I later found out the gas leak was as a result of them changing the  gas & electricity meters from credit to payment card without my permission.  They said it was easier for them but when i called british gas they advised that they changed them under warrant as they hadn't paid the bills.  They lied about it.  Im concerned that if they arent paying the bills it will be the rent next.

I think i will consider the section 21.  I already issued it with the tenancy agreement which expires in Sept, so do i give one month or 2 months notice?

Thanks for the advice.
Carol

Btw ive changed my user name in case im recognised!

A Section 21 requires at least 2 months notice. But you have already served it with the Tenancy Agreement.

You have done everything regarding any deposit correctly, haven't you, otherwise the Section 21 will be invalid. It looks like the easiest thing would be to let the fixed term expire and for no renewal or SPT to arise.

Yes deposit lodged with tds.  Thanks for the advice