SMF - Just Installed!

Paranoid Part 2.

Started by heavykarma, February 21, 2018, 11:10:22 AM

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heavykarma

...and this time it's personal.

Tenants (aka Dumb and Dumber) had their follow-up inspection by E.Health this week.She sent me a report,completely absolving me from any responsibility,and thanking me for the measures I had taken.The new fire I fitted has barely been used,and the dehumidifier was placed on the floor in a corner,and emptied every few days.Mould and condensation everwhere.Never open windows for "Health reasons".

She asked the tenants if they could enquire about using some space outdoors for their drying,but they told her there was nowhere.The flat has a private garden,bigger than my own,complete with rotary drier,and a small covered area on the patio.

What I don't know is if it would still be counted as reciprocal eviction if I ask them to leave when the AST expires in May? They went straight to EH,no verbal or written complaint to me.

I am treading warily.They both seem to have "issues",rarely leave the flat,and the woman sent me a bizarre email, saying her partner had an anxiety attack when he saw us replacing bulbs in the communal hallway.Does even asking them if they intend leaving count as harassment   

Riptide

With the all clear you're good to go https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repairs/revenge_eviction_if_you_ask_for_repairs otherwise,  day one tenants would raise a complaint for nothing and have a hold over the property.

You can ask them about their intentions but as you want them out I wouldn't bother, they'll either say they're staying and you'll great that with a section 21 or they could say they are going but don't.

Me and my other half called our previous last change tenants dumb and dumber aswell!

eps501

I am sure there's something about the tenants having to comply with following reasonable measures to maintain their living condition and not making things worse. Obviously you've done all you can from your side. Just tell them you will be unable to renew their tenancy within the time stated - 2 months?

heavykarma

Thanks Riptide and EP.I will be relieved to get shot of them,What a pair of eejits.They complained on the second day that the fridge (larder style,small ice box) was failing to freeze fresh food no matter how much they turned the dial. 

Hippogriff

Quote from: heavykarma on February 21, 2018, 12:27:15 PMThey complained on the second day that the fridge (larder style,small ice box) was failing to freeze fresh food no matter how much they turned the dial.

And they were not wrong!

Hippogriff

Quote from: heavykarma on February 21, 2018, 11:10:22 AMDoes even asking them if they intend leaving count as harassment

I would not ask them anything now. When the time is right provide them with the cast-iron correct notice, well in time... and then see what happens. The notice period is not something you need to extend by giving more. If this is going to be tough, then it's going to be tough no matter what. Steel yourself.

heavykarma

Asking myself "What would Jack Reacher do in this situation?"

Hippogriff

I think he would use the correct form of notice when the time is right.

Hippogriff

Of course... with Tenants you detest and have trouble with... sometimes the sweetest revenge (the kind you serve cold) is continuing to take their rent money, year after year. Now their avenues of complaints may have somewhat evaporated, could it be possible that things will settle down to something akin to normality (if not that itself, as they do seem weird, admitted)?

Hippogriff

Oh, and I forgot... sometimes the smartest way to persuade Tenants to leave is to raise the rent (not in a overtly daft manner) on them. It's kind of no-lose, done right. If they stay - even under protest (which I once had... "under protest", I nearly wet myself) then you get more money. If they go then they go - but they think it was their decision... hence they feel kinda good about it.

I got more money - £50 per month - £850 to £900. They described it as "excessive" but actually did nothing about it except send me emails saying they "would accept it, this time" which I loved reading.

It made me feel better about them wasting space.

heavykarma

I would prefer that of course,no one wants voids.I am less than delighted with the agent I used for the first time,just to find and check tenants.It is my fault for not asking to meet them first.Also,only found out afterwards that a relative had paid the deposit for them,and the combined income quoted included benefits as the woman does not work.I don't think they realise the costs that will be deducted when they leave.The newish mattress will have to be scrapped,due to mould.It is not a standard size.She is a big lass for sure,and lies in bed all day.presumably sweating.I never knew mould could do that.

Hippogriff

If they're receiving benefits then they're probably quite well off - some [more] of that should be reaching your pocket.

The shoe is on the other foot now, I would think? You have navigated the obstacles they threw in your path... you were given a clean bill of health.

heavykarma

Who needs Jack Reacher,I should be asking myself "what would Hippogriff do?" You're right,I need to claim back some power.I am by nature a fighter,but I have really played this with a straight bat,despite being furious with them.

heavykarma

A friend,when paid money owed "under protest" would explain sweetly that the bank would still cash it regardless,and he would still be able to spend it,protest or no protest!   

Hippogriff

Quote from: heavykarma on February 21, 2018, 04:52:43 PM
Who needs Jack Reacher,I should be asking myself "what would Hippogriff do?" You're right,I need to claim back some power.I am by nature a fighter,but I have really played this with a straight bat,despite being furious with them.

Patience and a memory are powerful things. So, you became furious with them... you acted professionally and, in time, they'll get their just desserts. But, hopefully, not via an eviction... via regular and aggressive rent increases year after year. Timing. Not comedy timing... revenge timing. But there is potential for comedy too, that's for sure.

And when you've eventually raised the rent to the point where they can't manage, and they choose to leave, make sure you let them see the new advert - back at market rates and less than they were paying you!

heavykarma

You are actually rather evil aren't you ?

eps501

Quote from: Hippogriff on February 23, 2018, 09:33:37 AM
Patience and a memory are powerful things. So, you became furious with them... you acted professionally and, in time, they'll get their just desserts. But, hopefully, not via an eviction... via regular and aggressive rent increases year after year. Timing. Not comedy timing... revenge timing. But there is potential for comedy too, that's for sure.

And when you've eventually raised the rent to the point where they can't manage, and they choose to leave, make sure you let them see the new advert - back at market rates and less than they were paying you!

I really like this ..... a lot! Very well served.