UK Landlord Forum / Life

I have a benefits tenant I am trying to get rid of as she has been treating the tenancy agreement with contempt and is currently over £2,000 in rent arrears. She appears to have abandoned the property as she hasn't been seen for about three weeks. The next door (attached) neighbour has complained to me about rats entering their property that they think may have come from our rented property. I sent her a notice that I needed to inspect the property although I know she won't have seen it. On inspection the property is absolutely disgusting with the kitchen piled high with rubbish, food wrappers etc that a rat problem is highly likely. Where do I stand if I clear it away in her absence? She hasn't terminated the tenancy but all signs are that she has gone and left the council to pay their share of the rent (directly to me) as she can't begin to deal with all the stuff she has filled every conceivable space with. Thanks.

I would check with Environmental Health,because I am pretty sure you could be ordered to clear the place out under the circumstances.Sometimes one just has to use common sense.I would contact her by whatever means you have,to inform her of the steps you have to take.Also I would cover yourself by contacting the council to tell then you think she has abandoned the place.Have you kept copies of the complaint from the neighbours and taken photos ?

Thank you. Yes, we have plenty of photos and have served all required notices to date by hand to the property. In talking to immediate neighbours of the property it appears next door was told in December they were moving out on January 7th which would tally with her suspected movements. I think you're right in that common sense needs to prevail and the monumental task of clearing all her clutter should begin without further delay.

It's not nice,but take comfort that she has gone.You could have had a lengthy and very expensive slog to get her out.What sort of checks do the council do before they place such people with private landlords?