UK Landlord Forum / Life

I have had a terrible experience with previous tenants

They left owing 3 months rent but that was the least of the problems

The house was worse than disgusting, there was grease dirt and mould everywhere. 3 carpets damaged, one by overturned tin of paint that was just left, nail varnish splattered over another (even wondered if this was deliberate) paint and mould on another, furniture and curtains missing,  it was heartbreaking................I could go on forever but result was entire house had to be gutted even to the extent of getting 2 rooms replastered, new toilet as brown rust like stains could not be removed, complete new bathroom floor as boards were rotted, decorating from top to bottom and new flooring throughout.  despite this I am still having problems trying to have deposit released from DPS as I did not have photos prior to them moving in

On top of this they had not registered with water board, or paid any council tax.....how? am sure I could not get away with that.  There have been 2 bailiffs who called at house while big clean up was under way so looks like they make a habit of running up debts and then moving on

So I have reduced the rent so that friends of my sister in law (who I trust) can move in.  I have still compiled a watertight contract, a detailed inventory will be done as soon as all work is complete and wondered if I was allowed to appoint my own agent.  I do not completely trust letting agencies so wondered if I could claim tax back on a personally appointed agent for £50 a month.  He is an old family friend who is out of work and has agreed to visit the property every3 months (potential tenants have agreed to this) and deal with minor problems that occur. He is aware that he could get £50 a month for doing nothing or maybe he will really have to work for it. He is a 100% reliable and would stop me worrying about the property (I live 200 miles away)

Another thing is how do I detail all this on my tax return as I have spent more than I received in rent

Sorry for the long post but would welcome any advice