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tennant with learning difficultys

Started by scotty, November 26, 2011, 12:17:24 PM

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scotty

Hi i am a first time landlord
the letting agent has not got anyone in last 2 months, so i lowered the rent and advertized localy, i have 4 people very interested in the house( 2 bed mid terrace ) all with varied back grounds,

one is a father and son, the father is in full time employment but the son has learning difficultys, but is entitled to full housing benefit, the father wants the tenancy agreement in the sons name. my queery is; if the son is fully aware of what he is signing up for, weather the agreement is worth anything, or if the son burns the house down, are there any extra precautions to take into consideration

2 others are dss, one is already claiming for benefits for 2 years and has them in place, the other(i know you shouldn't get attached, but seemed more likeable!) has left her partner living with her parents, and just starting to claim benefits but has nothing in place yet.

Jeremy

Hello Scotty,

I'd be suspicious of this.  If the father wanted the tenancy in joint names I'd get it.  He's being paternalistic and protective and wants a family tenancy.

My suspicions are raised.  If the son is not capable of legally entering into contracts and is the sole signatory and if the father is pulling some kind of fast one then it could be a lot of legal wrangling later before you get your house back, with no rent paid on it during all the wrangling.  A lot of "if's" but something feels not quite right.

I'd be tempted to go with one of the others.  Don't judge by appearances, get them checked out by a tenant referencing service.

Hope this helps, Jeremy.

scotty

thanks jeremy

had my doubts and after talking with another landlord recently, put them to bottom of the pile

i suppose your always learning, it seen a bit of a minefield at times

it appears all the applicants are hiding something its a process of finding the ones with least to hide i suppose lol

thanks again
scott

Jeremy

Thanks for telling us what you decided to do Scotty.  It's good to hear the end of a story as not many people seem to post back what happens after they solicit advice.

scotty

im new to this and i am trying to get as much advice as possible and appriciate every bit of help.

i now have a tennant ready to move in, after doing some background checks

fingers crossed ive picked the right one

thanks again jeremy