UK Landlord Forum / Life

Hello everyone,

This is a very complicated issue but will give the short version.

My tenant, a single mother of four children, trashed my house for years, changed the locks without my permission stopping me from maintaining the property and then reported me to local council last October, who demanded I supply a schedule of work to repair 20 odd deficiencies within 14 days. 

I had had enough so immediately contacted my lawyer who advised a section 21 eviction to regain possession.

Fast forward to beginning of this month and successfully evicted tenant, finally I could look forward to moving back in and renovate at my own pace. 

However, the housing officer who I had not heard from since December suddenly sent a letter last week giving me just ten days to supply a schedule of work again otherwise they will take me to court issuing a 'Suspended Improvement Notice' enforceable upon occupation of the property and 'A prohibition order' prohibiting occupation until all repairs have been completed. I have until the 27th Feb to comply. 

I feel sick, the property is empty so what jurisdiction does he have? No one is at risk any more. Is this legal? I have no intention of ever renting out again. All I want is to renovate and sell up as the stress has made me ill over the years (I suffered a medium stroke 18 months ago leaving me with mild brain damage). 

I contacted my lawyer but they did not want to know, advising to plead for more time but I don't want more time I want him to leave me alone so I can fix my house up in peace. 

Any advice from you experienced landlords would be most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Kitkat

Can't you speak to them and tell them your intentions of not renting it out again.  Seems pointless taking you to court to try and stop something that you weren't going to do anyway.

Hello RipTide,

Thank you for such a quick response. 


And I take comfort that your opinion reflects mine which is much appreciated sir.

I did email them earlier this evening stating:

"I am no longer a landlord and the house is my private property so what is the purpose of this action?

I have yet to take back possession of my property as waiting for bailiffs to attend in order for them to document the condition of the property upon entry. When I do eventually take back possession, the property will be occupied only by me whilst I oversee it's renovation, thereafter I will remain in the property until it is sold."

However, I was hoping someone would advise they cannot actually do this without reasonable cause allowing me to use a more forceful argument. I guess I'll have to be patient and if it goes to court at least I'll have an opportunity to give my side in the public domain. 


I just could have done without even more expense. 


Many thanks again.


KitKat

My experience, although not with this same kind of issue, is that Councils / Council employees to tend to get "locked-in" on a course of action. I would just try to consider this from the opposing view... did the Housing Officer know of your intention? And, even then, what is to say your intentions won't change? I think I would be picking up the phone and want to have a grown-up and calm discussion. I'd certainly be letting them know you intend to bring the house up to scratch, but not in 10 days as there is no compelling event (like a new Tenant moving in) driving that kind of timeframe. That said, just supplying a Schedule of Works can't be that hard, can it?

I'd not class what is happening here as you being harassed (from your own description). At least it seems you both agree work needs to be done.

I feel your pain KitKat, I recently got my property back in a heartbreakingly poor condition.  I too had to go through the eviction process and that in itself is very stressful - this extra council issue is just tipping you over the edge.  There is no way I would have got my house back on track in 14 days, it is a very unrealistic ask if you are doing it yourself (and perhaps even if you were getting in tradesmen too - not knowing extent of damage).

If I were you I would make an appointment to see them in person, with like others have said, a plan of your works along with realistic timescales.  The works now, in my opinion, is none of their business, however he appears to have a bee in his bonnet about it so if he can see you have it all in hand it may calm the situation.

They have managers asking what is happening with all there cases.

Just meet at the property with the person, explain you are moving back in, offer to provide a schedule of works ( make this 100% longer than you will actually do it) But I doubt whether there will be any need.

Good luck