UK Landlord Forum / Life

Over 25 years ago, I basically lost a property after a very bad tenant. After I had paid for all repairs there was no way to keep up, so I simply had to let it go.
This was a council tenant. What she did was at some point move a boyfriend in. Unknown to me. About a year down the line, with no problems of rent payment and check on house each three months I had a call from a neighbour which basically told me to come check. The tenant had been seen leaving the property several weeks before with bags. Neighbours thought maybe a visit home to Ireland to the family. Until they say the boyfriend moving stuff out, like furniture etc.
I went to the house and found my keys didn't work, however disturbing sound of water. I called the fire brigade who refused to break in, when I said I would break in they called the police.......I wasn't carrying proof I was the owner of property. Finally the police gave in, and the fire brigade broke in.....
My home........the kitchen diner was flooding in water, and needles. Nice. The living room was a paddling pool and ceiling in. Water gently coming down the stairs.
The bathroom, my pride and joy, had had cement poured down the sink, the bath, the shower room. Water turned on.
Insurance wouldn't pay out as guy not on my agreement, criminal damage. I didn't know who he was.
Council not interested as their tenant not in situ or in contact.
New plumbing, new carpets, new decoration, cupboards, electric.....you can imagine the costs. However I made it, but it cost me the house.
Didn't rent again for many years, then again find myself in the situation to do so. Good tenants for four years, then I get that little shit in my life again.
This one started off OK, however started to spin stories of company bankrupt who he worked for, then new job, then illness, then partner left him. Until someone got there we did not know what was happening. He did agree to leave, something I guess.
What he left me with was nine loads of rubbish from garden, a tractor tyre?, a patio window out, lattice window in front of house out, doors off frames, loft latch broken, part of wall in garage/office knocked through to allow his pipe for drug growing. House so filthy has needed two professional cleans. Stolen bed, ruined carpet, sofas so disgusting to make you puke. Neighbour attacked by a dog (not known of) and her dog attacked the same. Garden pond filled with dog shit bags....all pond life dead. Garden equipment left outside to rot.
The cleverest thing this little shit bag did was leave my keys in the house and the doors wide open..................so again insurance not interested.
My daughter is staying there now, well soon when all sorted, and if she leaves we will sell. Really property to rent is it really worth it, the cost and stress of this person has left me feeling low.

No advise or comment except, I feel for you. Good luck.

This is a common story for us and although heart wrenching i always ask the question......who was managing the property during  the tenancy ?
there is insurance and there is insurance ......when protecting your investment, invest into good insurance and check your cover.

Also be aware of your restricted powers so not to fall foul of such problems and finally PROPERTY VISITS EVERY 3 MONTHS !!!

not sure where you are in the country but we may be able to help or advise moving forwards.

No-one is sure where you are, Fleece, in the country... 

info4flis@gmail.com to find out who i am and what i do

Ah, you're a secret agent... well done.