by Denzel
10:05 AM, 16th September 2024, About 13 hours ago 8
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My tenant’s been paying me £1,200 a month, but the market rent now is £1,500 – and with my mortgage rates going up, it’s hard. On top of that, he owes me £7,000 in rental arrears.
You’re probably wondering, why haven’t I just increased the rent, evicted him, or gone for possession? Well, the truth is, while he’s been living in my property, he’s suffered two heart attacks and is constantly in and out of the hospital.
The man’s already on the edge, and I don’t want to be the one to push him over. I can’t have that on my conscience.
But now, the Renters’ Rights Bill is coming in, and I’m scared. What does this mean for me? I’m already subsidising my tenant, and I can’t afford to keep doing this.
What’s going to happen next? I honestly don’t know.
This isn’t some hypothetical situation – this is a real conversation I had with a landlord client just this morning. This is not rhetoric or a fancy story. This is real life.
And he’s not alone. Every day, I’m talking to landlords, tenants, letting agents – and the situation just keeps getting worse.
The housing crisis isn’t about quick fixes or overnight solutions. It’s about helping real people who are facing real struggles.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know what I told him next – and I’ll keep saying it.
Eviction or selling your home isn’t the only option! Here’s what you can do if you’re a landlord, you want to keep your tenant, but financially, you can’t keep going like this:
Present your tenant as at risk of homelessness to your local council. You’ll need either a Section 21 or Section 8 notice in place.
State why they’re about to become homeless: either they’ve fallen into arrears, or they can’t afford the rent top-up.
The council has to step in to keep that tenant in the property and prevent homelessness. This could be in the form of payments to cover the rent shortfall or a lump sum to cover the arrears.
But it’s critical you act now, while you still can. You don’t have to sell, and you don’t have to evict. There are things you can do to keep renting sustainably and prevent your tenant from becoming homeless. Don’t delay – act today.
You can do this yourself, or my team can help you through the process. And don’t worry, this is a free service, so fill in your details in the form below for a non-obligatory call.
My name’s Denzel, the CEO of Social Housing Options. Remember, There are many options available to you… Even if your situation does look bleak!
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GlanACC
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Sign Up10:23 AM, 16th September 2024, About 13 hours ago
You are not the NHS or social care. At least start the process now using S21 while its still available otherwise if you use the proposed S8 the judge might consider your tenant has priority over you and you will be stuck with him.
Steve O'Dell
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Sign Up10:28 AM, 16th September 2024, About 13 hours ago
Denzel - stories like this should be published to illustrate the fact that not all landlords are the devil. Only because the landlord can afford to allow this to happen, has it happened. A landlord strapped for cash would not have allowed the rent to fall so far behind market rate nor the debt to reach the time line it has. I have absolute sympathy for the tenant, and also for the landlord, unfortunately the government can't extend any consideration to landlords, just tenants. They want us, to do their job and the pincer movement of overwhelming the courts, with section 8s, combined with imposing punitive CGT will further make us all care providers. Eventually, those tenants that can will buy, those that can't will get greater access to social housing (maybe), in the interim the PRS will pickup the bill and the hassle. Part of the proposed changes will limit rent uplifts to 'market rate'. I provide houses that are better than the average market does, in the hope to attract better tenants and command greater rents. If market rate does not factor in the quality of the accommodation, which I guarantee it will not, then the implication is that I and I am sure many more landlords, will only provide 'average' market rate properties. This creates a race to the bottom in terms of quality. Of course this has not even been thought about. As our so called industry body 'NRLA' now in my mind 'Never Really Landlord Advocates' or 'Notoriously Redefining Landlord Assistance' are not lobbying effectively, pressure must be put on government to stop councils abdicating their responsibilities, especially advising tenants to stay put. Just a few ramblings from a mind infuriated by these lunatics in government. My local Labour MP sold his rental property after many years, just before Labour got into power - what a coincidence....
GlanACC
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Sign Up10:39 AM, 16th September 2024, About 13 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by Steve O'Dell at 16/09/2024 - 10:28
I know of a vicar that purchased a property and the tenants fell severely ill and was only able to pay around half of the rent. The vicar felt 'morally obliged' to allow the tenant to remain (for over 4 years until he died) . Despite the fact the tenant had family that could have supported him.
Reluctant Landlord
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Sign Up11:40 AM, 16th September 2024, About 12 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by Steve O'Dell at 16/09/2024 - 10:28
I agree publish it....but is anyone other than a fellow LL going to understand this/ take any notice?
From the government and council perspective this is only about the bigger picture, not individuals - they don't want to/cant house people themselves and they want to pay as little as possible when they are forced to do so.
Campaign groups not bothered who to blame so LL is the easiest target (especially when the government hates private LL's too). Bandwagon politics.
Reluctant Landlord
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Sign Up11:44 AM, 16th September 2024, About 12 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 16/09/2024 - 10:39
God and business never a good mix.
Jason
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Sign Up13:25 PM, 16th September 2024, About 10 hours ago
As horrible as this situation sounds. The point is why should the landlord be out of pocket and the tenant be stressed over a situation that uncontrollable health related. The bigger picture is left unchecked this would ultimately cost the taxpayer, landlord and tenant. This is a situation when the LA MUST step in an use taxpayers money to be efficient. Otherwise it would be the usual story of a costly eviction, tenant told to stay put, then eventually LA has to house them anyway. This sounds like best next step; and quite frankly the only sensible weapon left; make an open dialogue between all three parties until an agreement is made.
Reluctant Landlord
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Sign Up18:13 PM, 16th September 2024, About 5 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by Jason at 16/09/2024 - 13:25
this is exactly the tack you use when contacting the Council about the situation IF you intend/are happy to come to an 'arrangement' for the tenant to stay put.
I would copy in the Head of Housing/Social Services if necessary and the local MP to show everyone you are trying to do your bit.
Give them a deadline to respond. It may be the case they NEED you to issue a S21/S8 for the clock to start officially ticking. Unit there is a threat of imminent homelessness and a priority need is determined they won't bother starting any 'negotiation'.
GlanACC
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Sign Up18:37 PM, 16th September 2024, About 5 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 16/09/2024 - 18:13
You can't just go around informing all and sundry about an individuals personal circumstances (which this is) as you are covered by the GDPR regulations (Information Commissioners Office) with whom you should be registered if you hold any personal information on the tenant(S)