Rent-to-Rent Disaster Averted – How I Helped A Landlord Reclaim Control of Their Property

When faced with the challenges of a rent-to-rent (R2R) agreement gone wrong, a landlord of a 3-bed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) found themselves in a difficult position. With tenants in varying financial circumstances, from furloughed workers to the unemployed, and rent arrears spiralling to £5,400, the landlord was left frustrated, unable to get answers or rent from the R2R operator managing the property.

The Breakdown

The landlord’s troubles began when the R2R company, responsible for managing the property and ensuring rent payments, stopped communicating. Calls went unanswered, rent payments were missed for two months, and frustration quickly turned into concern. This situation was compounded by the fact that tenants had ceased paying rent after repeated maintenance issues were ignored by the R2R operator.

At a loss for what to do next, the landlord reached out to me, Julie Ford, for assistance.

Taking Action

My first step was to attempt communication with the R2R operator, but like the landlord, I had no success. The operator had gone silent. With little choice left, I contacted the tenants directly by writing to the property. Though the initial response from one tenant was less than friendly, I listened carefully and started to uncover the root of the problem.

The tenants felt abandoned. Their maintenance concerns were ignored, leading to frustration and ultimately, a refusal to pay rent. They were stuck in a property without support, and tensions were high. It became clear that if I was to resolve this, I needed to get the tenants back on side and help them address their financial issues.

Rebuilding Trust and Finding Solutions

With the property back in the landlord’s control, I focused on rebuilding relationships with the tenants. I assessed each tenant’s financial situation, including their eligibility for benefits and assistance. This revealed several options that could help reduce their arrears and get them back on track. Two tenants were eligible for Universal Credit, and I helped them apply.

Given that all of the tenants had backgrounds in the care sector, I identified over 10 potential charitable funders that might provide assistance. After making contact and explaining the situation, I successfully secured contributions from seven of these organisations.

The Result

The combined approach of Universal Credit applications and charitable grants cleared the entire £5,400 in rent arrears. Beyond this, I maintained regular follow-ups with both the tenants and the landlord at months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 to ensure that payments stayed on track and no further issues arose.

The landlord was not only relieved to recover their rent but also grateful for the ongoing support and peace of mind that the situation was finally under control.

Call to Action

If you’re a landlord struggling with non-payment of rent, difficult tenants, or a rent-to-rent operator that has gone quiet, don’t wait until the problem escalates. Get in touch with me, Julie Ford, and let’s work together to get your property back under control. I specialise in helping landlords navigate complex situations like this and can offer tailored solutions to recover rent and restore order.

Reach out today, and let’s start turning things around.