Blocked under floor vents and letterbox?

Blocked under floor vents and letterbox?

11:04 AM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago 19

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Hello everyone, Please can I ask what you think I should do with a tenant who blocks the underfloor air vents and the letterbox? This must be to stop drafts, but ventilation is more important for health and condition of the property.

I have written to the tenants by pigeon post but on a site visit found it couldn’t be delivered due to the blocked letterbox!

I talked with them and arrange a meeting on site after 8pm that evening. However, no one turned up and no text message was received from them either.

Any ideas on how I should handle this?

Many thanks

John


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JeggNegg

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11:43 AM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

I am a cynic. As an agent for landlords I would visit outside property and look through windows, if possible, my guess is something is not correct.are windows closed?
It’s July and the temperature inside my home in Sussex now in the shade is 21.9 degreesC, with windows and doors open. Surely in this heat some draft is a benefit to keep property cool.

John Grefe

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12:02 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

Thanks for your comments. I did carry out a visual outside check, all the curtains are closed tightly except the kitchen blind. I looked in and saw nothing untoward, just everyday life, although the washing machine is pulled out from under the worktop. I noticed that every hole/crevice that a "bug" could conceal it's self was taped up. Maybe they don't like spiders?
Thanks, much appreciated, John

Jo Westlake

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12:47 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

What does the tenancy agreement say?

I use the NRLA one and it says:
2.10 Take all reasonable steps not to block or cause a blockage to the drains and pipes, gutters and channels
in or about the Property.
2.11 Take all reasonable precautions to prevent condensation and or mould growth by keeping the Property
adequately ventilated and heated.

If you have similar clauses they are breaching the tenancy agreement and could be leaving themselves exposed to a completely justifiable eviction.
In reality they're probably just following some idiotic advice they've seen on social media and don't realise the potential severity of the consequences in doing so.

Neilt

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12:48 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

Maybe to stop the smell of cannabis emanating from the property?

JeggNegg

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12:56 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by neilt at 08/07/2022 - 12:48
That’s was at the back of my cynical mind!

JeggNegg

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13:01 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by John Grefe at 08/07/2022 - 12:02
I ask myself and you
WHY WOULD A TENANT NEED TO DO THAT.?
Is it damaging my property?

I I think you do need to check the small print of you AST AS SUGGESTED

John Grefe

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13:10 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

Yes, we do have that clause in our contract. Thanks very much, appreciated.
John

LordOf TheManor

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13:29 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

John
Just a thought, are the utility meters outside and easily accessible to you?

If so, read the electricity meter and take another reading a week later. If the reading looks high for the size of the property you might well have cannabis growing in there somewhere - not unless the tenants have bought a hot tub that you know nothing about!

Lord

Andy 46

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13:57 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

If they are causing you to worry, which they are, serving them notice and getting better tenants could be your route?

John Grefe

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13:58 PM, 8th July 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by LordOf TheManor at 08/07/2022 - 13:29
Only the gas is outside

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