Can I evict my tenant for installing a stairlift without permission?

I think this goes on a different tack to some other comments, but maybe ask yourself why she didn't inform you.
Are you the kind of landlord that is so unapproachable that someone can't come to you and say "my partner stays over about half the time, and he's got mobility issues, so would you mind if I paid for a chair lift installing?"
I would suggest you give her a call, tell her you don't think the chair lift is a problem, but it would have been better if she'd spoken about it with you. Then she's going to be more receptive when you ask her who installed it, if they gave her any documentation and have a discussion about what will happen with it if she moves out in the future. Also. Tell her it's no problem her perner stays over, but if he wants to move in he needs to be added to the tenancy.
Don't forget - you own the building, but it's her home, and some compassion here will probably bring a bit more cooperation from her in the future.
That's what I'd do anyway.

Reply to the comment left by Ron at 29/10/2024 - 06:29
She may be in breach of the tenancy depending on its terms. Not every hole made in a wall or staircase will be a breach of the AST. Even if you get over the first hurdle and it is a breach, you have to prove financial loss caused by the breach. Until you get to the end of the tenancy and the tenant fails to remove the stairlift and make good any damage caused, I doubt you will have a claim for financial compensation.

I doubt the landlord will get much sympathy from the judge if the tenant's partner is registered disabled. Whether the stairlift was purchased outright or is on a credit agreement is irrelevant.

I am astonished at the number of people on this thread jumping to adverse conclusions, suggesting benefit fraud and assuming the worst. No wonder tenant lobby groups get a good hearing from MPs if tenants are treated like criminals!

Tracey (the OP), you now have plenty of contradictory advice to go on. Good luck!

I've said my piece and don't intend to add to this.

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 29/10/2024 - 11:00
I don't know why you're so surprised? 25 years of dealing with tenants has given me a great 6th sense and it rarely fails me.
You've obviously been extremely lucky in your dealings with them.

There are some red flags here so keep a watchful eye. Increase your inspection frequency, look for the classic two toothbrushes in bathroom etc. but if someone else is living at the house then you should have that conversation. I find that point more important than a starlift.

As suggested a tactical conversation about the stairlift being installed, just say you are concerned about fire safety and use that as the start of the wedge to pri for more. Like I might need to let the insurance company know so may need to ask who installed etc..

I’m personally no snitch so would keep my nose out of the other bungalow and just focus on making sure you are comfortable with the explanation and are not concerned about them, doing major damage and will pay rent, sneaking in the bf without you knowing.

Reply to the comment left by Jason at 29/10/2024 - 12:21I’m a snitch if I think the taxpayer is being robbed.
Benefit fraud costs us all dearly.
Are all the partner’s friends installing stairlifts?

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 29/10/2024 - 13:06
There is zero evidence of benefit fraud. And this would be hearsay anyway. The only concern you should have is if someone else is living there. If they are then adding to TA with the right checks and informing the council would be sufficient.

Reply to the comment left by Jason at 29/10/2024 - 15:18
If nothing untoward then why the secrecy? No evidence but also no reason not to suspect sculdugery maybe afoot . I bid you good day. " I said Good day sir"

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 28/10/2024 - 15:05
If the local authority fitted the stair lift they would have contacted the landlord for permanent no work would have been carried out with written permission from the landlord , o had to have written permission for grab rails, extra banister and a key safe, plus they wouldn't fit a stairlift unless the person needing it lived there full time, as they do a financial check so she must have paid for it in full or is renting it

Reply to the comment left by Downsize Government at 28/10/2024 - 10:23
Lack of respect from tenants, unreasonable demands, media backlash, loss of control…. Welcome to the PRS In 2024 with more crap to follow!

I wouldn't evict... but I would be totally shocked to see a stair lift. My concern would be how to get rid of it? It is a fairly permanent fixture, so I assume she's planning to be there for the long haul (which I assume is a good thing?)... I'd write to her about breach of tenancy and be clear that the cost of removal will be hers as it's her item. And just check the installation meets your checks. I'm not sure if it has to be added / included on insurance documents, but it's a significant adaptation and you need to know to be compliant! Maybe he's staying over there more and more. It doesn't mean he's moved in... but he's definately spending more time there.