Crazy tenant puts landlord through hell

I had a bad feeling once about an outgoing tenant. On vacating day I put my mobile into my shirt pocket, camera facing outwards, and began recording before I rang the doorbell. The tenant duly tried to shake me down for more than his deposit for supposedly ignoring complaints about an essential repair that he had needed to do instead. He incriminated himself beautifully and wasn't best pleased to be told (once I had my keys back and we were out of the house, of course) that the whole exchange had been videoed!

I don't know about the legalities of that but as a defence it's bullet proof.

Scary stuff... Not all LL are men, whatever age or sex of the tenant it's best to consider the risks and consequences of all visits. Common assault is an offence where you don't have to actually touch someone, just pointing aggressively is enough, but that's all debatable too. I like the video idea ! If you do get nicked, use a free duty solicitor at the station...if you are worried about your actions go no comment and wait for the evidence. The CPS rarely prosecute Common Assault and never without an 80% chance of winning. But the law recognises that tenants are usually more vulnerable ...... So beware go by the rules!

As my portfolio gets bigger and more complicated with a varied range of social economic tenants I watch for warning signals following the normal credit checks, my experience as a full time hands on land lord now directs me that should a tenant give me concern I speak only by text or phone, then if unresovable I get a reputable management company in to work things through and matters usually improve. Tenants who are good are valued and know their valued, i deliberately look to spoil them after a couple of years of no problems. Good regular communication works for me. I never am critical, just justify my concerns. I don't attend with non independant witness's. I pick times of repair, maintenance and the gas check! That way it's not so threatening and intrusive into a home. Each property has a regular annual outside survey and discussions of improvement. Perhaps a carpet is changed just from the need of wear and tear, or the radiators are bled. It is money but also builds a bond. My end game is harmony and a regular income with a property that kept nicely could be sold easily. I look for long term tenants and actively take families with pets as I know they will stay because most landlords don't accept pets. It can work. If a tenant is terribly ill I look for adjustments either aiding their ability within their lives, or in a payment plan if they suddenly loose their job. If they don't have transport for unwanted furniture, I arrange it, the property stays nice. If they are moving in and I recognise a need, we do the move in, it helps cement a new understanding. I'm a pussycat really, but with rules and if the rent is a day late Im on to it. But rarely do I need to do that. I enjoy what I do and get good feed back. I recognise that some LL do not have the time I have. Or they have a big portfolio. I capped my portfolio this week with completion of my tenth property, done up on a retention mortgage, value added too (happy me) and tenanted next week, we will help her move in because she is disabled not terribly well off and with a lovely cat. she popped in regularly to see our renovating and decorating progress, bringing doughnuts ! and she chose the wallpaper and tiles. I don't really want more than I can manage myself and my income is now sufficient. I'm sure there will be issues sometime but that's life!

Just register with LRS (Landlords Referencing service) and put her details on there.
They have many warnings of bad tenents etc.
I've found it extremely helpful.
Kev

This is the biggest load of rubbish that I have ever seen and I am amazed that you printed it!