Letter to tackle persistent and unreasonable maintenance requests?

Sounds like you've some 'entitled' tenants.

Improvements=>better quality property=>higher rent.

This nees to be pointed out to them.

May I ask - was there an inventory check when the tenants first moved in, and did the tenants sign it?

ttfo asap

Reply to the comment left by terry sullivan at 20/05/2021 - 11:17
Sadly you may be right. I have had the same thoughts myself in the past.
🙂

Dear Lorraine,

Make sure you your legal requirements are in place then make a business decision on if to move them on before S21 is abolished.

These tenants are going to turn into non payment by claiming disrepair or calling for the council to inspect your property.

Sounds like too much trouble when you have been so generous to them. They will not be so kind to you.

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 20/05/2021 - 09:50
Ian has hit the nail on the head. Your tenants took the property in its condition at the date they moved in - and I hope they signed a thorough inventory. You must do repairs but changes beyond that are a matter of goodwill. The tone of the letter is wrong and will encourage more requests.
When you first start turning down their frivilous requests they're likely to kick up and will test your resolve.
To counter this reset expectations. I consider a sharp rent increase, accompanied with a letter explaining it's to reflect the improved condition of the property in the last 12 months. Wait until they respond - outraged - then list all the most expensive improvements they demanded. They'll come to their senses or leave.

Get a good agent in. That'll square 'em back. Offset the cost of the agent with the saving you'll make on the tenants ridiculous whims.

I have a very similar issue with one of my tenants. He was homeless and I gave him the chance to rent the house when he couldn't get anywhere else due to bad credit. He was so very grateful for a month, then the nit picking started. In the last few months there have been regular requests for repairs that usually get sent to me on a Friday or Saturday evening at around 8pm and are expected to be dealt with immediately. These have included replacing batteries in the heating thermostat and asking for a new door because the locking mechanism is stiff causing a hazard in the event of a fire (it isn't). I've been told that the property 'needs' decorating throughout, new flooring, a new bathroom and kitchen and new doors and windows (some of which are only 5 years old). I am now considering selling the property and served a S21 giving 6 months notice. The tenant got stroppy, paid last months rent late and then got a mate of his to offer £30,000 less than the asking price after telling me of all it's 'faults' including subsidence! I politely explained to the tenant and his friend that there are 'needs' and 'wants' which are two different things. A couple of weeks later, the stroppy tenant phoned to apologise after trying every agency in the area and failing to be accepted as a prospective tenant. Suddenly he says my semi derelict hovel is a lovely house and he loves living there as it doesn't need anything else doing and I can just sit back and collect the rent without paying out for any more repairs in the future! We will see.

Reply to the comment left by Paul Shears at 20/05/2021 - 08:09
I have two very good tenants, one who has been with me for 8 years. They report genuine faults and do not expect miracles when arranging for repairs to be carried out. Then there are others, who as you say, expect instant attention from myself and from tradesmen. I don't know if it's an age thing, with the younger 'student' generation expecting too much. One of my best tenants is a young lady who is only 20 years old. It may just come down to their personality and upbringing.

I always treat tenants with fairness and respect and expect it back. Sadly, this isn't always the case.

Reply to the comment left by Deborah Clare at 20/05/2021 - 14:12
Agreed.