Renters Rights Bill is closing in, and your rental property is at risk—don’t wait, act now before it’s too late

You are not the NHS or social care. At least start the process now using S21 while its still available otherwise if you use the proposed S8 the judge might consider your tenant has priority over you and you will be stuck with him.

Denzel - stories like this should be published to illustrate the fact that not all landlords are the devil. Only because the landlord can afford to allow this to happen, has it happened. A landlord strapped for cash would not have allowed the rent to fall so far behind market rate nor the debt to reach the time line it has. I have absolute sympathy for the tenant, and also for the landlord, unfortunately the government can't extend any consideration to landlords, just tenants. They want us, to do their job and the pincer movement of overwhelming the courts, with section 8s, combined with imposing punitive CGT will further make us all care providers. Eventually, those tenants that can will buy, those that can't will get greater access to social housing (maybe), in the interim the PRS will pickup the bill and the hassle. Part of the proposed changes will limit rent uplifts to 'market rate'. I provide houses that are better than the average market does, in the hope to attract better tenants and command greater rents. If market rate does not factor in the quality of the accommodation, which I guarantee it will not, then the implication is that I and I am sure many more landlords, will only provide 'average' market rate properties. This creates a race to the bottom in terms of quality. Of course this has not even been thought about. As our so called industry body 'NRLA' now in my mind 'Never Really Landlord Advocates' or 'Notoriously Redefining Landlord Assistance' are not lobbying effectively, pressure must be put on government to stop councils abdicating their responsibilities, especially advising tenants to stay put. Just a few ramblings from a mind infuriated by these lunatics in government. My local Labour MP sold his rental property after many years, just before Labour got into power - what a coincidence....

Reply to the comment left by Steve O'Dell at 16/09/2024 - 10:28
I know of a vicar that purchased a property and the tenants fell severely ill and was only able to pay around half of the rent. The vicar felt 'morally obliged' to allow the tenant to remain (for over 4 years until he died) . Despite the fact the tenant had family that could have supported him.

Reply to the comment left by Steve O'Dell at 16/09/2024 - 10:28
I agree publish it....but is anyone other than a fellow LL going to understand this/ take any notice?

From the government and council perspective this is only about the bigger picture, not individuals - they don't want to/cant house people themselves and they want to pay as little as possible when they are forced to do so.

Campaign groups not bothered who to blame so LL is the easiest target (especially when the government hates private LL's too). Bandwagon politics.

Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 16/09/2024 - 10:39
God and business never a good mix.

As horrible as this situation sounds. The point is why should the landlord be out of pocket and the tenant be stressed over a situation that uncontrollable health related. The bigger picture is left unchecked this would ultimately cost the taxpayer, landlord and tenant. This is a situation when the LA MUST step in an use taxpayers money to be efficient. Otherwise it would be the usual story of a costly eviction, tenant told to stay put, then eventually LA has to house them anyway. This sounds like best next step; and quite frankly the only sensible weapon left; make an open dialogue between all three parties until an agreement is made.

Reply to the comment left by Jason at 16/09/2024 - 13:25
this is exactly the tack you use when contacting the Council about the situation IF you intend/are happy to come to an 'arrangement' for the tenant to stay put.
I would copy in the Head of Housing/Social Services if necessary and the local MP to show everyone you are trying to do your bit.
Give them a deadline to respond. It may be the case they NEED you to issue a S21/S8 for the clock to start officially ticking. Unit there is a threat of imminent homelessness and a priority need is determined they won't bother starting any 'negotiation'.

Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 16/09/2024 - 18:13
You can't just go around informing all and sundry about an individuals personal circumstances (which this is) as you are covered by the GDPR regulations (Information Commissioners Office) with whom you should be registered if you hold any personal information on the tenant(S)

Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 16/09/2024 - 18:37
You can remove the personal details when writing to the MP - simply explain the situation. What you are trying to do is make them understand how you as the LL are trying to secure the tenancy and in this case how you need (and are not getting?) help from the council to do this. Other reason for this...shows then the reality of the situation as it is now...ahead of the RRB. If they think the situation is bad now....

Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 17/09/2024 - 09:31
I agree, but in my experience of talking to councillors they are not really interested. All they say is its the responsibility of the housing department (whatever that is) and Social; Services, then you get a lecture about how valuable landlords like me are and the council has no money etc etc.