Tenant said it would cost thousands to get her out?

Tenant said it would cost thousands to get her out?

9:40 AM, 7th May 2021, About 4 years ago 29

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I had an EICR assessment in October, which stated the property required rewiring. Since then there have multiple failed attempts to get this work started and completed. The tenant had Covid-19 multiple times, then her boyfriend has had it, then a boyfriend’s relative bereavement, relative has changed (the boyfriend is not a tenant), then the work was started, and she refused to let them back in after the second day.

On the 27.12.20 she sent a cheery text saying you can now start the work and was rude, aggressive and intimidating when I said I couldn’t because the electrician was booked up.

The work finally continued on Tuesday and today she has denied access again. We have followed procedure with warnings which means she is on the final stage but has made it clear that it will cost us thousands to get her out. Any advice on how I proceed. The electrician has been really good but at the end of the day he has a business to run.

I have already had to pay extra costs when work was booked and not carried out. This is a common theme with the tenant, she reports issues/repairs which we respond to immediately and then refuses access.

Anita


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GREENDIZZYCRAB

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14:21 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Badger at 08/05/2021 - 12:52
This was exactly the case, it was a requirement for the EICR. But the other point I was trying to make was not being allowed access of professionals not myself into the property is a constant problem. Even when the tenant requested a repair, the issue was checked, workmen booked and then not allowed access, often multiple times which I had to pay for. It took 7 months to get the rewire done. The costs was hefty, plus extra for the days booked and not allowed access.

Dylan Morris

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15:55 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by GREENDIZZYCRAB at 08/05/2021 - 14:21
So what’s the sequence of events here. Are you saying an EICR was carried out showing a full rewire was needed prior to the tenant moving in ?

GREENDIZZYCRAB

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16:24 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by GREENDIZZYCRAB at 08/05/2021 - 16:16
Since the tenant moved in there has been a history of denying access for any kind of repair/maintenance work. Even if the work was requested by the tenant. An inspection was carried out to obtain an EICR certificate, a rewire was required to obtained the certificate which took 7 months to complete due to access being denied, one day the workmen were allowed in the next day not! EICR is a govt requirement, and work identified is a govt requirement, when I saw that work was required I dreaded it as I knew from past experiences that there would be an access issue. By ensuring that I follow all the govt guidelines in having a safe property it not only cost for the rewire but for workmen coming out and not being able to work!

Saul Smart

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17:44 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by GREENDIZZYCRAB at 08/05/2021 - 16:24
I fully understand your situation with certain tenants requesting works/ works being required (even annual gas certs) and them not communicating to allow access or even worse all arrangements being made and the tenants are a no show when your tradesman is at the door- they drive me nuts and turn my tradesmen against wanting to work for me.

As well as being a portfolio landlord I am a registered sparks and am fully aware of the huge disruption with noise, mess to name only a few issues of rewiring an occupied house. Even with an onboard owner occupier as a customer it is a real test of patience on both the electricians part as well as the occupier and requires huge amounts of cooperation from the occupier. So I don't know how this is expected to play out with an awkward, high maintenance tenant.

On the above you have my full understanding and sympathy.

But what I dont understand is what advice you are actually asking of us on this post- forgive me if I've missed something but skim reading through a couple of times I'm really not seeing what you are wanting to happen or the final outcome you are looking for?

GREENDIZZYCRAB

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18:24 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Paul landlord at 08/05/2021 - 17:44
Basically have I got grounds for repossession due to breach of contract as the situation just seems to get worse. I utterly dread any change in legislation which means inspection and remedial work being carried out. I believe that landlords should maintain it's property/ies it's just so hard when you can't do it through no fault if your own, and can potentially face massive fines.

Dylan Morris

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18:57 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by GREENDIZZYCRAB at 08/05/2021 - 18:24
Sorry if I’m not following this properly .......... you’ve had the house all re-wired now ?

GREENDIZZYCRAB

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19:26 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 08/05/2021 - 18:57
Yes finally got it done. Just haven't got the heart to carry on anymore and want to sell up and retire

Dylan Morris

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19:32 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by GREENDIZZYCRAB at 08/05/2021 - 19:26
Well that’s really good news. All EICR compliant now and I assume rent paid up to date. Chill out for a bit and you’ll feel different about it all soon. Having a full rewire with tenant is situ is very stressful for you as a landlord and your tenant (to be fair). Best wishes.

Chris @ Possession Friend

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19:50 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 07/05/2021 - 11:27Yes Luke, this is 'business as usual for us'
Anita, get in touch. we specialise in difficult tenants.

Saul Smart

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22:23 PM, 8th May 2021, About 4 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Dylan Morris at 08/05/2021 - 19:32
With respect I don't ever expect the OP to be 'chilled out' with a difficult tenant in place with all the anti-landlord garbage from the government, media and tenants now thats been going on for the last 6 years or so. Rent and EICR being up to date or not.

As we read this seems not to be a singular incident, problems with this tenant seem a way of life and the OP seems in a state of anxiety over it- I've been in the business for over 30 years with upwards of 40 properties and although this stuff has always been 'just another day at the office', I'm now getting fed up and each time a property comes vacant the consideration of the sale of it comes up too- something as being hardcore landlord I never thought I would do. Not actually sold anything yet mind, possibly never will but rationalising down some rather than leaving altogether seems attractive, particularly in this window of a mini boom we're experiencing.

My personal opinion for the OP is to get rid of this tenant and possivly get out of the business as they dont seem to be able to hack it (no offence intended to the OP but if you're not minded for it this business, with a bad tenant and all the negative changes life can be hell.)

Or alternatively leave the business with a sitting tenant in place....

In the business or out, at a minimum my thoughts are speak to the likes of Chris Possession Friend to help decide the future.

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