Any landlords about?

[LemonPudding]

We could do with a bit of advice.

We inherited my parents' home 6 years ago and decided to rent it out to supplement our pension. It was rented to friends for a while and when they moved we put it with an agent. We charge below market rent.

We are still friends with the neighbours (an elderly couple) which has become a problem. They don't like the new tenants, a young couple with a toddler. They are very loud as a lot of young families are.

But last week has brought additional problems. They have been having friends round and sitting in the garden with far more than 2 households and lots of children and barking dogs. No social distancing. And a lot of noise. We have a no pets clause but these are obviously just visiting.

Our friend phoned us to tell us but I asked what they thought we could do. We have spoken to the estate agent and, of course, the tenants say they just had a small family group round. The EA say it's really a police matter and they have to take the tenants at their word.

We gave the number of the EA to the neighbours and said to tell them of any problems but they keep texting us.

There really isn't anything we can do, is there? It's up to the agency.

Well you can serve notice, but past that no you can’t decide how they behave or who they have visit.

I'm trying to think of a tactful way to stop the calls and texts. :(

This is between the two sets of neighbours to sort out. The older couple should do whatever they would do if the younger couple owned the house. The legal basis on which the younger couple occupy the house makes no difference to the duties or remedies between the two households.

It’s none of your business really op. If someone phones again simply state ‘there’s nothing I can do as they’re not actually breaching the tenancy agreement. It’s a legal matter so you’ll need to inform the police’.

This really isn't acceptable from the neighbours - a LL's job isn't to be unofficial police or to send tenants to the naughty corner.

I'd reply to the neighbours saying you aren't in a position to do anything in relation to the tenants that would get in the way of their right to quiet enjoyment of the property. That sounds nice and official, and has the benefit of being true - you shouldn't be getting in touch with tenants to ask about their guests.

neither you nor the agency have any powers to control tenant behaviour. The only thing YOU as the landlord could do is evict, and you can't do that at the moment even if you wanted to.

explain this simple legal truth to the neighbours. They have the same rights to complain to council or police about their neighbours as anyone else.

your tenants are obviously dickheads but that isn't a reason for eviction. But be warned if anything needs fixing - they should be considered to be infected so treat them that way.

Thanks for the suggestions. My head's a lot clearer now. I feel bad because the neighbours were such good friends to my parents but I can only be guided by what the agency says.

Maybe they'll get fed up and love out. I think we may sell it if that happens.

Thanks again.

Move out not love out although that would be interesting.