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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to evict a family for not paying rent out of my house when they are spending money on other non essential stuff?

68 replies

CampbellsPoop · 29/02/2016 10:48

A few things have irked about my tenants but nothing to unerve me (We've had three non payers (in the space of ten years)one tenant it took me 6 months to evict and he trashed the house)

I know from social media (open profiles) that the tenants are not living hand to mouth, I know they are both employed and are buying stuff for their children (bragged about on FB/photos) nights out/holidays and all the trappings.

Meanwhile, I've not only suffered abuse from the family's friend (this morning) for giving them notice but my children are going without because I'm paying the mortgage on that property and I now have a shortfall.

Surely four months is enough messing around and enough time for them to get their priorities in order!

OP posts:
NisekoWhistler · 29/02/2016 10:50

You have a mortgage to pay and they should be paying rent. Regardless of what they're doing with their money you should certainly be entitled to kick them out. They're breaking the terms of the contract!

Beth2511 · 29/02/2016 10:51

God i went through an awful phase when i was younger (18 year old given 4k credit card and 2k overdraft!!!) but even i know you dont mess with the roof 9ver your head, rent is number one utmost priority!

They deserve it and wont get help from council housing as its intentional, only ones who i feel for are the kids but SS won't let the kids be homeless.

KatharinaRosalie · 29/02/2016 10:52

Of course you're not U. What exactly did that family friend expect to happen if the tenants are not paying rent?

FishWithABicycle · 29/02/2016 10:52

What they are spending money on is irrelevant. They aren't paying the rent. Yanbu to evict.

witsender · 29/02/2016 10:53

If they don't pay their rent then they get notice, regardless of their spending which isn't really your business...as annoying as it is.

MrsJayy · 29/02/2016 10:53

Does it matter what they buy the most important thing is they are not paying rent concentrate on that.

MrsJayy · 29/02/2016 10:57

Do you have the family friend on facebook or something how do they know who you are maybe dont have social media contact with your tenants they are taking the piss maybe they are over familiar and think you are a soft touch

MrsJayy · 29/02/2016 10:58

Ah you saw their profiles you dont have them on facebook sorry

ToastDemon · 29/02/2016 11:01

You have every right to evict them for not paying rent regardless of other circumstances.
I do know what you mean though - I let out one property and I'd probably feel awful if I had to evict our tenants if they'd fallen on hard times, but if I knew they were just irresponsible I could evict them without a qualm.

MsVestibule · 29/02/2016 11:01

It's irrelevant what they're spending their money on - if they're not paying their rent, you evict them. If their friend is that concerned, she/he can pay their rent for them, rather than you having to do it.

Do you think you'll have trouble getting them out?

TaliZorahVasNormandy · 29/02/2016 11:02

You are are entitled to kick them out if they arent paying rent.

When I'm doing my monthly budget, rent is the first thing that gets budgeted for.

firesidechat · 29/02/2016 11:06

Assuming that you aren't running a charity here op, of course you evict them. You are running a business after all and most landlords wouldn't think twice about this. You need to harden up.

specialsubject · 29/02/2016 11:06

you should have started the eviction process the moment the rent stopped. With all the legal hoops, it is going to take up to six months so I hope you've got insurance and rent guarantee.

being a landlord is the only situation where you must continue to provide the service for some time with no payment, and no guarantee that you'll get the money owed back.

why they can't pay is irrelevant. If the place is too expensive for them, they give notice and go elsewhere. Doesn't sound like this is the case. And stay away from their entitled mates, reporting any trouble to the police.

but someone will still come on here saying that tenants have no rights and are downtrodden!

LagunaBubbles · 29/02/2016 11:08

They havent paid any rent for 4 months?

AndNowItsSeven · 29/02/2016 11:09

Yes social services will pay for a B and B for the whole family. It's cheaper and far better for the children than putting then in care and they have a duty to make sure the dc are accomadated.

Original poster
CampbellsPoop · 29/02/2016 11:12

I'm not a charity no and have had to go through this process before I have insurance which will cover legal thankfully but the rest I will find including if they trash the place.

I only make the other stuff relevant because the person who was verbal to me is MY old neighbour who'd been bitching and shouting about me being heartless- yes she couldn't find the words to respond when I suggested she house them. Well she did, they included "fuck" "off" and "heartless bitch" Hmm

OP posts:
EssentialHummus · 29/02/2016 11:13

Another one here to say it's irrelevant what they're spending their money on - if they don't pay, and they haven't gotten in touch to explain / ask for extra time / whatever, you need to get on with evicting them.

One very clear downside of the perception of landlords in this country as money-grubbing Shylock figures is that some tenants seem to feel quite entitled to "get one over" on their LLs, withhold rent, trash houses. L + T enter into a contract, both have to do what they agreed to, and to abide by applicable laws. If they don't hold up their end of the deal, you should have no qualms about evicting.

(I know this is not what you asked about, but if you're using the s21 procedure check, check and check again that you've put the right date on there and that the other procedural stuff is correctly done.)

LegoRuinedMyFinances · 29/02/2016 11:13

How could you be unreasonable in this situation - its quite simple, if they don't pay their rent they get evicted.

It's their own fault if they can't prioritise properly, but please don't take any further phone calls from their friends in the future. Just follow the eviction process and don't feel bad about this. Most adults are able to pay rent monthly without difficulties (and had they had difficulties and showed willingness to pay then it'd be a different issue entirely).

nevertakeyouriphoneinthebath · 29/02/2016 11:13

Absolutely you can and should evict them. Whether you can see they are spending money on non-essential luxuries is not the point. They owe you rent. They aren't paying it. You still have to cover the mortgage. If they were hard up they'd be getting HB to cover the rent.

It doesn't matter what way you cut it, they need to pay their rent or they go. I think you've been patient to wait four months.

MrsJayy · 29/02/2016 11:15

Urgh the friend sounds a delight.

Original poster
CampbellsPoop · 29/02/2016 11:15

rent was shot one month by X amount then X by second month

and YES i really should have. I feel sick.

OP posts:
Original poster
CampbellsPoop · 29/02/2016 11:16

Lego I was harassed on the bleeding school run Sad shouted at.(ex neighbour has children there at school with my DC) It was horrid. I don't do rowing at the best of times. I don't battle well with fishwives either.

OP posts:
theycallmemellojello · 29/02/2016 11:17

I don't think tracking tenants on fb is a good way to make decisions, I'd try to avoid that in future. Just have a policy and keep communication to emails. Of course you can evict after 4 months non-payment.

TeenyW123 · 29/02/2016 11:18

I'm a LL and when my tenant couldn't pay the rent for 3 months (split with partner), I got in touch with the housing benefit people to be paid direct. Are your tenants on HB?

MrsJayy · 29/02/2016 11:19

Are they trying to get social housing maybe? they wouldnt be considered unless you evict them not that you deserve not to get your rent being a LL sounds more trouble than its worth