To think the tenants are taking the mick?

[Horriblehistories]

We let a property, accidental landlords so not making any money out of it.

Before the property was let it had been completely renovated, including new kitchen and bathrooms, new flooring throughout, insulated, garden done, new boiler, fitted wardrobes all decorated neutral, you name it it had been done.

Managed to rent it out straight away at a competitive price, furthermore although it was rented as unfurnished, we gave the tenants several items of furniture including a brand new bed, fridge and washing machine, on the understanding that we weren't responsible for replacing them.

3 years on and not only have they broke the contract as we specified no pets, and it turns out they have several pets, we said non smokers but they are smokers, but never mind. On inspecting the house it is dirty and cluttered, they've painted walls they weren't supposed to and changed wardrobe doors. Ok, nothing that can't be put right.

Then they started demanding new flooring 1.5 years in because they said that the carpets were dirty and dusty. We said no, because the carpets were brand new when they moved in and it was their responsibility to keep them clean.

Then the fridge broke down and they demanded we repair it, dh tried to fix it but couldn't, it was in the contract that this wasn't our responsibility, they complained that they wanted a new one.

3 years on we've never increased the rent, but we have said we are now going to increase only by £10 a week, they are refusing to pay because of the carpets.

They are taking the piss right?

I'm a landlord. You didn't do it by accident. You also don't need to justify whether you make money or not, it is a business. The mn guardian- believers don't have a problem with the other essentials of life not being free.

You could try a section 8 for tenancy breach but that is asking for game playing. Swallow the damage and issue a section 21. This time next year it will be just a memory.

Almost impossible to sell when tenanted except to another landlord, so you also need to swallow the void. Sorry!

I think I'd be reminding these tenants that you're happy to give them a decent reference for their next place if they fix the things that need doing- replacing wardrobe doors, restoring paintwork to original colours, and cleaning the carpets etc

You'll still be liable for Captial Gains tax on the profit even if it used to be your main residence. The fact it was your main residence will allow you to reduce the amount you are liable to pay but there'll still be something.

We are in a very similar position to you in that we rent out a property that used to be our main residence.

I agree with giving them notice and either finding new tenants or selling up. No point leaving the piss takers taking the piss.

Op you don't have to justify anything, you could be a professional landlord with 40 properties, and it is fine.

the point is that you have met your legal and professional responsibilities and now you need to take the emotion out if it and just look at the finances.

But they have to go, l would have issued notice the day they first broke the contract.....

Issue notice correctly or get your agent to do it,
be diligent in the check out inventory, follow the process by the book, withold from the deposit all damages, that is what it is there for.

Do not waste even a day in the process, if they obstruct, call Landlord action for free advice at any stag if you are unsure or your agent is not good, and deal with it quickly.

Why is your agent not advising you?