WTF is my Tenant for real?

[Rollercoasteride]

Just for background, I am an accidental Landlord. I rent my old flat out, I could charge more, but as long as my mortgage is covered I don't care. Getting the right tenant is more important to me.

Anyway my recent tenant has been living there for 18 months, no problems so far always pays on time.

Yesterday the gas safety certificate was due. I messaged the tenant late afternoon to check if the gas man had been. He replied saying the gas man just arrived.

Then shortly later he messaged me to say the boiler has been condemned because of a leak. So I replied what leak etc..I got no reply.

I was furious with the gas man for not calling me, worried the tenant had no hot water etc. I tried to call the gas company, but they had closed as its after 5pm.

Tried ringing the tenant, goes straight to voice mail. Try messenger, no answer. Left messages no answer.

Checked my emails about 6pm....I only get an email from the gas man with a copy of the safety certificate! No leaks mentioned, just an advisory about a wire.

Nothing about the boiler being condemned.

To date I have heard nothing more from the tenant!

Why would the tenant do this?!

Probably misunderstood what the gasman said.

Maybe the tenant got his wires crossed.

Whatever the reason, chill. You have the safety certificate and things are ok.

@Sarahlou63

Probably misunderstood what the gasman said.

This tbh.

No idea @Rollercoasteride that’s totally bizarre. Do you use an agent? If so I’d give them a call

Please explain how you are an accidental landlord?
Frankly, if you have a business renting out property you should accept that you will have to deal with hassle and communications. It's what you get paid for.

Maybe they misunderstood something, maybe they just don’t want to communicate with you and we’re making a (bad) joke? Who knows. You have the safety certificate so it’s fine.

Sounds like a misunderstanding. Do they gave a copy of the certificate saying the results of the check? Can you send them this? It's possible they misunderstood after getting wound up and then realised their mistake and now feel too foolish to speak to you.

Simple "I think there may have been a misunderstanding ... This is what I've been told on certificate and it doesn't mean it's condemned" will sort it.

That’s so bizarre.

I would leave a voicemail and also send them an email putting everything in writing (how they told you X but you have actually received confirmation of Y. If they feel this is incorrect please contact you ASAP.)

That's quite a misunderstanding! I think sometimes people can get a bit nervy about gas stuff - we rent out a house and whenever we get the boiler serviced, they always make a note about some part of the wiring or plumbing not been up to the latest standard. It's not unsafe - just means that standards have changed since the boiler was installed, but the first time it happened our tenants were very anxious and asking if it was safe, etc.

Seems like quite a leap though - if it has been condemned then it would have a giant sticker on it and been turned off. And that's oddly specific language to use too, like he was repeating what the gasman said. Perhaps the gasman was saying that if something happened then it would be condemned but tenant missed the first part?

How would anyone here know why the tenant would do this?

Anyway you’re not an accidental landlord. There is no such thing. You may be a reluctant landlord?

Btw just charging enough rent to cover your mortgage is very stupid unless you have a large pot of savings to pay for your insurance and all maintenance and repairs.

@ParkingFeud

Please explain how you are an accidental landlord? Frankly, if you have a business renting out property you should accept that you will have to deal with hassle and communications. It's what you get paid for.

An accidental landlord is someone who has NOT set out to have a business letting property, but life circumstances have meant letting out one property is necessary.

I was one, I had to move 150 miles from my home, I could not sell my home at that time, my friends wanted to live in it, so they rented it.

Does that make sense now?

I assume you can contact the gas man and find out what he found? I assume if work needs to be done you can arrange it and that you have keys so can go and inspect the situation yourself?

Thanks all. I thought he might be confused, but if you thought your boiler had been condemned, you would surely be in contact with your LL to sort it.

I am an accidental LL, as bought the property in 2007, property has been in negative equity since. I can't live there as its unsuitable for my condition.

Suffering from extreme anxiety anyway, so this doesn't help

Cross wires. Just leave a message saying the boiler was passed and if the tenant has any issues then please ring back asap and leave it.

I am an accidental LL, as bought the property in 2007, property has been in negative equity since. I can't live there as its unsuitable for my condition.

Not being able to live in a property doesn’t automatically make you a landlord. choosing to let it does.

@MotionActivatedDog

How would anyone here know why the tenant would do this?

Anyway you’re not an accidental landlord. There is no such thing. You may be a reluctant landlord?

Btw just charging enough rent to cover your mortgage is very stupid unless you have a large pot of savings to pay for your insurance and all maintenance and repairs.

There definitely is such thing as an accidental landlord.

"An accidental landlord is anyone who hasn't intended to become a landlord but finds themselves needing to rent out a property they own."

Accidental landlord....
Sounds like you need to reassess.

No there is no such thing as an accidental landlord. It’s a choice people make. I financial choice and they make it because it’s the financial best option for them.

@Rollercoasteride Ok sounds like you're both possibly struggling at the moment, which can lead to all sorts of confusion (I've been there).

Don't worry about it, you know it's not condemned, pop tenant an email explaining crossed wires, I'm sure that'll sort it out, and, then go do something nice with your weekend!

They misunderstood the gas man, not a big issue. Calm down.
The tenant will phone you when they're free.

Get them to clarify if the property is leaking. I'd arrange an inspection for next month give them an opportunity to be honest.

Probably just misunderstood but I'd get that wired sorted pronto.

Thanks all, people seem to be more interested about my definition of an accidental LL.

The gas test certificate should identify if the test is for a landlord 's tenanted property.

I think I'd ring the gas company , say the tenant has claimed their engineer condemned the boiler, and invite their comments.

I would then email tenant and say " At the gas boiler safety test carried out in < address> on

@ParkingFeud

Please explain how you are an accidental landlord? Frankly, if you have a business renting out property you should accept that you will have to deal with hassle and communications. It's what you get paid for.

There is always one!