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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To give someone a chance.Tenants

71 replies

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 17:49

Tenants

Our last tenants have just left our property.
They left with rent arrears if 2 months (they could not pay because in their words they had their wedding to pay for, both in full time employment).
A neighbour that we know, from when we lived at the property, is being evicted on a section 21, we know she is a great tenant but their landlord is terrible think no carpet etc, repairs not being done.

We knocked on her door and said that we are looking for a tenant, would she like to rent ours for less than she is currently paying, we showed her around and said that we would decorate and put new carpets in as the tenants ruined the new ones we put in our letting agent is saying that we are stupid.

We would like the new tenant to make it her home for her and her kids.

We trust her and know that she will look after the house.

Are we being unreasonable to trust someone after the shitshow we have just been through.

OP posts:

viques · 05/10/2023 17:53

You sound lovely.

Your old tenants will probably not have paid off what they owe from the wedding before they split up! But, never mind, they will have their lovely memories and photos to keep them warm as they tear them into tiny pieces and poke them on the fire.

Vintagecreamandcottagepie · 05/10/2023 17:55

You say you know her and trust her, so sounds like a win win situation.

And also kind of you, so even more winning 😊

FloweryName · 05/10/2023 17:56

I wouldn’t take a chance on someone who is being evicted. Plenty of tenants claim the landlord is at fault when the reality is there is fault on both sides, or they are just disrespectful tenants.

Will it make a difference on your insurance?

Original poster

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 17:59

We don't know her as such, but have seen her around for 8 years with her kids so know that she is a good tenant otherwise she would not still be in her place.

We always wanted someone long term so they could make it their home.

OP posts:

Gifgirl · 05/10/2023 18:00

FloweryName · 05/10/2023 17:56

I wouldn’t take a chance on someone who is being evicted. Plenty of tenants claim the landlord is at fault when the reality is there is fault on both sides, or they are just disrespectful tenants.

Will it make a difference on your insurance?

You literally have no idea why this person is being evicted though.

Lolojojonesi · 05/10/2023 18:00

I think you should absolutely do this - you know her and trust her, it will be save you a lot of hassle finding new tenants (who after all aren't guaranteed to be great anyhow), and will mean that she and her kids have a home.

Original poster

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 18:00

We know that her landlord has sold up, hence why we are happy to have her as a tenant, much to our letting agent disgust.

OP posts:

Original poster

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 18:01

We do as her landlord is selling up.

OP posts:

Lolojojonesi · 05/10/2023 18:01

Well, your letting agent would say that, right? There's nothing in it for them.

Gifgirl · 05/10/2023 18:02

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 18:01

We do as her landlord is selling up.

Sorry, my comment was directed at the person who said they wouldn't take a chance on someone being evicted.

I think you sound amazing and it's a shame that not all landlords are as nice as you!

Original poster

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 18:03

Lolojojonesi · 05/10/2023 18:01

Well, your letting agent would say that, right? There's nothing in it for them.

You are right, they will be losing £200 a month, just because she gets a top up from UC.

OP posts:

WildFlowerBees · 05/10/2023 18:04

How lovely to be able to give someone a stable and secure home. If you trust her I'd do it.

AlohaRose · 05/10/2023 18:04

Why exactly does the letting agent think you are stupid?

Original poster

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 18:06

AlohaRose · 05/10/2023 18:04

Why exactly does the letting agent think you are stupid?

Because they get a top up from UC.

After the shit show tenants that passed every credit check, and had references, they think we are made to go for a tenant like these, we are going to self manage this time.

We are happy that we have a tenant who is good, and will treat the house as their own.

OP posts:

Gifgirl · 05/10/2023 18:08

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 18:06

Because they get a top up from UC.

After the shit show tenants that passed every credit check, and had references, they think we are made to go for a tenant like these, we are going to self manage this time.

We are happy that we have a tenant who is good, and will treat the house as their own.

Show quote history

Good for you!

Hope it goes well for both parties.

Original poster

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 18:08

Teenangels · 05/10/2023 18:03

You are right, they will be losing £200 a month, just because she gets a top up from UC.

Show quote history

We will ever 100% trust anyone now, but I 99% trust her.
I just hope we won't be proved wrong.

OP posts:

YachtMistress · 05/10/2023 18:11

Letting Agents missing out on fees, bless 🙄You employ them (always good to remind them) paying a monthly fee.
If you 'know of' someone with a network in the area, settled for 8 years, having to move out as landlords circumstances have changed seems like less risk than complete unknown.

Could you check with the previous landlord, just to make sure?
Sounds like a good move ( as long as checks are done). Good luck

pieinthesky10 · 05/10/2023 18:13

Op you are being very naive, you do need a solid reference check, and l would ask for a reference from a workplace and a previous LL.
Just because you have 'seen her around for 8 years' does not make her a good tenant.
What would is;
Ability to pay the going rent with a margin.
Excellent credit score
References and security of job.
Seeing inside her current home, the LL may be awful ...or she could be too.

learn from the close call on the other tenant, once you have a bad tenant it is extremely hard to remove them.

Birch101 · 05/10/2023 18:15

I think you are kind and hopeful, and actually wanting to people to make your house a home is nice to hear.
Just make sure you have all your own insurances and protections in place if things go south.
If your going to self manage id get a business phone number and not be available 24/7
Just be smart and clear about things.

Cowlover89 · 05/10/2023 18:18

FloweryName · 05/10/2023 17:56

I wouldn’t take a chance on someone who is being evicted. Plenty of tenants claim the landlord is at fault when the reality is there is fault on both sides, or they are just disrespectful tenants.

Will it make a difference on your insurance?

Not always. Sometimes It is just the landlord

DelightfullyDotty · 05/10/2023 18:43

I think this is completely the wrong place to ask. MN hates landlords. I don’t agree with the housing situation in the uk and I don’t think that people should be able to buy multiple homes but I’ve been a landlord and tenant simultaneously so I’m quite neutral.

I’d be careful. This woman has rented for eight years but then so have most tenants who are currently being evicted. Most people are living in reduced circumstances at the moment. What is the plan if she can’t pay rent? You’re being lovely but some people will take advantage.

I would find a landlord’s forum and ask on there.

PragmaticWench · 05/10/2023 18:57

Decent tenants are worth their weight. We had so many applicants last time we looked for new tenants and decided to offer it to a single parent looking to get their child into the local school. She's been a great, longterm tenant.

Fizzadora · 05/10/2023 19:00

Aaahh you can never be 100% certain about anything in this life OP.
Trust your gut and stop worrying about it.
If she does let you down it will be no worse than being let down by someone else (well, it will sting a bit more but the financial implications and stress levels will be just the same)
Hope it all goes well.

Terfosaurus · 05/10/2023 19:03

You sound lovely. My landlord trusted his gut 10+ years ago. I'm so glad he did because I've been able to keep my DCs housing stable which isn't always easy as a single parent.

larlypops · 05/10/2023 19:03

Your last tenants sound like a nightmare but I rented for 12 years and was served eviction 3 times due to landlords selling up or family needing the property so not all tenants are nightmares but if you have concerns maybe start on a 6 month contract and go from there

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