Unhappy tenant

[yeahokthen]

We're accidental landlords, had to move couldn't sell out old house. Because we're not local anymore we're using a agent to manage the property.

The tenant has been in 3 weeks and we've had a constant stream of complaints. Some are valid and I've agreed to get the sticky lock on the french doors repaired, some I feel are not (the grouting by the shower is discoloured described as filthy), the central heating is hard to control (2 years old with manual provided), they can't work the induction hob (manual provided)

Please share your experiences and tell me how to deal with it all.
We accepted a lower rent because the house was a bit shabby but I'm wondering if we should've done something different.

Why do people use the term accidental landlords

It is a common term. I guess it distinguishes landlords who choose to become landlords from those whose circumstances dictated it. I live in Ireland without slight exaggeration all of my close school friends are accidental landlords and accidental tenants after the housing collapse that happened here and the wide spread negative equity that ensued.

I am an accidental landlord. I could not sell my flat, back in 2008, so decided to rent it out instead.

I never set out to become a landlord, I became one accidentally, so to speak.

Ok, so I am an agent.

The agent is duty bound to put these complaints to you, what you do with them is up to you.

I don't just do repairs etc without getting a quote and getting the OK from the LL.

These are silly teething things, sounds as if the tenants are a bit thick too. Have a good chat with the lettings manager who will be keen to keep you sweet, express your concerns.

Hmm - I think this a six of one situation: the agents aren't great and the tenants have some unrealistic expectations.

When were the carpets last cleaned? If it was more than 18 months ago then I would probably arrange to have them cleaned for the tenants. Even though they are as they were when they viewed the house and they didn't ask for them to clean before the tenancy started.

We let our house when we couldn't sell, but as we had been trying to sell we had done all the odd jobs about the place, cleaned it to within an inch of its life (we are pretty clean and tidy normally though) and cleaned all the carpets.

It was spotless and in very good nick when we let it out - not bang on trend style wise, but clean and tidy and homely.

I think you've been poorly advised by the agent in being told not to replace worn carpets tbh. The thing with 'shabby' is that a lot of the niggles would perhaps not stand out during a viewing, but grate when you have to put up with them on a daily basis. All the little quirks you put up with as a homeowner are potential pains in the butt for tenants.

I don't think you are getting the full story from the agents to be honest. I'm in a very similar position to your tenants - we were advised that the house would be cleaned to a professional standard when we moved in. Moving day came and the house was filthy to the extent that there was faeces on the wall. The agent told our LL that we were being fussy about grouting and grease in the cupboards, and he believed them until he came over and we told him exactly how bad it was. They also told him that we didn't know how to work the oven. This was true to an extent. They had removed the manual from the property for some reason, but it turned out that the cooker was faulty and leaking gas. There is more but it will out me. What I'm saying is, it may be a good idea to speak to them face to face. It could be rubbish trying to get more for their price, or it could be Chinese whispers about bigger problems.

(Sorry for lack of paragraphs, phone went a bit weird there!)

I'm taking on board what you're all saying. The house was reasonably cleaned by me. It was also completely decorated before the tenant moved in.

I think I must have very low standards

your full photographic inventory (that you did have done?) will show what it looked like before they moved in.

inability to read manuals - write a quickstart guide giving the basics in 2 pages or less, referring to the manuals for greater detail.

as always, make sure that you've done all you should: deposit protected and prescribed information given to tenants (check that this has been done, ask for copies) and current gas safe cert in place. All responsibility is on YOU. With agents you need to keep a dog and do the barking, sorry.

Cleaning it to a reasonable standard isn't good enough I'm afraid. Most tenants would expect a full professional clean before moving in. Most agents actually require this before a tenant moves in.
Would you move in to a dirty house?

no, no-one should have to move into a dirty house. Again - what did the check-in report say?

I've also had the word 'filthy' used by tenants. After a professional clean, referring to a new item....

find out the full story.