Renting out my house

[L3nny]

Cheers, arranged to meet with an agent on Monday so will probably go with them.

Originally Posted by timwilky

Ed, I no the law is there to protect tenant from bad landlords. but it seems there is little to protect landlords from bad tenants. Or is there?

No, not really. It's all weighted in the tenant's favour. I have a current case where the tenant has not paid any rent since 17 September. The client didn't act that fast but I had to serve a section 8 notice (ie notice of intention to issue proceedings, serve not less than 2 weeks before you can even start proceedings) and then in January I issued a possession claim - the court listed it for Monday week, 29 March. Tenant still hasn't paid a bean. So 6 months loss of rent - the landlord felt sorry for this individual, she knew her well, and didn't take any deposit. Landlord can do nothing - can't forcibly evict, that's a serious offence. I have had to give the client's son in law a serious talking to, he was all set to go round with a van.

Always insist on at least 2 months depo, serve your section 21 notice upfront, and never get friendly with the tenant - it's a business relationship and if it goes sour then there are no fractured friendships.