My Tenant Is Ignoring My Text Messages And Phone Calls

Ignoring the Landlord

If you’re a landlord that’s experienced (or currently experiencing) the excruciatingly frustrating situation that entails a tenant that either point blank ignores you or takes forever and a day to respond, I know you’ll understand why steam is seeping out of every orifice of my withering body right now. I’m about to lose my loopy mind!

*Deep breathes*

From a landlord’s perspective, there’s very little else that can skyrocket frustration levels to these dizzy heights, especially when the only thing you’ve ever done is be a good landlord. It’s one of those situations that you need to experience first-hand and be consumed by it, otherwise there’s no hope of understanding. Am I right?

So while the rest of the world may think we’re overreacting, money-grabbing parasites, we bloody know our anger and frustrations are sometimes justified.

Side note: if you want to skip my melodramatic “Dear diary” moment, and you’re just after practical and legal advice on how to deal with unresponsive tenants, click here to skip to the relevant information (btw, you’re selfish and you suck for not indulging in my misery).

When tenant’s suddenly go mute (for no reason whatsoever)!

Funny, isn’t it?

One day they’ll be chewing our ears off to get the carpets changed, and the next – when we want something reasonable from them – they’ve miraculously managed to lose their ability to communicate, like they’ve misplaced their car keys.

I’m not talking about the tenant’s that take a vow of silence when they’re late on rent or refusing to vacate after being served notice, because objectively, it’s easy to understand why they’ve gone radio silent, albeit frustrating as all hell.

I’m specifically referring to the tenants that go silent for no rhyme or reason. Now, these are the looney-bins we all need to be wary of, because they’re unpredictable, and there’s no telling what they’re capable of doing in our sleep. It’s almost like they’re playing a sick game. Has anyone seen the 90’s movie Pacific Heights, starring Michael Keeton? If so, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

Alas, I’ve bagged myself one of those nut-jobs.

Crazy Tenant

The silent killer

The tenant in question is slowly (but very effectively) starting to grind away at my patience, and it’s anyone’s guess what will happen when there’s nothing left to grind away at. Fortunately, I’m proactively doing what I can to remain calm and rational, so I don’t cross over to the dark side.

Tenant ignoring landlord

I’m not entirely sure if he enjoys tormenting me, like a child strategically pulling apart each and every leg from a spider, or whether he has a legitimate disability preventing him from responding to my attempts of communication in a reasonable time frame. I hope it’s the latter (for the sake of my mental health).

I’ve always considered 48 hours to be a reasonable time frame to respond to someone in a professional capacity, which is why I always respond to my tenants within that time (maximum), least of all because of a little something called professional courtesy. Of course, the usual exemptions apply, like a work-related emergency or a cheating spouse [caught in the act] (a.k.a “Family emergency”).

Here’s a taste of what I’m currently dealing with when trying to communicate with my tenant (this has been ongoing for several months now):

  • Follow-up enquiry mandatory – he’ll NEVER respond to my first attempt; he evidently wants me to work for his attention (he has very similar traits to my ex). I need to send at least two or three follow-ups before I get any signs of life. Obviously his time is more valuable than mine.
  • Excuses galore – every response comes with a progressively worse excuse to justify his slow response rate. “Oh yeah, sorry, my son swallowed my phone”
  • Dire response rate – I’ll be lucky if he responds within 7 days (from the first attempt). In fact, it would be a Christmas miracle if he replied with in a week.
  • Oblivious – we’ve been playing this game for several months now, and despite my best efforts, he doesn’t even seem to “get it” *shrugs shoulders*

I’ve contacted him for various reasons, including (but not limited to):

  • Schedule a gas safety inspection
  • Repair the garden fence which *he* wanted fixed asap
  • Chase late rent
  • Chase him for a receipt (which I needed to imminently file for my tax returns)

Nothing unreasonable, right? It’s not like I was stalking the guy for my own pleasure. Believe you me, if the law permitted me to skip the annual gas safety inspection, I’d do it in a heartbeat.

I should clarify – even though it stings to admit it given the circumstances – he’s generally a good tenant, in the sense that he eventually does respond and he’s yet to miss a rent payment (with the aid of nudging on multiple occasions). However, the lack of common courtesy and unprofessionalism still boils my piss, because not only is it rude, but it’s also a clear indication of a relationship with imbalance. That’s never healthy.

Come on, buddy, we’re meant to be a team here.

I appreciate the situation could be a lot worse, and I’m sure many landlords with unresponsive tenants will be reading this wishing they had my gormless twit of a tenant, because he could just ignore me altogether, causing further destruction, as opposed to torturing me with silence before eventually putting me out of my misery. Nonetheless, it’s still bloody irritating, especially because there is no obviously objective reason to play these games, other than mental warfare.

Have you been in a similar situation?

Needless to say, the ol’ silent treatment is a terribly common scenario, experienced by both landlords and tenants alike. Obviously it’s not just tenants that like to play the game, landlords are also known for miraculously turning mute overnight, especially when it concerns matters of disrepair and financial investment. Heaven forbid!

What’s your story? Please share…

What should landlords do when tenants become unresponsive?

  • Try to be reasonably patient, which means refrain from going overboard with the text messages and phone calls. Apparently there’s a fine line between trying to grab someone’s attention and harassment.
  • If your tenant doesn’t respond to your text messages and/or phone calls within reasonable time, write them a letter, sent by recorded delivery (so there’s proof of receipt). Always keep copies of the letters for your own records.
  • If there is no response within 14 days, try writing another letter. Again, keep copies and send it recorded delivery.
  • DO NOT attempt to enter the property on your own will unless it is an emergency e.g. health and safety issue (it is best to seek professional advice on what constitutes as an “emergency”), otherwise you could be breaching your tenant’s legal right to live in “Quiet Enjoyment”. Yes, that’s actually a real thing.
  • If you’re still not having any luck, unfortunately it might be time to seek professional advice.

Free legal advice for landlords

The impact of poor communication can vary by case, and for some landlords it’s a symptom of a much more fearful and volatile situation than my experience I shared in this post. Yes, I’ve also dealt with tenants that went silent after falling into several months of arrears, and that was definitely more scathing. In those cases, it’s often beneficial to talk a professional in order to resolve matters as efficiently as possible.

If you would like professional and FREE legal advice on how to best manage a problematic tenant (whether they’re not communicating and/or behind on rent), then I can only recommend contacting my brilliant affiliate partner LegalforLandlords.co.uk (who also happen to be one of the most reputable legal service providers for UK landlords). Yup, no strings-attached, no obligations.

Schedule a free consultation and reference the promo code PIPLANDLORD and/or reference PropertyInvestmentProject.co.uk (otherwise you won’t qualify) to get started.

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41 Join the Conversation...

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andy sheppard 11th January, 2011 @ 08:56

Why are you bothering to text to remind the tenant to pay? A firm letter telling them that the are breaking their contract and that if it continues then you will have no option to seek increased rent payments to cover the interest lost by their actions. Be polite then kick em out and get someone else in your property

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The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 11th January, 2011 @ 09:37

Hey Andy,

The guy still pays rent (even if it isn't on time), he's just a useless twat when it comes to communication, and it's irritating. I don't think there's any reason to rock the boat too much just yet. Increasing rent would be a little too harsh, and would cause me more hassle than needed.

I've had far worse tenants e.g. they didn't pay the rent at all. I know how easy it is to end up with worse tenants.

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andy sheppard 11th January, 2011 @ 09:55

understand your point but I have found that as soon as the tenant thinks they have the upper hand then they will continue to play you. Nice guys do win in life but soft guys tend to get shafted! Be nice but not soft!!! Great site by the way always enjoy reading and love some of the reactions.

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The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 11th January, 2011 @ 10:00

Cheers. Appreciate your comments.

I agree with you. I know what you're saying actually. I'm going to talk to him and remind him that it's crucial I receive rent on time without having to chase him. But I won't be too formal initially. If he continues to play the cat and mouse game after our informal chat, I may write a letter to him, so he takes it more seriously.

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benji 12th January, 2011 @ 01:31

This attitude winds me up to fuck. Wherever I am, day or night, I do everything possible to respond to my tenants within the hour. I expect a similar curtesy in return. I dont always get it.

Phoning from a different, new number sometimes works.

Youve got to keep right on top of it or they take liberties. To keep sane, bear in mind that youre the landlord, which is why you have this type of mindset- theyre tenants and often view things very differently.

Good article btw.

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The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 12th January, 2011 @ 09:00

Hi Benji,

I hear exactly what you're saying. I ALWAYS respond to my tenants as quickly as possible, and I expect some common courtesy in return. In fact, it's not even with tenants, I'm like that with most people that contact me!

Some people are just plain rude, and they think the world should wait for them!

What's worse is that no one actually gains anything from delaying. So it's just pointless.

Cheers

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Andrew 14th January, 2011 @ 14:05

There's a clause in the contract that I use that states what the payment is, when it is due, AND the fact that it must be paid by standing order.

A monthly chase-up is such wasted effort and unnecessary stress. I've had it before with a guy who was always "paid late" and in fear of redundancy. I would have been more impressed with the "phone up the arse" excuse as at least I would have had a smile.

great site btw

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andy sheppard 14th January, 2011 @ 15:14

Re comment by Andrew:

You can state that you would like payment by standing order but under law the tenant can pay by whatever means he/she so wishes, you cannot turn down cash and so accept standing order only. I have a similar clause as well but if the tenant wants to give you a load of notes then I'm afraid you cant do anything.

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Jon 28th January, 2011 @ 09:58

1.Contract.
2.Direct Debit.

?

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Tina 11th February, 2011 @ 09:26

My bitch of a tenant has been ignoring me ever since she had decided to buy a house, now she did not re -knew her contract and now has used her security deposit and every time I callher or send her a text message she does not respond, I am getting feed up with her attitude I dont know what to do, she is due to pay her rent soon, as she has agreed. So I really dont know what if she says she won'nt pay. Please give me advice. Thanks

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Mike 11th February, 2011 @ 13:07

Tina,

I sympathise, but getting fed up doesn't solve the problem :)

Always remember, you're running a business not a charity.

I'd recommend a process something like:

1) Rent late by 1 week

Dear tenant,

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that your rent payment of £x.xx due on the xth of monthname has not been paid.

Can you please investigate, and arrange to make this payment as soon as possible.

Regards

2) Payment is 2 weeks late (Red ink) (CC: Guarantor if you have one)

Dear tenant,

SECOND REMINDER
---------------

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that your rent payment of £x.xx due on the xth of monthname has not been paid.

This is the second reminder. Can you please investigate, and arrange to make this payment immediately. If this is not possible, please contact our office (number, Contact times) to discuss.

Whilst we understand that these issues occur occasionally due to errors and oversights, if rent is consistently late this may lead to difficulties in contract renewal and in our ability to provide a reference to any subsequent landlord.

We would recommend that if these late payments are a result of money worries, that you make contact with a debt counsellor at the Citizens advice bureau (local number) or the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (number) who can provide a FREE service to help you control your money.

Regards

3) 3 weeks late (Red Ink) (CC: Guarantor if you have one)

Dear tenant,

FINAL REMINDER
--------------

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that your rent payment of £x.xx due on the xth of monthname has not been paid.

This is the third and final reminder. Can you please arrange to make this payment as a matter of urgency. If this is not possible, please contact our office (number, Contact times) to discuss.

Where rent is late for 2 consecutive months, this is regarded as a breach of your tenancy agreement and, regretfully, will result in legal action being taken to reclaim the property and the outstanding debt. If your payment does not reach us by (Date) then we will also have to add the cost of legal fees to the amount owing.

We would recommend that if these late payments are a result of financial issues, that you make contact with a debt counsellor at the Citizens advice bureau (local number) or the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (number) who can provide a FREE service to help you control your money.

Regards

4) 2nd month's rent missed (black ink), (CC: Guarantor if you have one)

Dear tenant,

Regretfully, your account is now £x.xx in arrears, which equals two months rent. We have been unable to contact you to arrange payment (or, your arrangement to pay has not been honoured) despite several reminders. As a result, we have no option but to commence legal proceedings to recover the property and the arrears due.

Regards

-------
If I read things correctly, it's now time to talk to your solicitor. (Happy for anyone to correct me if you have a better knowledge of the legal process behind these things)

This may seem somewhat harsh, but you have to pay your bills even if your tenent refuses to. A tenant who does not pay is not a customer, s/he's a thief (just as much as if they'd gone into a supermarket and walked out without paying) The only thing is, the supermarket can just call the police, you have to wait for the seemingly interminable court system to grind into motion.

The tenant may well give you some good flannel about what a difficult financial situation they're in right now, and how it will all be sorted out shortly. You should treat this the same way the supermarket would - anyone caught attempting this on more than one occasion would almost certainly be barred from the store! The tenant has certain priority bills (Home, Gas/electric, council tax, food) and a number of other things that are more flexible (sky tv, credit cards, overdrafts) they can be taken to court for anything except the priority bills without being left homeless.

Of course, during this process if the tenant DOES contact and make arrangements to pay back the arrears, all's fine with the world. Some people habitually do not pay ANY bills (including electric/gas) until the 2nd red bill.

The sooner you begin the process, the less you will lose out financially, and the sooner you can get yourself a real tenant who will pay their way.

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Carla 26th February, 2011 @ 17:19

I too have to call my tenants several times lately every month to get them to pay, there's 4 adults living there so they always blame the other one, now they do not respond to my phone calls. They suck. Leaving them there because they have always paid the monthly rent for one year and never have to go there to do repairs. Can't wait to evict them in a few years or have an agency collect the rent.

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David Booth 10th December, 2011 @ 14:45

Is your tennant DSS or LHA and wont pay then try our service www.taskerpaymentservices.co.uk no gimmicks no catch have a look if you like the idea give us a go!

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sara 3rd May, 2012 @ 16:24

I have nothing to add to said situation, but must say ur 'rants' have cheered up a gloomy afternoon otherwise searching the web..researching 'being a land-lord'.
Love it....had me in tears..and actually helpful to a noob wannabee like me

Thanx

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T Wood 23rd March, 2013 @ 11:06

Your situation is exactly like mine. I too have a tenant who has an inability to respond to texts, he is currently 2 weeks overdue with his rent, and acts like he's doing me a favour by paying it. He says he is leaving in two months time, and my worry is he won't pay anything now till he leaves. How do I get him out before that? I'm afraid he will sabotage the flat or something. He's quite aggressive. Any ideas?

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Joanna 28th September, 2013 @ 14:56

I thought it was just my tenant that was doing this. She is sooo rude, doesn't even respond at all. Reports a repair need to property then does not bother to respond when I need to send contractors round. Never seen anything like it before. It is so stressful, no communication and then I'm labelled the bad landlord. It's totally unfair system :(

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Ben 30th October, 2013 @ 07:17

Here's one for you... I'm trying to buy a house at the moment, with vacant possession, pretty much ready to go but the managing agent is ignoring the owners calls so that the tenants have not been given notice and are refusing to leave. The managing agent has changed his number and cannot be contacted. The owner is still getting rents paid each month but wants to sell the house...
I have tried personally to get the managing agents number off the tenants but they refuse...
What can be done? Please help!!!

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Godfrey 15th January, 2014 @ 10:33

Why don't you break his windows? That'll show him.

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Tenant & landlord 13th February, 2014 @ 15:13

well I'm glad I'm not renting from any of you. BTW I'm a landlord too.

Of you who think they are getting into an instant regular paid business, forget it!! NOW!!

When you get into this business so to speak you have a duty of care too. Yes people take the piss and don't pay so get rid of the the lawful way. Simple.. Expect it, budget for it insure against it and Simple.

Remember this what you have now you might not have in the future as shit happens. So when you start calling everyday for the rent that you know you are either going get or your not. just don't do it. WHY? what would you do if the tenant constantly knocked on your door to get things fixed every day spoke to your wife/partner with the same frequency. You wouldn't like it! I'm not saying all landlords are bad. I'm saying don't Lord over the little guy. it WILL bight you back believe me. I've seen it happen to a friend with 92 properties.48 statutory notices. The condemned houses killed his business through cash flow. if the tenant tells your insurance that you have been negligent with repairs... Your're NOT insured.

Finally. Don't think you have power you don't and definitely don't think people are cueing up to rent from you. You know and I know the rent bubble will burst it did 20 years ago. Communication about landlords are becoming more prevalent (lovemylandlord)etc. yes there are sharks in every business. Just don't be one.

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PRachman 25th March, 2015 @ 12:40

Actually, my tenants DO constantly phone me up with things (mostly imagined) that need fixing, and I do my best to sort them out. I therefore don't think it unreasonable to expect them to fulfil their side of the the bargain, by paying their rent on time and responding to communication.

Thank you for your timely warning about power and the little guy, though. I have shelved my plans to take over the world as a result.

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Landlady 12th October, 2015 @ 17:55

@Tenant and landlord .. Who the hell do you think you are? Dictating the rules that are already clearly stated in your average agreement? Rent paid on such a date ... Keep place tidy. That's all MOST landlords ask. We have NO desire to play the big shot .. In fact most of us just want the rent paid on the day specified in the legally binding contract, and to be left in peace. To defend anything else .. Is absurd .. Obnoxious .. And ridiculous! There should be late fines introduced in ALL agreements .. Rent is a basic requirement .. Like paying a mortgage .. If you don't have it to pay .. Don't move in to someone's property .. To intentionally cause problems.

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Kimnhi 20th May, 2016 @ 18:42

OMG. I feel you. I have the same situation. I have to babysit my tenant to pay rent. Now my tenant moved out. A lot of damage beyond tear and wear but I still return almost half of her deposit. I email, text, call but she ignored me. I know that the law landlord have to return deposit to tenant with in 21 days. But my tenant ignoring me not responding. I am very stress full and don't know what to do. Please advise!!

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Helen 30th May, 2016 @ 20:29

Thank god I am not alone, 6 months ago we bought a house that was already tenanted, she was desperate to stay and we were led to believe she was a model tenant! 1 week after signing a 6 month tenancy we received a message from her mobile saying that this was no longer her number and gave us a new number now when every we try contacting her the number is "currently unavailable" I have sent letters and today turned up to do an inspection and surprise surprise she wasn't home, having travelled 90 miles to get there and hanging around for 90 minutes to see if she turned up you could say I was less then happy!! My biggest concern is that the gas safety check is coming up and with no means of communicating with her this is causing me a great deal of stress to try and organise, does anybody have any advice please?

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Helen Oliver 31st January, 2017 @ 20:13

I initially came upon this wonderful thread because like some of you my tenents are not communicating with me, they're 1 month in arrears I've got a section 21 served and I can't wait to be shot of them. However I am trying to be responsible and communicate with them over a gas boiler issue and to offer them fan heaters in the interim and they still don't come back to me.
Im just keeping a tight record of everything. Chances are I'll be 4 months rent out of pocket by the time its all over :(
Painful lessons learned eh ?

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ThePinch 3rd March, 2017 @ 19:01

I have been doing this for 20 years.

If a tenant does not pay on time, I start proceedings THE NEXT DAY. 99% of the time they are on or ahead of time.

I learned the hard way that there is no point trying to work something out when the other party isn't interested.

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Laura 20th June, 2017 @ 07:40

I have a problem with my lodger. He has similar attributes to yours... As per his contract, he is supposed yo keep his room reasonably clean and tidy but since day one it has been a cesspit. He comes home at ridiculous hours, if at all so i am never able to speak to him, he has empty cans, food packaging and stale food and rubbish bags in his room and whilst being reminded to clean the room every once in a while ignores me then makes a lame excuse and tries the sympathy card.Oh ad he leaves his shit all up the toilet and blood in the sink, which muggins has to clean... Ok he pays rent, but the room stinks and is taking over my house. He is rude and disrespectful and seriously unhygenic and unclean so I've now given him notice, which he has confirmed he has received, but he has stopped staying as far as I can see and is not responding to my messages about check out times. He accused me of being hostile towards him last week after reminding him that he was supposed to confirm a check out date/time a week ago, now he is not responding at all, no surprise. I literally haven't seen him for about 2 months, when he was coming back it was between 12-5am and when I am in the house (awake) he sneaks out. I have a security deposit, which to be honest I was going to use to replace all the soft furnishings in there and get it cleaned as its disgusting, but I'm worried he won't return the key to me on time then I think I'll have to chuck his stuff out and get the locks changed (no idea what that costs) leaving me out of pocket anyway. I've advised he needs to move out by next Thursday evening but he hasn't responded... Does anyone have any advice for this sort of instance? I've only been renting my room out for a couple of years and never had any problems. I appreciate its a little different to renting a whole house out, but I'm hoping someone can give advice. Thanks :)

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Ann 13th July, 2018 @ 21:14

I have the same problem with you, Laura. The guy renting my room since 2015 had been late on rents most of the time. He finally gave up on paying rent. It is mid July and his last payment was May. I had to pressure him to pay EVERY single month since 2015, it is now mid of 2018. Some times, I admired my patience and sympathy for him. It is now to the point he doesn't come back home to his room for 14 days. He left bags of trash that's full of small flies and larvae all over the bag and wood floor. His room smells horrible that spreads to the main house, the flies came out to my kitchen. He doesn't respond to my texts or calls. I don't know what to do now. I never had anyone this bad before. If anyone has any suggestions/advice, please help me out. I can't even serve him any legal paperwork since he doesn't come home. I have no way of contacting him and can't just leave the room occupied with flies and nasty smell. What can I do?? Thanks.

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Ann 13th July, 2018 @ 21:22

My bad, I meant I have the same problem like yours, Laura. Not with you. Sorry about my typo.

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Kelvn 11th April, 2019 @ 20:21

Nightmare I specified no pets Xmas her partner bought her a pet. I gave 3 options re-home per. Move or pay extra for pet deposit. We agreed on the extra money. I really did want to make someone homeless Xmas it’s goes against my better judgement allowing pets due to the damage etc.

However due to a family loss I was late in producing the new agreement some months later. I kept asking if she had the monies she said yes when agreement is given. I have since given the agreement and request the monies only to be paid a nominal amount. When I was expecting the backdated amount.
So I’ve been chasing this up stating the situation factually. She has now come back implied I’m an aggressive man and doesn’t want to face me .

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Scott Barker 24th May, 2019 @ 03:26

It should work both ways. My girlfriend and I phoned/texted our landlord
4 days ago with no response. We know for a fact she is working in her office. Very rude for the landlord to ignore you also!

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Kathrin 12th November, 2019 @ 18:32

Hi, I’ve had a wonderful tenant in my flat for one year, he always paid on time and everything worked well. Unfortunately he had to move out as he relocated to Germany.
So this is were the trouble started, my new ‚tenant‘ has not paid the rent for the second month in a row and I’ve served a section 8 on him. What makes it worse is that it’s a managed tenancy and apparently he was checked beforehand.
I can’t believe this is happening and find it disgusting that people move into other people properties, don’t pay and now cannot be contacted.
I hope we will get him out soon.

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Paddy 19th January, 2020 @ 00:00

Funny because as a tenant, it’s normally the landlord who has the inability to reply when anything needs doing, which is far more irritating as I’m paying for the privilege of being ignored.

My landlord has not once replied to a single VM I’ve left, week one the washer wouldn’t work and would blow the electricity 4 weeks later I had to buy a new washer because they wouldn’t reply.
The taps are still leaking and now the front door lock is broken and we are entering and leaving the flat via the window because the landlord won’t answer their phone or respond..... landlords are the bigger CUNTs

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Tenants have rights 31st January, 2020 @ 08:17

Why are you harassing your tenant like a nagging wife? If he's late you send a LETTER. You don't text him a zillion times that is HARASSMENT. You sound like a narcissist seeking attention.

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Margarita 22nd April, 2020 @ 21:37

If it goes to court for unpaid rent does the judge ask to show emails between the tenant and landlord ?

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John 8th July, 2020 @ 02:58

I ignore my landlord for the simple reason they send to many silly texts and emails. I've always been up to date with my rent. I'm quiet, don't smoke or take drugs, I don't disturb anyone, so if a landlord tries to think he is above me, I will certainly let him/her know they ain't.

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Ben 12th August, 2020 @ 19:30

My landlord is so irritating, he arranged 50+ house showings throughout the year. I always pay on time and NEVER reach out to him for maintenance or other requests. I just want to have a commnuication-free relationship with my landlord. Why is this so hard to ask for???

In the first 20 showings, I was cooperating and very polite to whoever is coming to see the house. Then thing got worse, I remember he aggraded 5 showings within a week. I just want to live my life peacefully and don't want ppl coming into the house. He even arranges showings during this pandemic, arent we suppose to be quarantined?

Fuck this shit

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Romy 18th December, 2020 @ 16:13

Hi. My Landlord told me 2 months ago that he gives me 3 months to leave his house. I told him he needs to issue a proper notice 21, of 6 months. Next day he sent an email asking us to leave in 6 months, apparently a proper notice...and asking to let him every week in the house with viewers (because he wants to sell the house, but we know it's not true). Later I found out he didn't protected my deposit paid 5 years ago. I told him I will not let him in, because we need peace and quiet to find a new accomodation. We are still paying rent, but now he issued a Section 13 with a rent increase...he is trying his best to make us leave, and for me without a proper notice of eviction this an illegal eviction. He still thinks that 21 Notice of eviction that he served me before protecting deposit is legal. I gave access for electric and gas check...but I think from now on I will ignore him...I tried to negotiate with him in a very polite manner....but he is not respecting us at all, he's just making accusations and treatening us and this is not fair. He is an unlawful bully.

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Nick Armitt 22nd August, 2021 @ 16:30

I am a student and was attacked and the attackers took all my possessions including keys. Landlord charged me £50 to change the locks and £9 for new keys. I am still waiting for the keys 6 weeks later and nothing from Landlord. He claimed I needed a police ref number and was a complete see you next Tuesday about it all, demanding the number straight away at midnight 5 mins after the attack had finished.

Since then we have had an inspection and everything. When I was £50 short in the rent due to the cost of replacing locks (something the landlord hasn't done either... Nobody else in the house has new keys or had any notification of work to be done) they were quick to email me saying I was in arrears and that if I didn't sort it out within 2 weeks of receiving the mail I would be facing court action.

They too ignored pandemic and often play on the edges of law (telling us there is a viewing at 7:0opm at 7:01 the day before. Which has to be done manually as booking a viewing wont let you book one that close because of giving notice via automated email and SMS!) another one of the housemates doesn't get any sort of emails and when he is late gets calls and texts.

I was late with my very first payment due to SFE and they had copies of every email and letter I got showing that I was entitled to the maintenance and that it would be coming. Even then they rang over and over. I am only still here because pandemic has made hunting for student accommodation hard as most were until recently still observing distancing and using virtual viewings.

There is very little information or rights it seems for a tenant when a Landlord doesn't reply. When it comes to repair there is a legal remedy and if you message them and give long enough you can just pay for repairs and then bill the landlord, but legally you need to satisfy that you have tried and prove that the landlord was given "fair and reasonable" time. But if it's like this then ... Then you are screwed. I stay over the summer as my Father died due to the virus and my Mother spends most of her time back in Ireland with family. So this summer I have stayed like I did during pandemic (my father was vulnerable in the first place due to pre-existing conditions.) I work and not having a key is... is really bad. Technically I am breaking the contract by borrowing my housemates front door key when I can. But relying on messaging someone in the house to let me in is not always viable, especially when I work close and might not get home until near 2am.

It doesn't help when you come on here and see how landlords talk about their tenants. Kinda leaves a bad taste in your mouth and makes you a little defensive. I will now look at my Landlord in a different light and judging by 99% of landlord comments hear I should be thinking the very worst and that this isn't simply a misunderstanding but that the Landlord is being a scumbag.

This country needs to really clamp down on landlords. We have people earning well over average annual wage that can't get onto the property ladder because these ****s drive up the costs.

The best advice for any tenant is the one I am taking. Save up and get a mortgage. Cannot wait as I see now why renting in England has such a bad rap. Tenants don't have rights when they have paid rent and kept the place clean and tidy. You have rights if you don't pay the rent and dont wanna move... But if you don't do anything wrong, play by the book and are polite, responsible and actually pay rent you are left with no power other than begging the landlord to do what they should be doing by law. I don't have the money for court. The landlord by virtue of owning multiple property does. How could I even win!

Actually angry after coming here and reading comments from ScamLords.

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Renter Sick of Landl 25th February, 2022 @ 07:47

So many landlords slagging off their tenants. So little help for the tenant when it's the other way round.

I've been renting for 16 years and I'm still yet to come across a half decent landlord. Some of us tenants actually do give a shit about the property we are renting and pay rent on time every single month. But if any repairs need doing or something god forbids makes you put your hand your pocket, you all shy away like it isn't your problem. Your property, your issue. Us renters don't pay you huge amounts of rent each month for nothing.

You all want tenants to reply quickly to calls and texts, but in my experience, it's the landlords that are slow to reply.

Some of you need to check your attitude towards your tenants. Or simply, don't be a landlord.

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The Landlord 25th February, 2022 @ 07:56

@Renter Sick of Landl

Landlords/people are allowed to vent their frustrations, it doesn't mean we hate tenants or hate being landlords.

Ironically, you literally complained about the very thing we're complaining about:

"You all want tenants to reply quickly to calls and texts, but in my experience, it's the landlords that are slow to reply."

Also...

"So little help for the tenant when it's the other way round."

Gosh, really? Did you even bother look at the "Tips & Info For Tenants" section, which has 5 categories of articles dedicated to helping tenants?

Honestly, I think you *need* to check something also...

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Bernice 14th September, 2022 @ 05:47

Normally it's the other way around, since when does anyone ever have a good landlord? No repairs, terrible property standards and asking way too much for rent.

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