Errr…I came across this rather disturbing video recently – it’s footage of a landlord inspecting his property soon after a tenant had vacated. I can’t seem to find more details about the case, but check this eyesore out…
I can’t comprehend why anyone would allow a property get into that horrific condition, unless the landlord allowed a silverback gorilla to pass the tenant applicant screening process.
There must have been a motive. I’m guessing “insanity”
Needless to say, I don’t think the security deposit will quite cover it. My only question is, how/why did the Landlord not keep on top of this?
Don’t get me wrong, I feel sorry for the landlord and I hope he manages the situation, however…
Landlords/letting agents are entitled to, and should perform routine quarterly inspections.
What happened here? Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s pretty apparent the property in question wasn’t reduced to puddles of urine and rubble on moving out day. That property is clearly the result of months and months of ruthless torture.
On a side note, I’m quite concerned that the landlord touched the boots that were resting on the cooker. He’ll probably need a tetanus shot now. I, personally, wouldn’t have entered the building without a gas mask and rubber gloves.
To think, I was crying like a little bitch a few weeks ago because my tenant broke the front door.
Claiming damages against the tenant
In this particular case, it’s unlikely the landlord will see a dime from the culprit. When someone causes damage to that extent, it’s unlikely they’ll leave behind contact details. They’re usually gone for good.
However, some landlords have successfully used independent ‘people tracking’ services (just Google it) to hunt down the culprit and then proceeded to file a claim against them.
If your tenant has caused damages, here are a few points…
- Landlord’s right: Of course, you have the right to claim against any damages caused by your tenant (not to be confused with wear and tear).
- Tenancy Deposit: the deposit is there to be used against damages. However, be warned, if the tenant denies responsibility for any alleged damages, it will be up to the tenancy deposit scheme that you secured your tenant’s deposit with to decide the fate of your claim. In that case, you will need to prove the tenant caused the damage i.e. this is when property inventories are particular useful.
If the deposit doesn’t cover the costs of the alleged damages, you can apply to a county court to file a claim for a larger amount.
- Small claims court: You can apply to a county court to claim money via the GOV website– the entire process can be done online these days.
- Eviction: if your tenant is still living in the property and you’re displeased with any damages caused, you may have grounds for tenant eviction (if that’s the option you want to take). You can get free legal advice on evictions & problem tenants from here.
- Legal advice: If you want any further advice on your rights, you may want to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Referencing, Property Inspections & Property Inventories
I can’t emphasise the importance of thorough tenant referencing, regular property inspections and a detailed inventory.
Proper tenant referencing is the best way to avoid disastrous tenants, while routine inspections is the best way to identity, prevent and limit damage, and a detailed inventory will help with any claims.
Out of curiosity, what’s the most damage a tenant has inflicted on your property? What was the outcome?
Disclaimer: I'm just a landlord blogger; I'm 100% not qualified to give legal or financial advice. I'm a doofus. Any information I share is my unqualified opinion, and should never be construed as professional legal or financial advice. You should definitely get advice from a qualified professional for any legal or financial matters. For more information, please read my full disclaimer.
Bugger me! Are you sure it was not the check in inventory? Only joking.. and to think that i was unhappy that the flush mechanism from one of my loo's dissapeared recently in a 'mysterious manner'1 I mean how the hell does a screw in, push button flush mechanism get lost? As it was a poncy ROCA suite it cost me best part of £40 for a new button because of course they dont do the button on its own and you then need the new dual flush mechanism to connect it to!
Had a tenant put his elbow through the plasterboard as well. He WAS being evicted by two burly gentlemen at the time and he WAS halfway down the stairs still wrapped up in his duvet when he woke up so maybe he was 'a bit confused'. I hasten to add I knew nothing about this until days after as it was being managed by a letting company who decided to act. Dead funny though! Apparently they dumped him on the pavement outside and then went back in to bring out his belongings. Funnily enough though all the other tenants in the house have paid up in a timely fashion since.
I did catch someone smoking in the kitchen recently despite there being no somking signs everywhere and I had a right hissy fit. I provide the broadband free of charge so I flounced about scooped up all the gear and stropped off moden dragging behind and dropping bits of stuff everywhere. Thinking back it was proabably a bit like John Inman as opposed to Mike Tyson but it made me feel good at the time. Gave it back to them two days later after two of them went to the the letting agents to apologise and they stood there heads bowed and bottom jaws quivering as they had the riot act read at them by me and the agent both trying very hard not to laugh!!
I love this landlord stuff!!
Jools