Has my tenant died?

Has my tenant died?

19:08 PM, 24th October 2014, About 10 years ago 5

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I have a tenant that I have not been able to contact for several months regarding a gas safety check. The rent comes in each month from housing benefit and the tenant is not in arrears. Although he has always been unreliable and disorganised we have previously been able to contact him eventually. This time there has been no response to phone calls, letters and even a section 21. Has my tenant died?

As he is on housing benefit we have even spoken to the council to see if they have had any dealings with him recently but they have not.

It is of course feasible that he has simply moved on but he had no reason to and there is certainly no reason why he wouldn’t inform us or at least return calls.

I am now beginning to think there is a possibility he could have died. If this were to be the case, what are my options. Can I enter the property on this suspicion alone? The tenant hasn’t at any point refused me entry but neither has he consented to it either.

Regards

Onslow Clough


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Comments

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

19:14 PM, 24th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Hi David

If you provide your tenant with reasonable notice that you intend to ender the property (no less than 24 hours) you may do so unless your tenant object. I strongly recommend that you take an independent witness with you if you do enter the property on this basis.

If you have reasonable grounds to believe that your tenant is dead or dying in the property you should call the Police as they do not need to give notice to enter the property.

I just hope for your sake that your tenant isn't found dead in the property having suffered carbon monoxide poisoning.

If your tenant is not in the property that doesn't mean he's moved out, he could be in prison, in hospital or visiting a relative. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you obtain a possession order through the Courts as if he is still resident, unless of course it turns out that he really is dead.
.

Onslow Clough

14:27 PM, 25th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Mark Alexander" at "24/10/2014 - 19:14":

Thanks Mark, this has been going on too long. I will go along with the gas engineer next week.

Eviction Group

14:02 PM, 26th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Might also be an idea to contact the police before you enter and tell them why etc. They may turn up as well but I doubt it. More than likely they will note your call and ask you to let them know the outcome of the visit.
That way if there is any comeback from the tenant you can evidence your actions were borne out your genuine concern for their welfare.

Landlord Geoff

19:00 PM, 26th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Onslow
Forgive me, but what's the problem with going to the property and doing a reconnoitre without going in the property and/or speaking to the neighbours if there seems to be no one in the property?
Geoff

Onslow Clough

10:51 AM, 27th October 2014, About 10 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Landlord Geoff" at "26/10/2014 - 19:00":

Hi Geoff, I've tried that a couple of times, usual thing, curtains drawn no obvious sign of someone being in. Neighbours weren't any help either...

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