Blocked under floor vents and letterbox?
Hello everyone, Please can I ask what you think I should do with a tenant who blocks the underfloor air vents and the letterbox? This must be to stop drafts, but ventilation is more important for health and condition of the property.
I have written to the tenants by pigeon post but on a site visit found it couldn’t be delivered due to the blocked letterbox!
I talked with them and arrange a meeting on site after 8pm that evening. However, no one turned up and no text message was received from them either.
Any ideas on how I should handle this?
Many thanks
John
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This feels like it should be criminal?
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 267
11:43 AM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
I am a cynic. As an agent for landlords I would visit outside property and look through windows, if possible, my guess is something is not correct.are windows closed?
It’s July and the temperature inside my home in Sussex now in the shade is 21.9 degreesC, with windows and doors open. Surely in this heat some draft is a benefit to keep property cool.
Member Since May 2022 - Comments: 108
12:02 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
Thanks for your comments. I did carry out a visual outside check, all the curtains are closed tightly except the kitchen blind. I looked in and saw nothing untoward, just everyday life, although the washing machine is pulled out from under the worktop. I noticed that every hole/crevice that a “bug” could conceal it’s self was taped up. Maybe they don’t like spiders?
Thanks, much appreciated, John
Member Since June 2015 - Comments: 333
12:47 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
What does the tenancy agreement say?
I use the NRLA one and it says:
2.10 Take all reasonable steps not to block or cause a blockage to the drains and pipes, gutters and channels
in or about the Property.
2.11 Take all reasonable precautions to prevent condensation and or mould growth by keeping the Property
adequately ventilated and heated.
If you have similar clauses they are breaching the tenancy agreement and could be leaving themselves exposed to a completely justifiable eviction.
In reality they’re probably just following some idiotic advice they’ve seen on social media and don’t realise the potential severity of the consequences in doing so.
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 199
12:48 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
Maybe to stop the smell of cannabis emanating from the property?
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 267
12:56 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by neilt at 08/07/2022 – 12:48
That’s was at the back of my cynical mind!
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 267
1:01 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by John Grefe at 08/07/2022 – 12:02
I ask myself and you
WHY WOULD A TENANT NEED TO DO THAT.?
Is it damaging my property?
I I think you do need to check the small print of you AST AS SUGGESTED
Member Since May 2022 - Comments: 108
1:10 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
Yes, we do have that clause in our contract. Thanks very much, appreciated.
John
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 194 - Articles: 1
1:29 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
John
Just a thought, are the utility meters outside and easily accessible to you?
If so, read the electricity meter and take another reading a week later. If the reading looks high for the size of the property you might well have cannabis growing in there somewhere – not unless the tenants have bought a hot tub that you know nothing about!
Lord
Member Since February 2015 - Comments: 9
1:57 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
If they are causing you to worry, which they are, serving them notice and getting better tenants could be your route?
Member Since May 2022 - Comments: 108
1:58 PM, 8th July 2022, About 4 years ago
Reply to the comment left by LordOf TheManor at 08/07/2022 – 13:29
Only the gas is outside