Can I evict my tenant for installing a stairlift without permission?

I get tenants that put things up without consent which I pick up on inspections and keep a record, I also communicate my findings so its there in writing and I ask them to make good of any damages at the end of the tenancy.
I agree with the others, to double check that the electrical installation has been done by a professional, I am not familiar with these installations but if its a plugged appliance then its no different to any other appliance plugged in.
If you have an EICR testing carried out and this installation is flagged where damage has been caused then I suppose you can charge the tenant for any reasonable repairs associated to that installation make the EICR a pass.

Whilst it is a pain that tenants do not communicate on everything, if they are paying rent on time and not in breach of anything else, maybe just warn them instead of serving notice. Already the courts are backed up and there are genuine evictions are being delayed.

Reply to the comment left by John Bentley at 28/10/2024 – 11:38
That’s pure speculation. If the tenant is illegally subletting or sharing, that may be grounds to start an eviction.

The tenant’s reason that “it’s for a person she cares for who isn’t on her tenancy apparently it’s her partner who has an adapted bungalow round the corner on full state benefits and who has a car” seems entirely legitimate.

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 28/10/2024 – 11:53
Surely she would be caring for him in the bungalow just round the corner? Speculation it maybe but it wouldn’t be the first time.

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 28/10/2024 – 11:36
My tenants can do pretty much anything that isn’t structural.

I’d consider a stairlift as a reasonable adjustment if my tenant needed a stairlift, either for themselves or for bona fide visitors. I would help them with the costs if it was my tenant that needed the adaptation. It’s called reasonable adjustment.

What I wouldn’t do is condone benefit fraud. And this smells of benefit fraud.

I’d contact the benefits agency to advise them that this couple have a property each. Hopefully, they’d investigate and ensure that there was no benefit fraud taking place.

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 28/10/2024 – 11:36
agree Ian BUT if the tenant themselves who is the only one on the AST has installed this NOT for her own personal use, then the landlord has a genuine right to ask for what purpose this has been done, especially as no request has been made for permission to do so before the item was installed.

The point is the tenant should have asked BEFORE carrying out this type of installation.

Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 28/10/2024 – 12:01
“The point is the tenant should have asked BEFORE carrying out this type of installation.”

I acknowledged this point but people are jumping the gun here suggesting benefit fraud and proposing issuing a s21 notice. Unless there is other evidence that something fishy is going on, I would do nothing. Inviting the council to come and inspect is not a move I would advocate.

Can’t believe a person would even consider an eviction for a stair lift. I wouldn’t want you as my landlord that’s for sure.

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 28/10/2024 – 12:53
If the tenant had nothing to hide then why not ask for permission or inform the landlord? It’s a bit more than just putting a shelf up or painting a wall. I’ve never known anybody go to that much trouble or expense for someone that doesn’t live at the property, I’m not suggesting eviction but a landlord needs to know who’s living in his/ her property.

Reply to the comment left by John Bentley at 28/10/2024 – 13:52
my thoughts exactly. Always be suspicious until proven otherwise should be every LL’s new mantra going forward.

The government are making renting a property so toxic is it any wonder why we are all suspicious and nervous given the possible implications going forward? ie not being able to evict or hold tenant to account for breach of contract/damages etc

Reply to the comment left by Julz H at 28/10/2024 – 13:08
not enough in the context to determine if it is as clear cut as that….