Landlords report surge in tenant demand after covid crisis
2 years ago | 1 comments
Covid rent reduction fraudulently obtained?
9:58 AM, 22nd January 2024, 2 years ago
38
Hello, Some weeks into lockdown, after regulation in relation to tenancy agreements were changed and landlords were not permitted to serve notice to quit, my tenant requested a rent reduction.
Citing that his mental health was suffering due to living alone and he wanted to move back in with his parents for the duration of the pandemic.
I agreed to this even though his income was not affected as he was a mature student supported by his parents, and his parents were guarantors for his rent.
Three months later, when informing him that I was going to check on the flat in his absence, he informed me that he hadn’t moved out. It therefore transpired that he had obtained the reduction on false pretences and never had any intention of moving to be with his parents.
A quick search on social media revealed postings from him in which he had mocked me for being naïve enough to agree to the reduction referring to ‘My stupid f—-g landlady. I can’t breathe for laughing’ and other malicious toned postings (all of which I retain screen shots of).
He ended the tenancy voluntarily before the end of lockdown and at the time I didn’t attempt to reclaim the covid reduction as I was just relieved to see him gone.
However, I am now considering pursuing his father for the outstanding amounts due to the fact that the reduction was fraudulently obtained.
Would this be possible?
Thank you,
Helen
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Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 559
10:30 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
I doubt you will get anywhere with this.
If the tenant’s gone then count your blessings and move on.
Member Since August 2018 - Comments: 158
10:48 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
On the contrary! I’m not a lawyer but you have proof of the deception. I think you should approach the tenant first demanding the funds and if that doesn’t work, follow it up with the guarantor.
Why should you be the loser?
Good luck!
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 20
10:52 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Graham Bowcock at 22/01/2024 – 10:30
Thanks, your probably right but what makes the injustice feel even greater is that flat is actually owned by daughter who is an NHS worker and was working someone else at the time. I manage it for her. The lying,unpleasant former tenant deprived her of £1000 so am considering taking his father as guarantor to the small claims court – some has to set a first prescient …..
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 20
10:56 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Martin Thomas at 22/01/2024 – 10:48
Thank you Martin, it’s actually my daughter a young NHS worker who has been disadvantaged (I manage the flat for her) which incentivises me even further.
Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 1506
11:02 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
Write it off and put it down to experience. You agreed to a reduction which was fraudulent but believe me no point in pursuing through the courts as its going to cost you far more than you will ever get back, and I think you be unlikely to get anything back
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 20
11:09 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 22/01/2024 – 11:02
Okay, thanks for reply. I was only considering using The Small Claims Court which is only £70 to register from what I understand.
Member Since November 2016 - Comments: 227
11:11 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
I’d consider copying the screen shots to the parents, just so they know how their little darling behaves.
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 20
11:16 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
Did that at the time. He’s not such a ‘little darling’ either, well into his thirties and still seemingly dependant on his parents. Would be ashamed if he were my off spring.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
11:23 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Helen Mary Thomson at 22/01/2024 – 10:52
go for it. Bad T’s get off the hook and they should be bought to task when possible. Good luck
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 20
11:30 AM, 22nd January 2024, About 2 years ago
Thank you, tenant regulation surrounding covid was so unprecedented that it took everyone by surprise. However the legality (or the conditions of these regulations have yet to be tested) watch this space!