Emergency Eviction??
Had a few issues with my current tenant (Mr X), but it has all kicked off tonight. The other tenant nextdoor tells me the Police have been called to flat as Mr X kicked off and threatening to kill himself after a drink and drugs combo mixed with existing meds he has to take for medical issues. Has just been arrested apparently under the Mental Heath Act (and after going for the woman PC) and taken away – I assume to a local secure facility.
The neighbour informs me before door to flat was slammed shut by Police it has been trashed with blood etc all over the carpet and syringes everywhere.
What do I do next? Assume an urgent call to the Council tomorrow to let them know the situation and the fact he clearly can’t return?
Can I change the locks now to stop him going back in but post something on the door to tell him I will grant him access to take his stuff if he contacts me??
Reluctant Landlord
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Daily Briefings - Landlord questions needed!
Member Since May 2018 - Comments: 1999
3:50 PM, 22nd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by WP at 22/06/2020 – 15:02
Sorry if I missed this answer, but is somebody still paying the rent? And if so, who?
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
3:55 PM, 22nd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 22/06/2020 – 15:50
yes rent still being paid by DWP, so not an issue on that score, just damage to property a concern/it becoming a drug den. Even worse the tenant topping himself in it.
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
8:22 PM, 22nd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by at 22/06/2020 – 13:17
Yes Jim agreed, its not an option I like to recommend. I try to find other ways.
Nevertheless, its a tool ( in the tool box ) if absolutely required.
Member Since March 2015 - Comments: 1969 - Articles: 1
12:24 AM, 23rd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by WP at 22/06/2020 – 15:02
Unless the tenant leaves of their own accord, you’ll be looking at next summer before you get the property back.
Member Since May 2018 - Comments: 1999
2:12 PM, 23rd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by WP at 22/06/2020 – 15:55
OK…so if the DWP are still paying the rent I would be inclined to let the police and social services deal with the criminal behaviour and anti-social behaviour. As landlords we don’t have the powers to deal with this; powers are actually being taken away from us.
Did you give 24 hours notice of a landlord’s inspection and then carry one out? If not, why not, given that you are concerned about damage to the property?
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
2:17 PM, 23rd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 23/06/2020 – 14:12
also concerned about the tenant’s behaviour towards me if I go there for a Landlord check. He’s unstable end of and anything could trigger him. I’ve told the Police already I fear he is being cuckoo’d so the last thing I want to walk in on is a drug deal. I’m approaching Social services to ask if they can have one of his helpers there when I go then I can do a full check over the place, but I can’t believe they haven’t raised it in the first place.
Member Since March 2015 - Comments: 1969 - Articles: 1
2:32 PM, 23rd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 23/06/2020 – 14:12
There’s also no right of entry…particularly if the tenants refuses.
Member Since May 2018 - Comments: 1999
5:26 PM, 23rd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Luke P at 23/06/2020 – 14:32
If he refuses then he refuses. But in a way, that demonstrates my point. You have very few rights as a landlord and no powers to deal with ‘vulnerable’ tenants. In some respects, if you still have somebody (DWP) paying the rent then for the time being that’s a blessing. If he lets you visit and the property is not trashed but the rent is still being paid would that be a bad outcome? If he refuses entry you can advise the police and social services of that.
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
7:33 PM, 23rd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 23/06/2020 – 17:26
You should always Try, and never assume ‘failure’
Member Since May 2018 - Comments: 1999
8:04 PM, 23rd June 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Possession Friend at 23/06/2020 – 19:33
‘Try’ to carry out a landlord’s inspection? Or ‘try’ to look after a vulnerable tenant without having the powers to do it?