0:01 AM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago 20
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Hi all, I’m getting close to the end of the 18-month fixed-term tenancy, which has felt like a nightmare from the start, and it’s now just a few months away.
The agent is due to conduct the final inspection in January, and while I was planning to step back from being involved due to the stress this tenancy has caused, I’m concerned that the agent, who I have little confidence in, might not handle the process properly.
Throughout the tenancy, I’ve had to attend routine inspections with the agent, as there were numerous issues to follow up on. To give you an idea of the problems I’ve dealt with: damaged decking, a hole in the wall, police forced entry, an unapproved dog on the property, unauthorized occupants (girlfriend and baby), fixtures installed without permission (like cameras), an anonymous call made to the agent about domestic violence, and even a situation where the tenant refused entry after previously agreeing to it, claiming he informed the agent at 9:00 AM instead of 9:15 AM.
This has been a very stressful and ongoing issue from the start, and I’m not sure what to expect as we near the end of the tenancy.
The exception of the first visit the tenant is defensive, confrontational does not respond to emails or phone calls for weeks from agent hence making contact now to arrange the final visit.
I have supervised the fully managed service and dread to think if I had not taken this approach (this is my only property and first BTL and selling.) My friends say stay away and protect myself and give the agent very clear guidance of what I expect from this final visit.
However, I’m unsure what to do and think I should attend the final visit alongside the agent. What do others think?
Thanks,
Alison
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SteveFowkes
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Member Since February 2021 - Comments: 106
10:52 AM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
Why on earth have you got an 18 month fixed tenancy – madness
Graham Bowcock
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Member Since January 2020 - Comments: 558
10:57 AM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
I think your friends may be right, stay away.
I’m not sure what your presence there will add and you could inflame the situation. Whilst I know you will feel emotional this won’t help.
It’s perhaps also worth noting that January is a long way off – how certain are you that the tenant will be vacating then?
If you let the agent go, just be sure to give them a checklist. A good agent should have one – we use Inventory Hive which has photographs and descriptions.
Alison Walker
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Member Since November 2013 - Comments: 39
11:00 AM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
I would be serving a Section 21 now to coincide with the end of the fixed term. If this tenant has been a challenge from day 1 they are not going to play nicely now. If they move out by the end of the fixed term then the S.21 won’t be needed but if they refuse to vacate then you will be ready to escalate to the courts (though that in itself is not a quick process). If you are not confident in your agent I would also hand this process over to an expert in tenant evictions as you don’t want or need any excuse for the S.21 to be thrown out.
Marlena Topple
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Member Since July 2016 - Comments: 162
11:03 AM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
I would definitely not attend. If you are a member of the NRLA I would take advice from then regarding strategy to get this tenant out at the end of the fixed term. I would meet face to face with the most senior person at the agency to agree the strategy and next steps and ask them to report back at every stage. I would keep on top of the situation and take further advice as needed. Good luck.
Alison Clark
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Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
12:09 PM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
Reply to the comment left by SteveFowkes at 11/11/2024 – 10:52
Hi Steve. I ask myself the same question regularly! But it’s too late now. Agent advised it would save on restarting the terms again and the agent fees. Also we would be secure in rental for 18mths. This is all well and good if everything goes according to plan!?!
Alison Clark
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Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
12:11 PM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
Reply to the comment left by Graham Bowcock at 11/11/2024 – 10:57
Apologies – January is the final 6 monthly inspection. Term ends 27/5/25. Serving s21 in March to sell.
Alison Clark
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Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
12:13 PM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Walker at 11/11/2024 – 11:00
Apologies – January is the final 6 monthly inspection. Term ends 27/5/25. Serving s21 in March to sell.
Alison Clark
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Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
12:17 PM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Walker at 11/11/2024 – 11:00
Hi Alison. As s21 is only valid for six months. Can I do this now? I didn’t think it would be wise to leave no time at the end of the fixed term for the s21 to stay within 6months from issue, if we had to go to court.
Alison Walker
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Member Since November 2013 - Comments: 39
12:21 PM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Clark at 11/11/2024 – 12:17
Hi Alison, I see that the fixed term ends May 25, apologies I thought it ended in Jan 25. I would definitely serve the S21 in March to coincide with the end of the fixed term. Good luck
Alison Clark
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Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
12:24 PM, 11th November 2024, About A year ago
Reply to the comment left by Marlena Topple at 11/11/2024 – 11:03
Hi Marlene. Thank you. I usually work with the branch manager and Lettings director but both have not been great! I have started to discuss matters with head office and the end of tenancy team. I have a direct contact and name. Following your advice I will call and ask for a senior colleague within this team. Thank you.