Garden is trashed?
Although my tenants have lived in the house for 2 years, and always paid their rent on time, and are lovely people, they currently have a pile of junk outside of the house – old childrens toys, a fridge freezer, wood, rubbish, and I asked them to get it removed.
They agreed that they would, and that it was looking a mess. However,nothing has been done about it (3 weeks later) I looked into their back garden yesterday – and see that it is full of rubbish, dog poo (they have two dogs), and is generally in an appalling state! What is my best course of action? I don’t especially want them to move out – although, frankly I would prefer that to this situation continuing……..I don’t want to get it wrong….should I ask them to move the rubbish (verbally), put it in writing, or what is considered best?Please!
Cathy
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Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3453 - Articles: 286
9:03 AM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
Hi Cathy,
Diplomacy, tact and negotiation are normally the cheapest course of action.
Have a nice chat.
Tell them what it is about
Ask who what why when questions and find out what the problem is.
Ask if there can be anything done to resolve it
Get their agreement
Review it at an agreed timescale.
Hopefully everyone is happy 🙂
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1996 - Articles: 21
11:29 AM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
And if Neil’s approach does not yield results, check the terms of the tenancy. Assuming it has suitable covenants dealing with keeping the garden tidy, I would write drawing their attention to the matter and giving them a reasonable time to arrange removal failing which you will do so and charge them the cost. Make sure you take photos of the garden as is and email them to the tenants so there is no argument later about the condition of the garden. You might also point out that it is an environmental health hazard and may attract rats.
You may have to fund the cost of removal in the meantime but subject as above, should be able to take it out of their deposit..
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 154 - Articles: 1
12:31 PM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 17
3:40 PM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
CaZ
You need to be cautious before inviting the Local Council into this situation. They are not all as accommodating as yours seemed to be.
I was in exactly the same situation as Cathy last year. Every request for the tenant to do something about her rubbish fell on deaf ears. I asked the Environmental Health Dept to take a look to see if they could persuade her to remove it.
Within days I received a Seven Day Notice to remove the rubbish, disinfect the area and take measures to ensure the situation did not happen again.
Failure to comply would result in the Council removing the rubbish and billing me for the cost of the operation.
Ians suggestion is the one I would follow if this situation was to be repeated. At least you would eventually recover the cost of the tidy up from the funds of the person who was actually responsible for the mess.
Member Since September 2016 - Comments: 2533 - Articles: 73
5:02 PM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
Another option is to employ someone to go in and sort it… that could be the easiest and cheapest solution…
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 154 - Articles: 1
5:59 PM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 17
6:38 PM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
CaZ
I would have no hesitation in informing the Council. At least they would take up the mantel and chase the owner of the property. Once he got his Seven Day Notice I would like to think that he would review his decision to find the current situation acceptable. There’s nothing like hitting someone in the pocked to force them into a review. Its all the more satisfying when you know that you have the backing of the Council and they actually fight your fight for you.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 646 - Articles: 1
6:59 PM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
local authorities deem build up of rubbish to be ASB. if the friendly chat dont work then a formal email/letter setting out a timeframe for action and spelling out the consequences of inaction might.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1434
7:07 PM, 23rd January 2015, About 11 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Neil Patterson” at “23/01/2015 – 09:03“:
I agree with Neil, but would add a cople of points.
1. Explain to them that you do not want them to leave but if the situation is not rectified in a reasonable time, then you would, unfortunately, have to ask them to leave.
2. Write to them after the meeting stating what you believe was discussed and agreed (so take notes whilst you are there and keep them in the tenant file).
Member Since December 2014 - Comments: 50
1:38 AM, 24th January 2015, About 11 years ago
My tenants threw all their rubbish into the garden rather than put it into a provided dustbin. I contacted environmental health. They fined me £80 and issued me with a notice to remove it all.