Halifax Druggies Making This Lovely Flat Unlettable
After nearly 30 years in this business and being the founder of Property118 and run the forum since 2011 I thought I had encountered most problems.
However, this is a new one for me.
The picture above is my “problem property”. It is in Queensway, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1.
My tenant has moved out because of a major problem in the block. The Police and the Freehold Management company have been about as useless as a chocolate fireguard so far but I have yet to unleash our legal hounds (Cotswold barristers) onto them.
The problem is that druggies keep breaking into the secure communal areas and trashing the place. They are the worst kind, young ‘hoodies’ taking heroin so discarded needles are common place.
The freeholders are now refusing to mend the doors, smoke alarms and clear up their filth.
We only have a tiny mortgage on the property so I could just secure the place, leave it empty and sit back whilst somebody else finds a solution or the druggies eventually kill themselves or each other. However, for those who know me, I’m not like that.
My first thought was to offer to rent my flat to a hard ass ex military man or a Police officer for half rent for 12 months and see what happens. I’m still considering that.
Market rent is only £450 for a two bed flat. I’d actually accept £200 for the right tenant.
I put a post about my dilemma on my Facebook wall and many other suggestions were offered including:-
- Put up posters and give leaflets to all local residents offering a reward of £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the drug dealers operating in the flats
- Start a Neighborhood watch group
- Contact the local amateur Rugby club and consider offering the 50% discount on rent to a couple of burly Rugby prop forwards
I think these are all great ideas.
Any other thoughts and suggestions?
Thanks in advance
Mark Alexander – founder of Property118.com
Comments
Next Article
Conservative Manifesto 2017 for the PRS
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
5:45 PM, 18th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Ross Tulloch” at “18/05/2017 – 16:29“:
Why would I want them in my property?
.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 264
6:32 PM, 18th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Reverse the door so it opens outwards, as it cannot be kicked in due to the door stops.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
6:38 PM, 18th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “ian ” at “18/05/2017 – 18:32“:
It already opens outwards, all fire exit doors do.
The problem is that they just follow somebody else in and once they are in that’s where the problems start.
Imagine one person walking into a flat and four druggies following that person whilst the door is open. How many people on their own would be brace enough to try to stop them following in?
. The
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2196 - Articles: 2
8:24 PM, 18th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Airlock doors may be the answer but they must be tough and with space for only one person.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
8:48 PM, 18th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “David Price” at “18/05/2017 – 20:24“:
Nightmare for old people, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Forget the door idea,
.
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 1056
8:50 PM, 18th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Mark Alexander” at “18/05/2017 – 17:45“:
Mark, I think you may have misunderstood Ross. I believe he means let the flat to a couple of policemen for a short time, not to a couple of “druggies”.
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
9:01 PM, 18th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Old Mrs Landlord” at “18/05/2017 – 20:50“:
Oh OK,
.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 248
11:54 PM, 18th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Mark, have you any idea why the addicts single out this particular block? I’m thinking that understanding the dynamics might suggest something that’s not yet been considered.
PS I don’t mind evaluations of the policies of different political parties, but I’d prefer not to be told how to vote?
Member Since January 2011 - Comments: 12207 - Articles: 1403
7:43 AM, 19th May 2017, About 9 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “John Frith” at “18/05/2017 – 23:54“:
No idea why they are singling out this particular block John. Bear in mind I live in Malta. I might pop back for a recon at some point if it continues.
With regards to politics, Neil is publishing a series of articles on how each Party Manifesto affects the PRS and is trying to be as neutral as possible. Politics is, however, an emotive topic and people will naturally push their own political views in comments. That’s fine, we are still all free to vote for who we think will serve us and the Country best. We also have the right not to vote. We should all be grateful for those rights at least.
.
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 1563
8:47 AM, 19th May 2017, About 9 years ago
“The Freehold Management company have been about as useless as a chocolate fireguard”
Carry out Right To Manage (RTM) and/or Right To Enfranchise (RTE).
If you can’t do that, apply to have a (competent) manager appointed.
http://www.lease-advice.org/