Inherited tenant refusing to correspond?

Inherited tenant refusing to correspond?

11:11 AM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago 22

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I purchased a property 6 weeks ago with a tenant in place on a 12 month AST. The previous landlord said he was a good payer and up to date with all the rent.

I have tried everything possible to get in touch with him via telephone, text, letter and visits to request payment of rent but he will not reply or answer.

Other than giving him his notice in 2 weeks once his 2 months are up and then the subsequent eviction process does anyone have any other ideas?

Many thanks in advance.

Chris


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Comments

Nikki Palmer

12:09 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

While it's not really their responsibility now, perhaps the person you bought from may be able to assist by speaking to them? The tenant probably assumes that they don't need to pay rent as the agreement was with the previous Landlord?

Blodwyn

12:36 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Have you been sold a pup?
Vendor's honest answers to pre-contract enquiries? I have never been a conveyancer but there is a duty on the vendor to tell the truth to the purchaser about these matters? Ask your conveyancing solicitor if you get no satisfaction pdq from your vendor?

Accommod8

12:53 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

I know it won't be helpful in this instance Chris but, for the future, I would strongly advise avoiding purchasing anything with an existing/inherited AST or other tenancy type in place.
When you undertake your own thorough vetting (rather than using a letting agent) the chances of acquiring a reliable tenant are hugely increased, although not fool proof. Try a service such as OpenRent or similar where you control the quality of applicant.

Pete England - PaTMa Property Management

13:29 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Buying property without viewing in my book is a bit risky, especially with a tenant in situ. I would go back to your legal advisor/conveyancer . What happened to the deposit?Has the Tenant paid the previous landlord? Is the tenant still living in the property? Is there a letting agent involved?
I not sure if I was a tenant that I would respond to a email/text or letter without 1st meeting the new landlord in person, and discussing his intentions with the property.

NewYorkie

14:33 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

This issue will arise more frequently as landlords exit the PRS. I am selling one flat where I've finally evicted the tenant, and am about to sell another and exit the PRS, where I have an excellent tenant. I don't want to evict her, and she will be a good tenant for whoever buys. But that excludes me from non-BTL buyers, and therefore I would need to evict her in any case. Hence S21 is my only option.

My agent has advised me not to issue S21 at this stage. What should I do?

northern landlord

15:02 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

For New Yorkie
I think your agent just wants to keep getting the commission or there is something irregular about the tenancy that they set up for you that might come to light if the tenant contests the section 21 notice.There are estate agencies that specialise in selling property with tenants in place but I expect you will get the best price by evicting the tenant, re-decorating and putting the property on the open market. Especially as the market is buoyant so it should not be empty for long

NewYorkie

15:52 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by northern landlord at 12/04/2022 - 15:02
Nothing irregular. They said a tenant in situ would be more attractive to an investor, but what if it's not an investor? If the tenant leaves 3-4 months before I sell, they would lose up to £250.

Reluctant Landlord

16:04 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

an investor would look at a tenant in situ as money coming in and if it' a stable tenant not in arrears etc then that is a plus.
If course if someone wants to buy for themselves to move in, a tenant in situ is not appealing.

Decide on the market you are appealing to and if you don't want to evict the tenant then pitch it accordingly. You could use estate agents or an auction house. They all use rightmove etc so a property for sale will show up to all buyers.
See what types of interest you property gets first if you want to test the water..an estate agent will tie you in for three months but after that you are free to leave them. At that point you will know if there are any investors interested (or not) as feedback will come from the agent. If it comes back lots of non investors are more interested than investors and you still want to sell then yep its time to give the tenant notice - OR help them move elsewhere perhaps as an incentive?

Belsh

16:53 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Accommod8 at 12/04/2022 - 12:53
I have bought a few properties like this in the past and never had a problem, looks like Ive just been unlucky on this occasion

Belsh

17:01 PM, 12th April 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Pete England - PaTMa Property Management at 12/04/2022 - 13:29
I did view the property and there were no problems it seemed. The tenant didnt pay a deposit and the landlord said he was getting paid the rent on time every month. I dont know if the tenant is still living at the property although the signs are that he is.
He was informed by the previous landlord that I was purchaser and he has had ample opportunity to speak to me.
My query is still what is the best way to get the property back?

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