Property Building work and Tenants Protection
I have a mid terraced property in London which I have been renting out for several years, the last three to excellent tenants (single family with small child) who keep the property in good order, have never missed a rent payment, and apart from the odd request to carry out a small repair or replace a white item keep themselves very much to them selves.
I have been thinking for some time in having a rear dormer extension carried out to the property, but am in two minds how this should be handled.
Option 1: Serve section 21 towards the end of the tenancy so that the work can be carried out. The risk being having to go through all the legal process, (which I have been through with a previous tenant who was 11 months behind with rent) and potentially loose a very good tenant
Option 2: Have the work carried out with the tenant remaining. Risk being that they could be injured and ends up in lengthy legal and damage costs.
I’d be interested if any other landlord has faced similar dilemma and how they resolved?
Thanks in advance
Ian
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
Travellers to prosecute anyone who evicts themNext Article
Complex small portfolio tax situation?
Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3452 - Articles: 286
8:41 AM, 16th June 2017, About 9 years ago
Hi Ian,
How long will the building work take?
Could you consider putting the tenants up in temporary accommodation?
If you are making improvements they may be very amenable to help.
Member Since November 2016 - Comments: 227
9:25 AM, 16th June 2017, About 9 years ago
I’d speak to the tenant and ask if they would like the work doing.
If ‘Yes’ they will put up with the disruption, if ‘No’ wait until they move on naturaly.
No point in evicting a good tenant in my view.
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 25
10:21 AM, 16th June 2017, About 9 years ago
Hi
Work is expected to take 6 weeks, but I’d say 8 to be on the safe side
Member Since March 2016 - Comments: 163 - Articles: 1
12:47 PM, 16th June 2017, About 9 years ago
I agree with Martin Roberts. Why lose a good tenant? Why the rush to do it now? Are you planning to put the rent up to cover the costs of the enhancements?
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 25
2:12 PM, 16th June 2017, About 9 years ago
Reply to the comment left by “Heather G.” at “16/06/2017 – 12:47“:
Hi
Thanks for all the good advice. Exactly what I wanted
Only real reason I wish to do it sooner rather than later is it will probably cost more later. I’m not looking to increase the current tenant’s rent after the build just because they’d then have additional space, as that would not be fair on good tenants. It’s more a strategic long term plan for property value.
Member Since November 2016 - Comments: 227
3:26 PM, 16th June 2017, About 9 years ago
You might even be able to fit some of the work in while they are on holiday if that suits the tenants.
Member Since July 2014 - Comments: 104
2:28 PM, 22nd June 2017, About 9 years ago
I agree with the advice given above: speak to the tenants, tell them you do not propose raising their rent, offer them two months rent free whilst the work is carried out to compensate for the disruption, and make the point you do not wish to lose them as tenants. Then hopefully they will see the benefit that will arise and prove cooperative, acting as your unofficial clerk of works and tidying up as work progresses. You could even offer to pay them to do the decorations.