Tenant refusing maintenance access to the freeholder?
I have a difficult tenant who is refusing access for maintenance to the flat. I have a good relationship with him, but it’s the freeholder who wants access, and the tenant won’t let them in because he’s unhappy with their building firm. In my experience, the builders are just doing what most builders do — occasionally making noise before 09:00, leaving a bit of a mess, etc.
I have been negotiating with him for a year or so, but the freeholder has finally got legal and is threatening to make me pay court costs and possibly forfeit my lease. So I’ve decided I need to get rid of the tenant. I know he won’t go easily, hence my delay in doing this thus far.
So my question is: what is the best way of doing this, say he is in breach (there is a maintenance clause in our TA) or just issue a notice?.
What is the quick and cheaper option?
Thanks,
Christopher
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Member Since November 2021 - Comments: 34
12:52 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Craig Vaughan at 12/05/2025 – 12:41
This is good sound advice.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
1:29 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Tom C at 12/05/2025 – 12:52
BUT it will encourage the tenant to do it again. NEVER reward bad behaviour.
Member Since November 2021 - Comments: 34
1:53 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 12/05/2025 – 13:29
I can tell you are someone of sound principles.
Sadly that will be of no benefit to you if you go through a year or more of Section 21 misery and lose a year or more of rent.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
2:12 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Tom C at 12/05/2025 – 13:53
It would be even worse if all my tenants realised that they could each take me for a few thousand.
Member Since November 2021 - Comments: 34
2:35 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 12/05/2025 – 14:12
They can.
But if you look up a message or two I suggested a carrot and stick approach: stick – a letter from a solicitor; carrot – £100 for the inconvenience of contractors working (and it will be an inconvenience.)
But what I don’t really understand is that you came here seeking advice; a range of good sound advice has been given; you have chosen to reject it all.
Perhaps there is no perfect solution, but some imperfect solutions are better than others.
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 403
3:17 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Christopher
You wrote your tenant has an issue with the freeholder’s builders.
Did you not clarify with your tenant that he has no contractual relationship with your Freeholder.
Nor point out that you have the contract with the freeholder and you are liable to the freeholder for the tenants behaviour.
Was that not made clear in your own letting contract with your tenant? Or did you use your lease contract as the letting contract?
This is the advantage of using a professional letting agent
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
5:39 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Tom C at 12/05/2025 – 14:35
I was not seeking advice, I know how I react. I never give in to bullies.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
7:25 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Tom C at 12/05/2025 – 18:56
I did not initiate this thread.
Member Since November 2021 - Comments: 34
7:33 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 12/05/2025 – 19:25
Ah…
I have got carried away believing you to be the anonymous poster.
Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 403
8:15 PM, 12th May 2025, About 11 months ago
Wasn’t the original/first poster named Chris?