Tenants using roof space as storage without permission?

Tenants using roof space as storage without permission?

9:43 AM, 4th March 2021, About 3 years ago 29

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The tenants renting our top floor flat are insisting that they have a right to use the roof space as storage and unfortunately the AST does not refer to the roof space in any way.

Please can I ask if anyone has any advice on how I could legitimately stop them from using the roof space for their own storage?

Many thanks

Kevin


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Comments

S Roy

12:03 PM, 5th March 2021, About 3 years ago

depends on what the property is defined as. If there is a lease for the flat, and it stipulates the roof space is part of the property, (some leases would exclude the roof space for use by a single flat), but if it is part of the flat and you should exclude it in the tenancy agreement and padlock it, also health and safety needs to be considered like it not usable with thick insulation between joist or no boards etc.

Puzzler

7:26 AM, 6th March 2021, About 3 years ago

Interesting comment about insurance exclusion, I will look into that. Not sure what BTL insurance is for a flat though, as buildings insurance is taken care of by the freeholder

Sam

8:29 AM, 6th March 2021, About 3 years ago

As always the best way to deal with tenant issues is to try and communicate.I am unsure as to your concerns, but if they are valid, ie health and safety, then explain the situation and then put in writing.

Inderjit Singh

9:36 AM, 6th March 2021, About 3 years ago

Hi, I think rather than upsetting your tenants and letting things worsen, try to reach an agreement with them. Try to put the rent up and add that they can use the loft space too. This way they get to keep the space and you get few more quid a month. That space is empty anyway. Thanks

BigMc

12:05 PM, 6th March 2021, About 3 years ago

Hi,
We learnt at our cost to always exclude loft space from the let. Not because we want to but because we had not realised that under the interpretation of H&S you have to ensure there is adequate lighting, safe access (proper loft ladder with handrails on either side), proper flooring etc, etc.
If your tenants are good tenants, review the safety requirements and bring it up to spec.
Good luck
Mike

Mike

10:48 AM, 10th March 2021, About 3 years ago

Usually 4 out of 5 times storing things in roof space means storing unwanted stuff no longer needed instead of disposing it off somewhere, when tenants leave I have had to spend my own money to clear up the mess they leave behind, not only that if your loft has been lined up with 200mm Thick insulation wool, it will no longer meet the EPC rating if things are put on top of it, so you may well not realise along with many other issues such as structural strength, air circulation, fire hazard, and other H&S issues, you definitely do not want tenants to put their sh*t in there and left behind when they go. So next time clearly mention loft space is not to be used for storing anything, and have it padlocked. Unless it is specifically constructed for such use.

Annette Smith Lettings

11:50 AM, 29th March 2021, About 3 years ago

As a letting agent are you covered under your insurance to inspect loft spaces ?

Seething Landlord

14:26 PM, 29th March 2021, About 3 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Annette Smith Lettings at 29/03/2021 - 11:50
I suggest that you ask your insurers.

joan archer

23:52 PM, 16th November 2021, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Graham Bowcock at 04/03/2021 - 11:22
Firstly it's not safe, they could fall through the ceiling causing damage. The loft space isn't supported by an steel and the weight of storage can cause the ceiling plaster to crack.

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