Uni tenant demanding 3 months rent for water damage?
3:47 PM, 21st May 2020, 6 years ago
7
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The house I rent to students was water damaged by storms and my tenant was unable to use her room for 10 days.
She therefore went home as the University was Closed.
I have offered her two weeks rent, but she is now demanding 3 months plus compensation.
I have spoken to my insurance company and they will only cover for the time the room was uninhabitable.
What are my best options now please?
Many thanks
Christine
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Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
3:57 PM, 21st May 2020, About 6 years ago
I would stick with whatever the insurer says. Ask her to justify anything extra so that it can be presented to the insurer. If the insurer replies with a no, or she can’t justify her position then that’s as far as it goes. Any contents damage of possessions belonging to her should be covered by her own insurance. Don’t get drawn into debate. Take it or go!
Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 765
9:05 AM, 22nd May 2020, About 6 years ago
I had a similarish situation and the tenant went to live with his girlfriend and I think it was the NLA (sorry poor memory) who told me that he couldn’t justify any claim as he had left of his own accord.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 2001 - Articles: 21
11:34 AM, 22nd May 2020, About 6 years ago
She is trying it on. She is only entitled to relief for the days the room was not habitable. You are also not liable for compensation if the damage was caused by the storm. If her belongings have been damaged she should have had contents insurance.
Put everything in writing and ask her to justify her claim and to explain why she should not be liable for rent. Keep everything on your side civil as it may be read by an adjudicator or judge.
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
1:10 PM, 22nd May 2020, About 6 years ago
Another student ‘ wheeze ‘ to get out of paying Rent.
Tell her that, offer 14 days in writing and if any rent shortfall, you’ll pursue through the courts.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 2001 - Articles: 21
2:34 PM, 22nd May 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Possession Friend at 22/05/2020 – 13:10
FWIW I would also say that she may be entitled to only 10 days’ rent-free because of the water damage and your offer of 14 days will revert to 10 if she wishes to argue the matter.
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 508
3:39 PM, 22nd May 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 22/05/2020 – 11:34
Excellent advice. I was told not quite 60 years ago by the senior partner of the firm where I was articled to “remember that your letter may be read in the cold grey light of the Court of Appeal on a Wednesday morning”. Still holds good.
Member Since February 2019 - Comments: 152
7:30 PM, 22nd May 2020, About 6 years ago
My only question is, why was her room damaged during a storm? A house is built to withstand storms and other weather events. If the damage was due to a maintenance problem with the house could this alter the situation?