Unofficial abusive partner has taken over flat?
12:01 AM, 17th September 2025, 1 year ago
8
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Hi, we have a studio flat rented to a single vulnerable lady, who we were introduced to by the local council.
We received a message from her today saying she’s had to move out as a man she let stay with her has become abusive and controlling and is taking drugs.
She’s gone to a refuge and says the rent is still being paid, but won’t return to the property until it’s safe. As a landlord, how do we navigate this situation while acting appropriately?
Thanks,
John
Tags:
abusive tenant situation, Landlord responsibilities, tenant goes into refuge, tenant safety issues, vulnerable tenant support
8 comments on this article
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Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 32
10:05 AM, 17th September 2025, About 1 year ago
Contact the council. They caused your problem and are probably paying your rent.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1591 - Articles: 1
11:03 AM, 17th September 2025, About 1 year ago
Trouble is she allowed someone to stay contrary to the terms of the tenancy agreement.
Instead of her paying the rent ask her to sign a Deed of Surrender and stop paying the rent, but that once her “guest” is out you would be agreeable for her to re-rent the property.
The guest has no rights at all. The moment the tenant leaves the tenancy ends, they become a trespasser and you can use reasonable force to remove them from the property and lock them out.
You could inform the Police that you believe this person is also using/dealing drugs and is a trespasser but likely they wont be bothered and tell you it’s your problem and a civil matter.
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 85
12:54 PM, 17th September 2025, About 1 year ago
Would the police be able to help if the lady tenant contacted them, as it a guest who will not leave her home when requested, especially if he’s being abusive etc. ?
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 85
5:04 PM, 17th September 2025, About 1 year ago
Further thought… could she have been “cuckoo’d” ??
It can happen to vulnerable people.
Member Since November 2024 - Comments: 82
6:25 AM, 18th September 2025, About 1 year ago
Suggest you contact an eviction specialist eg The Landlord Group or someone similar.
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 41
5:37 PM, 18th September 2025, About 1 year ago
Update to original post, After speaking to the council.
I’ve asked the unwanted guest to leave and given him 3 days to move his stuff out. Then I’ll change the lock and give the official tenant a new key. I’ll find out tomorrow if he’s gone??
Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 110 - Articles: 1
10:50 AM, 20th September 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by John Bentley at 18/09/2025 – 17:37
Please do let us know how it works out. Thanks
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 41
12:16 PM, 20th September 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Steve Hards at 20/09/2025 – 10:50
Update!
The unwelcome person has gone and I’ve changed the lock.
Have contacted the official tenant and she said her son will collect the new key. Hasn’t collected yet though.