When tenants act up

When tenants act up

13:56 PM, 4th October 2018, About 6 years ago

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This article will cover the steps landlords can take if they experience antisocial behaviour on their property.

Antisocial behaviour can range from late night loud music to damaging property or threatening neighbors. Some unfortunate landlords may even experience criminal activity such as drug dealing or prostitution in their rental property.

The first contact that the landlord has is often from a concerned or even angry neighbor. As a landlord you should take this seriously and your first port of call will be speaking to the tenant to let them know you’ve received a complaint.

This will mean they have been given an opportunity to rectify their behavior.

If things don’t change

If after you’ve spoken to your tenant and they haven’t modified their behavior and you have decided that you need to repossess your property to resolve the matter, you can begin eviction proceedings.

As a landlord you will have two potential options under section 8. A section 8 notice will give your tenant 14 days, 4 weeks or 2 months notice.

Eviction under section 8 ground 12

You can use section 8 if there has been a breach of the tenancy. Using section 8 is dependent on the wording of your tenancy agreement so it will be worth seeking legal advice to ensure that a breach has taken place.

Examples might include

  • A tenant keeping pets when this is not permitted in the agreement
  • A tenant conducting business from the property when this isn’t permitted in the agreement

Section 8 Ground 14

This ground specifically covers antisocial behaviour and within it covers illegal and immoral activities being conducted within the property or in the locality of the property. It covers tenants causing a nuisance or annoyance to others in the locality.

The full grounds on which the court must order possession can be viewed here.

Swift possession

The quickest way to gain possession of your property will be the High Court route, this is due to current lengthy waiting times for county court bailiffs.

You can view the full High Court process here.

Contact The Sheriffs Office


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