Update On Stubborn Tenant...

[Smowball]

Ok so I posted recently that due to tenant refusing to let any potential buyers in to view property we had decided to serve him notice, and I told agency this. We then had chat on phone and to my horror they said that the two viewings he had cancelled at last minute, he - the tenant- was going to have done them himself and without the agent! I was mortified and asked the agent why on Earth they had agreed to this?? As I would never have done. So clearly one way or another he does NOT want anyone to look inside this house. I told agent to write to him and say they need to do an inspection (they need to give 48 hours notice). They have written to him, phoned him, left voicemails but no reply to anything.
So yesterday I just really lost my temper with the agent and said why can’t you just go and knock on the *** door? He could be lying dead there for all you know!
They said they aren’t allowed to legally, and as this is the first (and last!) tenant I’ve ever had I really don’t know where I stand legally. Is it true they can’t know on his door if he has refused to respond to all forms of communication?
Getting severely hacked off with all this....

[spathiphyllum]

What you need to find out is, is warming him about the inspection enough, or does he need to acknowledge this? I'm pretty sure he doesn't..

My agents sent me a letter saying they were doing an inspection the next week. I didn't respond. I made sure I was home on the day and they rocked up with their own keys (agents should have keys) and did the inspection. All was fine.

So my point is, if you've sent him a letter, surely then you're allowed to go and inspect the house?

[spathiphyllum]

I'd get rid of agents they sound crap.

[spathiphyllum]

https://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/my-tenant-wont-let-me-into-the-property/

[Smowball]

They’ve left endless voicemails and texts saying he needs to contact them as he has gone back on the sold point of renewing tenancy, which was to let potential viewings in, and that he has to contact them ASAP. but he just doesn’t reply. They won’t set a date for the inspection until he replies, ( don’t ask me why, I really don’t understand) And yes I agree they’re completely useless!!

[Baldric]

https://homelet.co.uk/landlord-insurance/tips/your-rights-for-inspecting-or-viewing-a-property-as-a-landlord

[chelle7272]

As has been said previulsy you cant go in without permission. If you are serving notice does it matter that you enter right now?

[Smowball]

Christ that link is depressing reading!!

[spathiphyllum]

Check this out

https://www.propertyinvestmentproject.co.uk/blog/section-21-notice-of-possession-order-form/

[Smowball]

Because I have three people wanting to view the property(it’s up for sale) and he just won’t let them in

[spathiphyllum]

Is he still within his contract?

[Smowball]

His yearly tenancy was up for renewal last month, and due to him being so difficult in not letting viewing in, the agent spoke to him and said we would only renew it if he agreed to stop being to stubborn and making excuses to cancel every viewing. He agreed and so we (stupidly renewed it). Thank god we only agreed to a 6 month tenancy and not a year. As soon as we renewed it he has gone back to his old ways.

[spathiphyllum]

Yes, that does sound a stupid decision.

When was the last time the property had a gass safety check?

[Smowball]

I’m actually not too sure - I would have to ask this flipping useless agent!

[spathiphyllum]

That may be your way in snow as it's a legal requirement for a gass safety check.

[spathiphyllum]

however, he'd have to let the gas man in...

To me it sounds like he's growing drugs or potentially renting a room to someone illegally. Some kind of illegal activity.. There must be a reason for his reluctantness to let someone in.

[Barmaid]

I would sack the agent. What are you paying them for exactly? Why the hell didnt you just let him "hold over". Which muppet advised you to enter into another 6 month term with him? Let me guess? The agent, who undoubtedly took a handsome "renewal" fee.

Unfortunately, I think you are stuck with him.

I'd write to him and say that because he will not cooperate with you, when his tenancy is up you will be seeking possession. Then put it down to experience and get the stubborn so and so out once his contractual period expires.

[Rockrose]

Or he could just be terrified of losing his home or be scared of people but yeah let’s make him a criminal

[spathiphyllum]

RR if he's scared of loosing his home he would comply with the agents and landlord and communicate with them. Anyone knows doing what he's doing is the best way to ruin a contract and get yourself in the bad books of the landlord and agent.

[Rockrose]

Of course Spath I apologise for having a differing opinion than you, I should have said there is no evidence to the allegations you are suggesting!

[spathiphyllum]

RR he's been there over a year, smow wanted to kick him out but didn't under certain conditions that he's now not committing to. Regardless if he's scared, he needs to grow up and comply with how things work. This attitude is not OK for smow. The agents don't seem to be helping either.