Ableton   10 #1 Posted July 24, 2017 I'm a private landlord (I rent out one house I used to live in, the rent covers its mortgage) I've decided to sell it but the council have told my tennant (a friend) that despite serving a correct section 21 and all the correct relevant paperwork not to worry as they have months and months left in my house as when the section 21 is up they advise them to sit tight and make me take my tennant to court to evict them. This they have said will cost me around £1k I've heard this from other private landlords too.  Sheffield councils attitude to private landlords is disgusting. I wouldn't mind but it was only a short term let whilst I sorted other things out in my life. If your thinking of letting a house out to anyone on benefits then my advise is stay well clear. Your council will stitch you up like a kipper. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
geared   267 #2 Posted July 24, 2017 Do you have access to any of this correspondence between the two? (only asking as your friend seems fairly up front about it). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Nicotrod   10 #3 Posted July 24, 2017 If that family has presented as homeless, that is the advice ANY council would offer your tenant. Particularly if they don't have a deposit or savings to move on. Due to the lack of social housing, many families are being encouraged to take private rented properties, even though it is often not affordable. If they have no where to go once the notice expires, what do you expect them to do? The council can't magically make a property available overnight. There will be others ahead of them on waiting lists.  Obtaining a possession order is normal practice. landlord's just hope that tenants don't realise this and leave once a notice expires. But legally they don't have to. If you don't like it... don't private let to people.  And FYI... benefits have nothing to do with it. Same laws apply to full time working tenants. Just so you know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Ableton   10 #4 Posted July 24, 2017 If that family has presented as homeless, that is the advice ANY council would offer your tenant. Particularly if they don't have a deposit or savings to move on. Due to the lack of social housing, many families are being encouraged to take private rented properties, even though it is often not affordable. If they have no where to go once the notice expires, what do you expect them to do? The council can't magically make a property available overnight. There will be others ahead of them on waiting lists.  Obtaining a possession order is normal practice. landlord's just hope that tenants don't realise this and leave once a notice expires. But legally they don't have to. If you don't like it... don't private let to people.  And FYI... benefits have nothing to do with it. Same laws apply to full time working tenants. Just so you know.  Ok I thought it might be a benefit thing but I'm happy to be told otherwise. I've not seen any corespondence yet as I'm out of the county but it's common practice (my wife used to work for a lettings company) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Ms Macbeth   70 #5 Posted July 24, 2017 (edited) If the tenant knew it was a short term let, then surely they are morally obligated to leave once you have served them the notice? Is there a reason why the tenant won't look for another private let?  Sorry, cross posted.  I'm aware of the legalities, but the tenant is a friend. That puts a very different light on things IMO. Edited July 24, 2017 by Ms Macbeth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Nicotrod   10 #6 Posted July 24, 2017 Yes... because they can't afford the agency fees, rent in advance and a deposit. For the majority of families, working or not, it's a huge expense! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Cyclone   10 #7 Posted July 24, 2017 Why have you had to serve a section 21 on a friend? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Guest makapaka   #8 Posted July 24, 2017 I'm a private landlord (I rent out one house I used to live in, the rent covers its mortgage) I've decided to sell it but the council have told my tennant (a friend) that despite serving a correct section 21 and all the correct relevant paperwork not to worry as they have months and months left in my house as when the section 21 is up they advise them to sit tight and make me take my tennant to court to evict them. This they have said will cost me around £1k I've heard this from other private landlords too.  Sheffield councils attitude to private landlords is disgusting. I wouldn't mind but it was only a short term let whilst I sorted other things out in my life. If your thinking of letting a house out to anyone on benefits then my advise is stay well clear. Your council will stitch you up like a kipper.  Just think of all the good times when month on month the government paid your mortgage for you and you didn't give it a second thought.....  Can't say I'm reaching for the tissues for you to be honest. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Ableton   10 #9 Posted July 24, 2017 (edited) Ah your under the impression I gained here. Funny. My mortgage is interest only due to personal issues id rather not divulge on here so no, your as incorrect as you can be. ��  This was a favour for a friend who no can no longer afford to private rent Edited July 24, 2017 by Ableton Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
geared   267 #10 Posted July 24, 2017 If the tenant knew it was a short term let, then surely they are morally obligated to leave once you have served them the notice? Is there a reason why the tenant won't look for another private let? Sorry, cross posted.  I'm aware of the legalities, but the tenant is a friend. That puts a very different light on things IMO.  The issue being the council probably won't bother to look at re-homing the person unless they are carrying court papers showing they have been evicted (and are then homeless).  So friend or not they have to go to court (which neither want to do) because otherwise the council won't help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Ableton   10 #11 Posted July 24, 2017 The issue being the council probably won't bother to look at re-homing the person unless they are carrying court papers showing they have been evicted (and are then homeless). So friend or not they have to go to court (which neither want to do) because otherwise the council won't help.  Exactly. It's not a fair system Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Nicotrod   10 #12 Posted July 25, 2017 Not fair?  If you had done your research as a landlord you'd know all this already. It amazes me how many landlords think renting is 100% profit.  The council are not at fault here. Do you have any idea the pressures they are under to help everyone that presents as homeless? There is not enough housing. They have to do whatever they can to prevent homelessness. Does your "friend" have children? Keeping them with a roof over their heads if the number one priority here, not your feelings about following a legal process and applying to court. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...