Archie
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45 Posts
I would be grateful for your comments / advice on the following. I am a private landlord and manage my properties. I have just entered into a TA with two tenants (friends / sharers). The TA contains a clause specifically stating that no pets are allowed in the property. This clause was discussed with the tenants before they signed the agreement and they assured me that they did not have pets. I also made a point of mentioning to the tenants that I would be carrying out regular inspections, again as per the TA.
I attended at the property 3 days after the commencement of the TA to deal with a few issues, upon their request.
I met with one tenant only and following discussion on a few topics she made a point of saying she was not happy that I would be inspecting the property. I explained to her that it was fairly routine to do this especially at the start, and as the tenancy progressed, subject to there being no issues then this may change.
I then left the property. Within a few minutes the other tenant appeared with a dog. I confronted them about this and pointed out that we had specifically discussed this clause. The tenant (with the dog) responded that it was her ex partner's dog and she was looking after it this evening. After much debate she admitted / asked if the dog could stay a few nights each week. She said that she would be willing to pay a further deposit for this.
I told her this was not acceptable and I was most concerned that they had breached the agreement after 3 days only. (this also explains why they were so reluctant for the inspections to take place.)
Eventually she aid she would take the dog back that evening and left the property with the dog.
based on my experience so far, I think these tenants are more trouble than they are worth. they have both pleased to stay at the property - but I have serious reservations about them.
it has been suggested that I should write a strongly worded letter warning them of the consequences of a further breach. the TA is a fixed term agreement with a break clause after 4 months with two months notice therefore termination after 6 months. I would be grateful for your advice / thoughts.