Updating post from Reddit.
Hi - I had a tenant come to the end of their 12m fixed term who we sent a renewal for another 12m fixed term to sign. They signed it, then claimed 3 weeks later they didn’t read it and understand that it was another 12m fixed term. They then said they wanted to leave, which I offered them to break the contract if they’d pay the re-letting fee of £400 - I’d still have to have the refurb costs and a months lost rent whilst they moved (about £2k costs to me). They refused to pay, didn’t pay their last months rent and then left the property with significant damage. As they are in breach of the contract we’re claiming on rent insurance whilst we look for new tenants, which will result in them being chased by the rent insurance company for costs. They are now chasing me on my personal mobile phone as they believe they should be let out of the contract at no cost. Any advice on what to do?
They are legally liable to pay until the end of the new 12-month period, unless a new tenant moved in earlier. You have been very reasonable!
You should claim for rent until a new tenant actually moves in.
Tenants can do what they want when they want, leave a mess, damage property, even refuse to leave. contract are not worth the paper they are written on. However if the landlord wants them out for not paying, complaints from neighbors or breaking tenancy agreement, no chance! Gotta jump thought hoops and spend a load of money! Then maybe in court, maybe they will let you have your property back. Rant over sorry 🤬
A fairly accurate description of the situation, if somewhat brutal!
Block their number. let the insurance sort it. Or give them one last chance to settle what they owe.
Claim against their deposit for the damage. Letter before action if there is damage in excess of deposit.
They had a chance to do the right thing.
I would message back telling them it isn't you they owe money any more. Its the insurance
Ignore their calls and block them.
You were nice to actually allow them to break contract with you incurring cost. Would have told them, they agreed to a contract so they should honor it.
The challange is voice can be fatal. What I mean is before you speak to them you want to meantion to them that you are going to record the call and that you want to come to a conclusion and settling this matter. The point is to be diplomatic and not emotional during the call, no swearing or bad mouthing rather like your post very factual.
I would also encourage you to follow up with a letter to summarise the call and ensure date and time of the call. This ensures that if matter ends up in court you now have evidence to back it up hopefully with a digital record of the call.
Leave it to the insurance company. Block their phone.
Block them on you ‘phone and let the insurance people handle it. You could text them to seek advice from the Citizens Advice
Send a message to say you are pursuing them for the costs. Detail what you need and then give them and email address to Respond to.
Do you have the deposit protected ? If so launch a dispute.
And block their number