Just wanted to share my story for anyone that cares or might take note of the many mistakes made over the course of my landlord journey.

Scotland.

I moved in with my girlfriend about 5 years ago and a "friend" asked if I'd rent my flat to his mother. I thought, why not, maybe a bit of income and as I trusted this person having known them for years I readily agreed and took no deposit.

From the off there were issues with the neighbours, how bad these were I'd only find out years later. Primarily, the issues were that her dogs were barking when she wasn't in (working) and that her "friend"/boyfriend would become belligerent. At this point, having started a new career, I decided to seek the support of a letting agency so that I could at least have them deal with a lot of the issues.

As time progressed, the issues seemed to reduce and I assumed that things were ok and the tenant and neighbours were just avoiding each other and living semi-harmoniously. During this time the tenant had been made redundant.

2023: My girlfriend and I got engaged and decided to sell the flat so that we could fund maternity if we have children and be in a better position financially. I told the tenant this and put the property up for sale. Whilst showing the property, the tenant was always present despite me making her aware that there would be viewings and I'd prefer her not to be present during these. As these were often in the evening and sometimes on winter I'd accept that she would be there as it seemed somewhat unfair to make her stand in the cold etc.

It became apparent that she was smoking in the flat and I affirmed she couldn't and shouldn't do this. She claimed she wasn't but the smell of cigarettes and ashtrays are a dead giveaway!

I then submitted a notice to evict her in order to sell it whilst vacant. She accepted this and said she'd move in with a friend, son or find somewhere.

I then accepted an offer for the property which was below market value but I was just pleased to be moving in. Then, she informed me that she would not be leaving and I'd need to evict her. I assumed that this was so she could obtain council housing.

The letting agency handled the eviction application and advised me that they should represent me at the tribunal and I need not attend. I obtained solicitors letters from myself and the purchasers confirming that we intended to sell/buy the property along with letters confirming the toll this was taking on our mental health.

The case management discussion was heard and deferred to a full hearing. I couldn't understand why and no one could give me information.

The full hearing was heard and the tribunal found against me. Various falsehoods were presented at the tribunal including my job, salary and intentions that I would be buying another property. None of these were even remotely accurate but upon speaking to various solicitors I was told appealing was a waste of time.

During this time, I'd never increased the rent on the property. My mental health had taken a severe battering and I was in bits. I no longer slept and when I did I'd wake up angry or close to tears.

Financially, my mortgage had increased due to Trussenomics and the rent no longer covered the mortgage. I'd assumed that the eviction should go through and that remortgaging at this point would cost more money in exit fees than it would save.

I then increased the rent by the maximum allowable, 12%. Applied for an interest only mortgage which was declined as the banks determined the income from the rent, even after an increase wouldn't be enough to cover the mortgage despite affirming my intent to sell.

Broken, I saught help from a psychologist as the NHS advised it could take years to be seen. Another cost but probably the best money I spent monthly as I managed to regain some control over my mental state to a point I could function daily. I was still nervous, angry and afraid to go into public spaces through fear of reacting if I saw the tenant or her son.

I reapplied for eviction, this time with a solicitor via my landlord insurance and saught advice from the Scottish Association of Landlords who at times were a God send. I no longer felt alone and trapped but felt this time I may have a chance.

One morning, I received an email from the tenant saying she was leaving. I couldn't believe it. I was so hard wired to believing this would never end I broke down in tears and sobbed my heart out. Finally a chance to move on with my life.

Upon taking possession of the flat out became apparent that she'd treated it like crap. Carpets needed replaced, blinds were destroyed, fixings and fittings smashed, dirty dishes everywhere and generally the whole place was a tip.

My family rallied and we gutted the flat, painted every room, laid carpet and fixed everything we could to the point that you'd never recognise it from a few weeks ago.

It's a beautiful flat and now for sale. I'm praying this process is quick and whoever becomes the new owner loves this place like I did when I lived here. The memories I had living here are all positive but forever tarnished by the hell I went through.

Anyway. That's the story. New landlords take heed. Don't make them mistakes I did. Don't assume friends and family won't screw you over. Deposits exist for a reason. Get a good letting agent or learn to do things yourself. It's a business. Protect yourself!

I'll never venture into becoming a landlord again and God speed to those of you who do it. I've been called a parasite, a leech and a lazy bastard by those who see the press and form lazy opinions.

The governments in this country need to build more housing or accept they need to rely on private landlords and find a balance of power between tenants and landlords that is fair and works as currently in Scotland it's going to lead to the tribunal being overwhelmed, landlords selling up and an increase in homelessness.