When you become a landlord, you will always worry about having troublesome tenants. Since the introduction of Universal Credit in the UK, many tenants have fallen behind on rent. The number of evictions is on the rise. So, as a landlord, what are landlord and tenants rights when it comes to eviction?
Landlord and Tenants Rights : An Overview to The Eviction Process
If you have more than a couple of rental properties in your portfolio, we highly recommend you employ the services of a property management team. Property managers will deal with late payments, collection of rents, and help you with evictions. Below is a look at the law that needs to be followed when it comes to evicting a tenant.
There are strict procedures that must be followed for evictions. If things are not done professionally, you may be guilty of harassment; another reason to use a property management team. The procedure used for eviction of tenants depends on the agreement you have with them, and the tenancy terms. Tenancies can be periodic or fixed term. If there is a fixed term tenancy, you must give your tenants a Section 21 notice if you wish them to leave at the end of the tenancy. If they have broken the terms of the tenancy during its term, then a Section 8 notice is issued.
Landlord and Tenants Rights : Possession Orders
Standard possession orders can only be applied for from the court of your tenants do not leave on the date specified on the notice you have already delivered. A standard possession order can be applied for if the tenant owes money. If there is no rent owing, then an accelerated possession order can be used. If tenants still don’t leave, then the next stage is a warrant for possession.
In the case that tenants are living with you, then you do not need to go to court. In this case, you must give reasonable notice for them to leave. This should preferably be in writing, and if the tenant fails to leave, you can change the locks without breaking any laws. You can still change the locks, even if the tenant fails to remove his or her belongings.
Landlord and Tenants Rights : Housing Benefit Claimants
Although you may be reluctant to let a property to someone claiming benefits, it is actually easier to recoup losses. If your tenant claims housing benefit or Universal Credit, then you can ask for rent to be paid directly to you, avoiding a lengthy eviction process. The Department for Work and Pensions can advise you for Universal Tenant Claimants.
Evicting a tenant can be a long and painful process, especially if you are aware that your property has been damaged. This is why we always advise that you use the services of a property management team for your rentals portfolio. For only a small monthly fee, all rent collections and debts will be dealt with for you, and you will also benefit from repairs and maintenance being carried out for you by vetted tradesmen.