Landlording seems easy, right? Rent and bills go out, everyone’s happy. Ha. Yeah, tell that to the landlord who’s just discovered a hole in the ceiling or, worse, a tenant who hasn’t paid in three months.
Bad tenants are the bane of our lives. Boisterous neighbors, tardy payers, or someone who consistently induce discomfort in others. Middlesbrough is not exempt from these issues. But before you panic and think “eviction,” know this: there are smarter ways to handle things. Cheaper ways. Less stressful ways. Let’s dive in.
1. The Ones Who Don’t Pay
Ah, the classic. Tenants who just… don’t pay. You’ve probably been there. You check your bank account, refresh a dozen times, and still… nothing.
But here’s a truth bomb: they might not be doing it to spite you. Sometimes, life just falls apart. Job loss, unexpected bills, a dog that chews through the electric cable (true story, happened to my neighbour). One minute they’re on time, next, radio silence.
Step one: talk to them. Not angrily. Not with a lawyer lurking in the background. Just talk. You’d be surprised what a simple conversation can uncover. Sometimes a payment plan works wonders. You could try:
- Partial payments (weekly, fortnightly — whatever works).
- Spreading out late fees over the rest of the tenancy.
- Accepting a one-off partial payment if they’re struggling.
- Or even using the deposit for overdue rent (carefully).
If their rent is very costly, contemplate a smaller residence or a shared living arrangement. Although it may appear onerous now, it is more feasible than pursuing litigation in court.st units.”
2. The Noisy or Nasty Neighbours
Then there’s the loud, obnoxious tenant. You know the type — music at 2 a.m., parties on a Tuesday, shouting matches in the stairwell. Sometimes screening misses them. Trust me, I tried.
Start by letting tenants solve it themselves. A simple clause in the tenancy agreement can save hours of headaches: “Please try to settle disputes among yourselves before contacting the landlord.” Makes sense, right? And be honest: sometimes if you step in, someone will leave grumbling. That’s life.
If it escalates, you might need to mediate. Sit everyone down. Stay calm. Explain consequences. Reiterate as necessary. Occasionally, a renter requires a kind yet assertive reminder: “This situation impacts you, not me.”
Additionally, ensure that your contract includes stipulations regarding loudness, conduct, and repercussions. Documenting it may lack allure, nevertheless it prevents future distress.
3. The Late Payers
Not everyone is evil. Some tenants pay, they just pay late — every month, like clockwork, but never on the date. Frustrating? Yes. But maybe they forget. Maybe their wages come late. Maybe they just have the memory of a goldfish (don’t ask me how I know).
A chat works wonders. Ask why, don’t accuse. You can also:
- Send reminders before rent is due.
- Offer a small grace period for repeat offenders.
- Or waive one late fee if they’re usually reliable.
I had a tenant once who always paid on the 12th. Never the 1st. I set up a reminder, and voila — problem solved. Sometimes, small tweaks work better than big threats.
4. Don’t Renew the Tenancy
Now, if nothing else works, there’s a quiet, civil way out: don’t renew their tenancy. No eviction notice, no drama. Just let the lease expire.
Careful, though — local laws matter. You might need 30, 60, or 90 days’ notice depending on your council rules. A short, polite letter works wonders:
“Your tenancy ends on [date]. We won’t be renewing, so please plan to vacate.”
Simple. Clean. Professional. And it keeps things civil, which is priceless in the long run.
5. The “Cash for Keys” Deal
Now, this one sounds weird. Pay a tenant to leave? Yep, but hear me out.
“Cash for keys” is a legally binding agreement: you pay them, they sign it, they leave. Peaceful, quick, and sometimes cheaper than the headache of eviction.
Sure, it costs something upfront. But eviction can cost thousands in fees and months of time. If £800–£1,000 gets you the keys in a week, suddenly that’s money well spent. You get your property back, spruce it up, and rent it to someone better.
Just make sure it’s all in writing — money, date, conditions, signatures. No verbal promises here, trust me.
A Quick Word of Caution
Whatever method you try, remember this: laws have changed. Tenant rights are stronger than ever. Mess up, and you could be paying fines instead of solving problems.
Call a Middlesbrough property specialist or solicitor if unsure. They’ll advise you on legal, sensible, and safe behavior. My advice? Do not guess. Long-term savings and less stress.
The Bottom Line
Bad tenants happen. It’s part of the job. But eviction isn’t the only way out. Flexible payments, mediation, or a cash-for-keys deal — there’s always a smarter, faster, less stressful option.
And if you’re stuck — maybe you’ve got a tenant who’s driving you up the wall — don’t go it alone. Consult an experienced Middlesbrough property investor.
Call 01642 088037 for assistance or chat. Your sanity and wallet will appreciate it.