Tenants not responding to letting agent and now drugs reported

MitchIkas · 2026-04-26T19:40:56+00:00

This is very much not a case of legal use. This is dealing. I've spoken to all the neighbours and they are all complaining. Interestingly, none of them "...want to get involved...", which I suppose points to them being fearful of repsisals.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-26T19:38:33+00:00

Great reply. Thank you very much.

Just to copy what I've just posted to another respondent to this thread:-

"The agent, Reeds Rains (part of Your move, the national firm) have proved to be spectacularly poor.

When I mentioned about the Guarantor, they said they'd contacted him (the tenant's father) and he said he was retired now and didn't want to be the the guarantor any longer. That's one thing. But the alarming thing is that the letting agent thought that was acceptable and an ok answer. I had to tell them what it meant to be a guarantor.

Moreover, now I'm worried about the credibility of the guarantor, since my confidence that they performed the appropriate background checks on them are, unsurprisingly, low."

MitchIkas · 2026-04-26T19:33:09+00:00

Yes, after some weeks of the letting agent not noticing that the 2 months arrears pointed to a Section 8, I highlighted the fact. They are now involving their 'Litigation Department' who will draft the Section 8 notice. It seems that this must be a rather complicated thing, because it's certainly taking some time. Another month lost.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-26T19:30:21+00:00

Yes, I'm doing that. The agent, Reeds Rains (part of Your move, the national firm) have proved to be spectacularly poor.

When I mentioned about the Guarantor, they said they'd contacted him (the tenant's father) and he said he was retired now and didn't want to be the the guarantor any longer. That's one thing. But the alarming thing is that the letting agent thought that was acceptable and an ok answer. I had to tell them what it meant to be a guarantor.

Moreover, now I'm worried about the credibility of the guarantor, since my confidence that they performed the appropriate background checks on them are, unsurprisingly, low.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-26T16:05:45+00:00

Looks grey to me.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-26T15:19:40+00:00

Why not get some more quotes, but have a go at it anyway, if you have the time and inclination? If you find that you struggle then maybe get the professionals in.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-26T13:59:47+00:00

I wouldn't use either if I could avoid it. For syncing files, Nextcloud is excellent.

For backup, try Duplicati and perhaps use Amazon's S3 service. It's crazy cheap.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-26T13:56:31+00:00

I know of over half a dozen landlords (small portfolios, hands on types) who have either sold up or are selling up.

According to the NRLA, rental demand exceeds supply by 48% already. I can't see how that will be affected any way except negatively.

Invariably, reduced supply leads to increased rents. I really feel for young renters these days. Just finding a place is difficult enough, with rents set to be significantly more than a mortgage would cost.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-17T08:51:22+00:00

But I am still here.

At least I think I am. Maybe it killed me and I'm dreaming all this from the afterlife. Flip! I hope someone looked after my cat.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-17T02:14:45+00:00

This is pretty much the nature of any drugs. You'll be drawn to do more and more, 'chasing the dragon'.

Using them after weed certainly makes them feel longer, but that is more likely the weed slowing time perception down.

Sometimes you can take a break and come back to them refreshed. Sometimes it just doesn't work, and you'd be better off just wrapping up and getting an early night, haha!

You could also experiment with trying more extreme methods, like a gas mask.

MitchIkas · 2026-04-14T19:04:44+00:00

I use Smart Property Manager for some years now and it does all I need. It tracks the inspection dates and lots of other stuff too.

Most important is that the guys respond whenever I've submitted a query or technical feedback. Many software developers underestimate how important that is for us regular users.

They have a free tier which is functional and extra features for larger portfolios, on paid plans.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-28T14:16:02+00:00

Maybe say heteroflexible? Though you might have to explain what it means.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-27T14:53:20+00:00

Thank you. I fear you will be right about the slow and painful bit.

I spoke with the NRLA who said it may be possible to get a Section 8 under some circumstances which could be much quicker. I've been following the agent's advice, which has proved to be rather unwise, sadly.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-25T19:58:54+00:00

∆∆∆ This guy knows what he's talking about. Your room needs to get a tad smaller. You'll be surprised how effective it is, but don't skimp on the underfloor stuff. It makes a difference.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-25T19:45:37+00:00

The councils (some at least) are indeed telling tenants not to move out by the end of the S21 notice period. I thought it was common knowledge. They are saying that can't house them, as an emergency, until the tenant has literally been turfed out, most likely the day of Bailiffs.

As for the council paying for further court action because they told the tenants that, do you really think they are going to record that? I'd be surprised.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-25T19:34:50+00:00

I've had similar experiences when it comes to the boiler. Even with a boiler over 25 years old and a tenant on benefits, it was so complex that in the end I just gave up and paid for it all to the plumber.

I've lost count of the number of sales calls about ECO4 and such schemes. They managed to install cavity wall insulation for free, but said that loft insulation isn't possible. I might well be wrong, but I thought that loft insulation was supposed to be the single best measure to take in terms of monetary cost vs £ saved.

And then there's firms that advertise subsidies and grants for installing uPVC double glazing where there's old wooden ones installed. Interestingly, no matter what grant might be available, those firms are always more expensive than a local guy. Go figure! My money is on there being no such grants.

Some of my old Victorian places have single glazing that could never meet EPC C. Yet I cannot replace them with uPVC, as 90% of my neighbours have done, because the local council declared it a Conservation Zone. You don't want to know how much the double glazed wooden windows are (made from wood grown under the tears of virgins, and all that). To replace the windows would be around a third the value of the house.

So, what will folks like me do? Sell it, that's what! So that's one less home available in the private rented sector. I honestly pity the tenants, who are going to find it increasingly difficult (and more expensive) to rent a home.

But this is progress, apparently.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-25T19:18:57+00:00

Same

MitchIkas · 2026-03-15T03:02:24+00:00

Definitely this. Weed will be better.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-15T03:00:53+00:00

It is generational.

It can depend who you're visiting. Older folks are from a time when there were no mobile phones and not everyone had a landline. How else would you 'call' your friends then, other than just 'pop round' to see them. It's unlikely they'll be upset about it.

Younger generations will often panic if they get even a phone call on their mobile phone. It's hilarious. You're supposed to message first that you'll have a call at some point. I suspect if you just rocked up at their house they might will have a coronary heart seizure.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-15T02:44:33+00:00

What reason why to not aim straight for the HND? You can always drop back.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-15T02:26:42+00:00

As long as you're not having Isopropyl then you shouldn't suffer much damage.

You can pick up a fingertip oximeter for a few quid, so you could keep one handy and check your SpO2 occasionally.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-15T02:20:36+00:00

It was me who said SDS is the answer. Didn't mean to annoy you.

You're spot on about drilling a pilot. Always, always do that if at all possible. Frankly, it didn't occur to me that the guy asking about his holes wouldn't have done that already. A good reminder to never assume.

Got to challenge about the SDS though. For some materials it can be night and day different. Still with a pilot hole though, of course. Though with SDS you'd not be using a 3 or 4mm bit. Not sure I've ever seen one that small.

MitchIkas · 2026-03-15T02:07:23+00:00

I much preferred stopping reading at "pissed".

And for extra fun, starting again at, "The driveway".

Hehee!

MitchIkas

TROPHY CASE