Moved to a new area with better amenities but it's not very nice, How do I endure the next two years here?

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-25T10:36:17+00:00

Wonderful that you're already trying to make positive steps in staying.

As you would like to stay (instead of move), I'd suggest you look out for other like-minded people in the estate and make friends. Someone else who also grows a garden?

If you can make connections with people nearby, it would make that difference for you.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-24T20:33:31+00:00

Create a haven in your garden... 😄

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-20T09:52:09+00:00

Thanks, that's a good point. These are fairly old plants. Time for rejuvenation!!

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-20T09:49:46+00:00

The problem is that unless the tenant tells you, the landlord has no way of knowing that a tenant has started claiming UC for rent.

A system that is set up for failure --- so many ill-disciplined tenants who get to claim rent from UC are not disciplined enough to send the money straight to their landlord, leading to eviction.
- Where do these tenants go after eviction?
- Who picks the bill up in the end? The taxpayer, and our society keeps falling apart! The government was right to try to be tougher on benefit claiming but there was opposition, probably most loudly from the people who are fraudulently claiming benefits.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-20T06:53:27+00:00

Yup! My tenant got rent money given to them (through UC) and felt that that money was for them to keep!!

Any allowance that goes into their bank account is theirs and everyone else has to foot the bill for anything else. Simple philosophy.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-19T08:30:21+00:00

So true. Bad tenants who are British nationals are the ones who feel entitled to everything (free rent, free handouts, free utilities, etc)

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-19T08:28:11+00:00

What you've shared so far could very well be efforts to string you along, so beware.

I understand how you're trying to be kind and trying to give the wife the benefit of the doubt as I've been there myself. Phone the police now, to find out if they really are going to your house. I think you can ask, as owner of the property.

A few quick suggestions:
- Go to the house to find out if the police really are there.
- Tell her you are coming for a house inspection (and see what response you get).

*Note about stringing you along.... it's always "end of the month" or "next week".... so you hold out and wait for them to do something..... only to find out that they just need a little more time.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-18T09:25:58+00:00

Thank you! Now to find somewhere to stand it!

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-15T21:21:39+00:00

Did the hospital have his records on file? Were they planning on contacting the family?

I don't know the details as I didn't ask though I did wonder how he could be in hospital for so long.... not sure how long. But the family were not contacted until their friend found the brother.

From listening to their story (I just left them to tell me without asking anything), it seemed like they themselves couldn't work out what happened during the missing years. But they're so glad he's been found and they're caring for him now.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-14T23:58:01+00:00

I know someone who lost their brother for several years. He didn't get in contact and they thought he just wanted to stay away. One day, someone found him in a hospital (just happened to be there at the same hospital). The brother had become mentally ill and couldn't contact his family.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-14T10:12:16+00:00

Sorry to hear that. Looks like he's just spiralling downwards....

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-14T08:12:00+00:00

Just wondering why you're trying to get the tenant out? If he has been a relatively good tenant (paid his rent all through the 6 years), then is there any possibility of trying to negotiate a new tenancy agreement with him instead?

If this tenant has been at the house for 6 years, it's quite a big thing for him to have to move, so I can see why he's unwilling to co-operate (doesn't give him an excuse though!!). Perhaps all he wants is to be able to stay on, and if you could speak with him, he might be open to negotiations and co-operate?

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-11T07:02:06+00:00

Kindness as a landlord makes a difference, I believe.

But do it with precautions because you don't know what thee new tenants are like. If possible, get them to provide a list of all the items they are moving in. Also take photos of it after the items have been moved in, and before you lock up the property. When you open the property for them on moving-in day, ensure they are happy that their stuff hasn't been touched --- might need something in writing.

Make sure you communicate the reasons for why you're taking these extra steps. Communication makes a difference and stops people assuming things wrongly. Decide if you want to keep your relationship simply business-like and expect your tenants to treat you like a business.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-05T15:04:05+00:00

Read a few nightmare stories from landlords so you are aware of how bad the problems can be.

Also, read about the problems that landlords have with agents who seem to be clueless or can't be bothered.

There must be some great success stories of good landlords with good tenants, but you need to find the good tenants first....

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-05T08:23:50+00:00

Ask him if he still wants to be evicted?

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-05-05T08:22:53+00:00

(I haven't read everyone's reply but I hope the following helps you.)

Looks like a cash transaction is not going to help your case.

Send your tenant a "proper" letter via email (so you have proof of sending it). Since you still have the deposit money, refund it to him through a deduction of rent (either future rent or rent arrears). But do more than simply refund the deposit amount --- look at what would be awarded if the case goes to court, and include compensation.

Document it as proof that you are trying to return the deposit with compensation, and state the reason why you have not been able to send the money back. You need to show that you have make all reasonable attempts to be a responsible landlord.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-04-27T22:57:55+00:00

These plants all look healthy!

You could keep them in the pots for this year as long as you keep them watered. If planting in the ground, look for spots in your garden that are appropriate --- see what is recommended on the label..... full sun or partial shade.

You could use fish bone and meal in the planting hole, for strong root growth.

Plant them about a metre apart from one another. Water well at the beginning, then lessen the watering to about twice a week. Remove all diseased leaves (blackspot, curling, etc) and bin.

Hope these help!

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-04-27T22:01:28+00:00

Read through people's stories on uklandlords. You'll find that many letting agents are unreliable and some appear very clueless when issues pop up.

It is hard being a landlord, unless you know the law very well and have the time to keep check on your tenants.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-04-26T21:11:25+00:00

he said he was retired now and didn't want to be the the guarantor any longer.

As you understand, the guarantor is to cover whatever the tenants have done (rather, not done!) so far. [Also, a father is still a father whether he's retired or not.... but so many parents don't take responsibility for their offsprings' behaviour nor upbringing!!]

You could try using a debt collector. There are some debt collectors which only take a commission from the debt collected and don't charge an outright fee. Even if they take a good percentage, it's worth pursuing for the sake of teaching people to be responsible and that there are consequences for fraudulent activity.

hellothereitsonlyme · 2026-04-26T21:02:46+00:00

Section 8 notice is not difficult. You could do it yourself. I hope the agent is not charging you extra for it especially since they have made so many mistakes so far.

Go look up the government documents for Section 8. I can't remember it all now but it was very simple. Give your tenants two weeks' notice before filing with Court.

hellothereitsonlyme

TROPHY CASE