Tenants refuse to reply to messages/email and wont sign inventory document

[Idlekind]

My tenants moved in in November 2020 amid the corona period. They were moving back from Singapore to the UK in a window in the restrictions. I travelled back to sort the flat ( i live in Spain), but had to leave sooner than planned due to corona restrictions closing flights abroad. I tried to find an inventory service to do the check in but couldn't find anyone to do it. I left the keys with the tenants brother and we agreed to sign the inventory document after their arrival. Initially they wanted to add some items to the inventory and photos of some things that they wanted to add. Unfortunately, time passed, my father died of covid over xmas and i've been dealing with that. Now i'm trying to get them sign the inventory but they are not taking my messages or emails. No replies. They are paying rent but i have some concerns now that they will cause problems for me.
Can anyone offer advice as to what would be best next action? Ironically, they were very rude and pushy when the boiler failed over xmas, despite my best, prompt efforts to get the boiler fixed ASAP. They have been difficult since they moved in if i'm honest about it.... I guess this happens sometimes...
Thanks for any advice. Jamie

[Lawcruncher]

Whilst the circumstances explain how you arrived where you are, unfortunately you cannot get away from the fact that you did not follow the correct procedure. The terms of the inventory are as much part of the contract as anything else and really ought to be agreed before the tenancy agreement is signed. Unless the tenancy agreement has an appropriate provision, there is not anything you can do now to make the tenants agree the inventory.

[boletus]

After the 6 month's fixed term tenancy ends, increase the rent to reflect the extra work of dealing with difficult tenants.

[landlord-man]

or give them a discount for having to deal with a poorly organised, non-resident landlord.

[boletus]

or give them a discount for having to deal with a poorly organised, non-resident landlord.

A bit harsh although I'm selfishly in agreement with the obvious consequences.

Drive out all the amateur competition and I'll happily double my rents

[Berlingogirl]

I'd be very suspicious. Can you put the property under a UK management agent? I think somebody needs to go round and check it's not been sublet or full of plants.

[Hudson01]

I'd be very suspicious. Can you put the property under a UK management agent? I think somebody needs to go round and check it's not been sublet or full of plants.

Call me suspicious..... but i would be doing this.

[theartfullodger]

+1 Berlingogirl, Hudson, get inspections arranged, could be brothel/ 'nabis farm...

Let us know what happens.

Do you have documentation from HMRC so tenants can legally pay you 100% of rent??

[DPT57]

Very very difficult to self manage from another country. Use an agent as suggested or this is what will happen.

[Idlekind]

Thanks for the helpful comments. I doubt that its a meth lab or farm... it was a family of 4, 2 young children. They have been complaining about cleanliness of the area around the house prior to this and bins not being emptied properly.... I think they are just taking advantage, maybe they have damaged something during their stay and don't want to sign the inventory. at least thats what i'm hoping.
They are paying 100% and all is accounted for with the tax man. I think I'll see if they pay this months rent, its just a few days, if not then i will need to see whats going on. Any advice on how i would go about gaining access to the property if they refuse would be helpful. Was thinking citizens advice bureau.... Thx in advance. J

[Piffy]

I'd be very suspicious. Can you put the property under a UK management agent? I think somebody needs to go round and check it's not been sublet or full of plants.

This is exactly what I would suggest, Plus a Professional Letting Agent from the moment you instruct them will be able to keep a record of how difficult your tenants are to deal with. and what they suggest the rent should go up to

[Piffy]

PS. You could consider getting Landlord Insurance

[Berlingogirl]

Idlekind,

I went to the CAB once asking for help as a landlord. They asked me if I had just one property and I said I had more than one. They immediately refused to help me.

I think you really should put this property under management. Their complaints could just be a ruse to make you think there's a family in there whereas the family was just a front for horticulture, and they know you're not going to turn up and check. Horticulturalists pay the rent so you won't be suspicious and go snooping around.

Sorry if I've got you really worried. Do you know anyone who do a drive by and see if the curtains are closed all the time?

[Idlekind]

I have a friend who would be willing to take a look for me. I'll see if i can get a management agent to take over for me.... it would be a strange place for a farm, its overlooked by so many properties and is in a mews close.... yup, a bit nervous now.....

[Nikki Brown]

Yeah getting them to sign after that long probably wont happen- as what's the benefit to them to do it? Do you have any proof (via email) that they received a copy of the inventory at the start. As even though they haven't signed if you still sent it to them and they saw the inventory and didn't have an issues with it. It still counts. Won't be as good as evidence as if they signed it. But can still definitely be used as evidence and the adjudicators deciding on cases should still look at the evidence. Especially f the photos are dated etc. So whilst it's not great it's not the end of the world if you still have proof that they saw it and accepted it (to some point) at the start of the tenancy.