Rent review and terminations

[aido71]

Just a couple of queries to make sure I am interpreting the new rules correctly. We have a long standing tenant who we have been very good to but now have to raise the rent significantly. Tenant in receipt of housing allowance and for most part been a good tenant ..... Redecorated at own expense etc. Been a couple of issues from time to time and owes a bit in arrears from a difficult period they had at one stage but for the most part been decent so whilst still owing a bit we have never been too aggressive in pursuing and it is being repaid albeit slowly. Anyway told them at weekend rent has to go up... And advised them we could have done so before Christmas requiring less notice but chose not to. Cue tears etc the what will we do young kids etc. Anyway given them few days to decide ( btw they had to have known this was coming rents in same estate up to €250 higher). My question is if they say no can do am I right in saying that I require 140 days notice and by default the rent will have to stay as is even though 3 mths is required increase notice? We hadn't pushed it til now as market differences til recently only about €100 and to relet we will have to spend a bit of money updating etc. But now differential too much to ignore. I don't want to make them homeless but unfortunately we have to do what we have to do.... Tough out there! Tks and apologies if am longwinded or unclear

 

[Bronte]

I think you need to be a bit more understanding of their pleight and yes I know it's a busines not social work. What you need to do is help the tenant to get an increased housing rent allowance and you may have to threaten her with eviction if she is already at the ceiling. The councils have a system for increasing the 'official' ceilings where a family is going to be evicted, you need to explain this to your tenant and help her to get the paper work in order.

I don't know anything about timelines of notice.

And no I don't agree that tenants would have seen this coming a lot of social welfare tenants are living week to week. Sounds like a good tenant despite the arrears as they are making an effort, have been with you a while, they have redeocrated so really think long and hard before you think about really evicting.

 

[aido71]

Absolutely do not want to just chuck these people out... In fact that is why we have been so reticent to increase rent and why we haven't pressurised re the arrears..... My sympathy lessened somewhat when they took a "short break" to Disneyland Paris before Christmas!! Unlike a lot of landlords I have no problem taking tenants in receipt of rent allowance.... As have said been a model tenant in respect of looking after property. And if they move we would probably have to spend a couple of grand updating etc so coupled with that and a few months without rental income never made it a big deal to get a bit extra in rent per month. But now the difference is upwards of €250 and poss more as serious shortage of properties about. My wife is meeting her tonight so will see how it goes. Eviction would only be a last resort and only if flat refusal to engage. But I guess purpose of my post is just so we up to speed on our rights as some people are very aware of their rights and entitlements. And yes I will confess I have an ever decreasing tolerance for the section of our society who believe everything should be handed to them with no personal responsibility for anything!!! Will let ye know how it goes!

 

[Bronte]

My sympathy lessened somewhat when they took a "short break" to Disneyland Paris before Christmas!!

Without reading any further I laughted when I read this. On a more serious note, there are many celtic tiger landlords who are more broke then their tenants and cannot afford Disney.

And I get the rest of your post. Best of luck with the rent increase.

 

[aido71]

So my wife met with tenants... All very cordial they very eager to stay and have agreed rent increase ( the increase is going to include payment towards arrears so not really as much an increase as it seems...., think this is a fair agreement).... Impressed upon them that no further tolerance with late payments etc and if all payments on time and in full over next 6 mths then we will proceed with plans to pump walls and insulate attic..., previous been told would be done when arrears up to date)... So am happy enough.... Don't want it on me to evict a young family but by same token are not a charity and god knows we pay enough in taxes etc. I must say though that seeing how much of a dearth of properties about it must be getting tougher and more frightening for those in need of housing.my final comment re those who do not want rent allowance tenants in relation to respecting the property our tenants have been superb. Yes as mentioned some issues re payments from time to time but this could apply to private rentals just as well. So a good outcome for all... Now hopefully will run smoothly! The joys of being a landlord!!!! There was me thinking it would make us rich rich rich!!!!