Hi all.
I am new to the forum.
I have only one property that was occupied for 6 years by a polish family. One of them was a secretary at my wife's office so everything went very smoothly.
They left very suddenly and found a replacement who they introduced as friends. The previous family were very nice and easy to work with but these friends have been a nightmare.
I didn't think much of it because the old family had vouched for them but surprisingly enough they are no longer reachable.
When this family moved in we agreed a rate and they wanted electricity and water to be included. We agreed on certain usages that they said were from their old house. We also agreed that they would pay any excess. Unfortunately this is not in writting.
I got my first bill today and it was 4 times what they said they would use. I contacted them by e-mail and simply received back "you are paying electric". They appear to not speak great english when it suits them ...
My question is what grounds do I have here ? Nothing about bills of any kind is mentioned on our tenancy agreement. I just found one online and used it. It has their name on, the monthly rent and the deposit amount.
Can I hold on to some of their deposit if they refuse to pay the excess bill ? I know I haven't handled this very well but I inherited this property and property tycoon I am not. I know I handled it badly in terms of no writing. I've tried google but get a lot of unhelpful information. Can anyone give me any advice ?
I am new to the forum.
I have only one property that was occupied for 6 years by a polish family. One of them was a secretary at my wife's office so everything went very smoothly.
They left very suddenly and found a replacement who they introduced as friends. The previous family were very nice and easy to work with but these friends have been a nightmare.
I didn't think much of it because the old family had vouched for them but surprisingly enough they are no longer reachable.
When this family moved in we agreed a rate and they wanted electricity and water to be included. We agreed on certain usages that they said were from their old house. We also agreed that they would pay any excess. Unfortunately this is not in writting.
I got my first bill today and it was 4 times what they said they would use. I contacted them by e-mail and simply received back "you are paying electric". They appear to not speak great english when it suits them ...
My question is what grounds do I have here ? Nothing about bills of any kind is mentioned on our tenancy agreement. I just found one online and used it. It has their name on, the monthly rent and the deposit amount.
Can I hold on to some of their deposit if they refuse to pay the excess bill ? I know I haven't handled this very well but I inherited this property and property tycoon I am not. I know I handled it badly in terms of no writing. I've tried google but get a lot of unhelpful information. Can anyone give me any advice ?