I'm a relatively new landlord and having problems that I'm unsure of.
I've let a cottage to a couple of men who had only recently moved to the area and were coming to me from a B&B they had been staying in whilst they found somewhere to rent.
They were happy with the amount of rent and I agreed they could pay weekly in cash. Foolishly I also agreed that they could pay their bond (a full month's rent) in two halves - the second half of which I am still trying to get!
After a run of failed promises I am still owed almost £200 and despite promises to pay £20 per week on top of their rent they are only giving me half - doubtless because they seem to be of the opinion that the bond doesn't belong to anyone, despite me explaining it is my insurance policy against them doing damage or having accidents and ruining things (the cottage was let fully furnished).
Also when they first arrived they asked if they could tend my garden and do some jobs around the place as their work was quiet and they wanted something to do to stop them getting bored. They were adamant they didn't want paying and since I had a very bad back I allowed them to do bits and pieces - jetwashing, gardening, pointing etc. After it was all done they then started asking for money off what they owed me - then let it slip that they had done this in previous years and worked for a landlord in lieu of paying rent!
My question is this. I feel like have been taken for a complete fool when all I did was trust them but since they want to do a bit of painting in the cottage I have said quite categorically not, until such time as their bond is paid. Am I right in thinking that if it is not paid up by the end of the first four months I can then issue a Notice to Quit and advise them that I am not renewing the contract or since they are making pathetic donations do I have to let it run until it is paid up?
Many thanks in anticipation.
I've let a cottage to a couple of men who had only recently moved to the area and were coming to me from a B&B they had been staying in whilst they found somewhere to rent.
They were happy with the amount of rent and I agreed they could pay weekly in cash. Foolishly I also agreed that they could pay their bond (a full month's rent) in two halves - the second half of which I am still trying to get!
After a run of failed promises I am still owed almost £200 and despite promises to pay £20 per week on top of their rent they are only giving me half - doubtless because they seem to be of the opinion that the bond doesn't belong to anyone, despite me explaining it is my insurance policy against them doing damage or having accidents and ruining things (the cottage was let fully furnished).
Also when they first arrived they asked if they could tend my garden and do some jobs around the place as their work was quiet and they wanted something to do to stop them getting bored. They were adamant they didn't want paying and since I had a very bad back I allowed them to do bits and pieces - jetwashing, gardening, pointing etc. After it was all done they then started asking for money off what they owed me - then let it slip that they had done this in previous years and worked for a landlord in lieu of paying rent!
My question is this. I feel like have been taken for a complete fool when all I did was trust them but since they want to do a bit of painting in the cottage I have said quite categorically not, until such time as their bond is paid. Am I right in thinking that if it is not paid up by the end of the first four months I can then issue a Notice to Quit and advise them that I am not renewing the contract or since they are making pathetic donations do I have to let it run until it is paid up?
Many thanks in anticipation.