Landlord’s Repossession Rights
Around four million properties are privately rented in England, and it is estimated that 20% of households will be within this sector by 2016.
With such a large proportion of the housing stock belonging to the industry, it is not surprising that things can go wrong. This can sometimes lead a landlord to repossess their rental property, or recover lost rent.
If a landlord needs to repossess their property, they should ensure that they stay within the law. There are a few reasons for ending a contract and taking hold of the home:
- Refurbishment
Properties that have been damaged, suffered problems, or are unsuitable for tenants may need major repairs, requiring the property to be empty.
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Landlord’s Repossession Rights
Selling
The landlord has the right to sell their property when they decide.
- Rent arrears
This issue should be dealt with immediately, before the landlord loses too much income.
- Abandonment
This is a rare situation, but should it happen, the landlord should ensure that the property has definitely been abandoned before going in and finding new tenants.
- Bad rapport
If the tenant and landlord do not have a good relationship, landlords can face many problems, including loss of rent. Landlords should always act quickly and professionally.
Repossessing a rental property can be expensive, as rent can be lost, and there are costs for regaining the house, including legal expenses.
The section 8 notice is pricey and time-consuming. The better option is a section 21 notice, needing two months’ notice before the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) ends, or when it is over. Landlords should always observe the law and protect deposits.