Three landlords are under significant financial pressure on the next episode of Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords.
The second episode of the Channel 5 show will feature three separate landlords all facing ruin due to difficult tenants.
Going to industry expert Landlord Action for help, the landlords seek possession of their property and chase outstanding rent arrears. Landlord Action’s founder, Paul Shamplina, reveals the unfortunate reality of tenancies gone wrong.
The main story on the programme follows builder Franc Coutinho, who has rented his property out in North London for six years. The landlord did not face any difficulty until his latest tenant, Shuaghxi Fu, moved in.
Within six weeks of the tenancy commencing, the tenant was not paying rent, stating that the boiler was not working. Plumbers visited the property on numerous occasions, but when the rent was due, the boiler would allegedly stop working again.
Franc begins the eviction process in the show. When the court date arrives, Shuaghxi Fu makes an appearance and files a last minute defence, delaying the eviction by months.
On the case, Shamplina says: “Sadly, we see far too many cases like this. It is one of the many reasons we have fought so hard to prevent law changes in relation to retaliation eviction because we fear we will see more and more cases like this if tenants are able to use delay tactics by reporting bogus issues of disrepair.
“Upon checking out the property, it was clear there was nothing wrong with the boiler, but the delay at court meant poor Franc was left with months of unpaid rent and legal fees. Having to pay two mortgages, he was on the brink of bankruptcy.”1
The second case in the episode focuses on landlord Dipan Doshi, who has rented out his flat to a family of four for 18 months. However, in the past year, he has received barely any rent and is now owed £12,000. His wife is on maternity leave, and Dipan must therefore chase the arrears.
The third landlord, Louise McKinlay, has finally evicted her tenant after being owed £7,000 in unpaid rent. Although this is not the end for her, as she uncovers more issues once she visits the property.
The programme is due to air tomorrow, Wednesday 1st July, at 9pm on Channel 5.
1 http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/landlords/financial-ruin-for-three-landlords.html