Police forced entry to house! Sent me the bill.

[azda 979]

What i don't get though is, if the keyholder was already in custody of his own free will, why was there the need to smash the door down?

Perhaps because they couldn't be sure whether the house was empty of other occupants and with the possibility of a weapon inside surprise was the best tactic. John will be better placed to answer.

From what Chris wrote a few posts up, the were actually looking for a gun in the house, not someone with a gun inside the house, if that was the case, it would be an armed siege surely?. So i'm still a bit perplexed as to why the needed to do the door.

Edited April 30, 2012 by azda

[HistoricCoinage 147]

From what Chris wrote a few posts up, the were actually looking for a gun in the house, not someone with a gun inside the house, if that was the case, it would be an armed siege surely?. So i'm still a bit perplexed as to why the needed to do the door.

Exactly. I wasn't suggesting an armed occupant, merely an occupied house with the possibility of a gun being within the confines of the walls. Even so, I do agree it seems overly-forceful.

[Chris Perkins 228]

That's a point, if they thought there was a gun in there they must have been armed and have numbered more than 2 officers (the police gave me the rank numbers, or whatever they're called, of 2 officers, there may have been others)? I suspect they were a bit gung-ho and with a gun involved they didn't want to knock politely or ask Mr Green for my number in case his girlfriend was nipping out the bathroom window with it. I expect they just broke straight in and make a lot of noise and a bloody mess. I hope they didn't ruin my car mags in the loft. I've got the first volume of Practical Classics up there.

I waited all day but didn't hear anything from the officers involved.

[argentumandcoins 70]

I can't comment on how/how many officers would go in for an armed entry as I am still governed by the Official Secrets Act. Anybody who is particularly interested may search for the Home Office Manual of Guidance on the Police Use of Firearms online.

As to your points Chris; The Police had the right man as they had reasonable grounds to suspect that he was involved in a serious arrestable offence. An 18 has to be authorised when a person is under arrest otherwise a Magistrates warrant would be required pre-arrest or a 32 could be used if he was arrested at the scene.

At the end of the day I am afraid you will have to stump up as any right minded person would ask why your tennant had no key to access the premises? The Police were also searching for what I presume to be an unlawfully held firearm.

[Peter 615]

Chris

Put it in perspective.

Your tenant has gone to the police.They will know the facts.

It really isn't worth getting stressed.5hit happens.

Pay your 7.5% management fee and let them earn it.

Every month you remain rent free accounts for several busted doors.

[TomGoodheart 403]

As Peter says, an empty property is not earning. The problem is I think that as there isn't a current 6mo contract it will have reverted to a rolling one. Legally he is entitled to notice that you want him out. Ideally a solicitor would just run through things to make sure there are no loose ends,but if you don't want to pay out more money, you could try the following (though clearly I'm not offering legal advice so can't guarantee there won't be problems).

I think you need to write to Mr Green stating that the tenancy appears to have ended by mutual consent on .. such and such a day (day of raid?) Offer him the opportunity to collect whatever belongings he wants and give him a reasonable deadline. 4 weeks/1 month would be ideal. Ask him to confirm in writing that he is happy with this and understands once that period date is over you will be making arrangements to rent the property to a new tenant and arranging to dispose of any items not claimed.

Are there any rents outstanding? Maybe try to get those back. You could try the 'as you are out of pocket from the door' angle, but you might just have to write off any loses.

I think we pay 10% for full management. The agent screens the tenants, draws up the contract, collects the rent, makes regular inspections of the property and is first point of contact if there's a problem. If it's managable they will arrange for an electrician or whatever for the tenant on our behalf. Part of the deal is also a third party deposit guarantee scheme which was handy when we had a couple who got bad at paying. It's not cheap but it gives us peace of mind. And to me that has a value!

[Chris Perkins 228]

as any right minded person would ask why your tennant had no key to access the premises?

I don't know. Both tenants certainly had keys to both front and back doors.

Yesterday I asked Mr Green (over text) whether he intended to go back to the now empty property and if so, when. If not, then I asked him what I should do with his belongings. No answer yet. Realistically, if he's gone then I have no chance of getting the rent for April.

If he pays his rent for April, and now also for May, then he can stay and I'll pay the boarding bill but will ask him if he can source a front door and fit it (I believe his parents have a DIY shop).

I just heard from the police confirming that the tenants have moved out and that it is safe for me (or someone on my behalf) to go to the property. I also spoke to the local council and the tenants are shown on the system as seeking temporary accomodation, so that backs-up and confirms 100% that they're gone.... problem is that no one apart from Mr Green knows how long for!

[Accumulator 52]

As Peter says, an empty property is not earning. The problem is I think that as there isn't a current 6mo contract it will have reverted to a rolling one. Legally he is entitled to notice that you want him out. Ideally a solicitor would just run through things to make sure there are no loose ends,but if you don't want to pay out more money, you could try the following (though clearly I'm not offering legal advice so can't guarantee there won't be problems).

I think you need to write to Mr Green stating that the tenancy appears to have ended by mutual consent on .. such and such a day (day of raid?) Offer him the opportunity to collect whatever belongings he wants and give him a reasonable deadline. 4 weeks/1 month would be ideal. Ask him to confirm in writing that he is happy with this and understands once that period date is over you will be making arrangements to rent the property to a new tenant and arranging to dispose of any items not claimed.

Are there any rents outstanding? Maybe try to get those back. You could try the 'as you are out of pocket from the door' angle, but you might just have to write off any loses.

I think we pay 10% for full management. The agent screens the tenants, draws up the contract, collects the rent, makes regular inspections of the property and is first point of contact if there's a problem. If it's managable they will arrange for an electrician or whatever for the tenant on our behalf. Part of the deal is also a third party deposit guarantee scheme which was handy when we had a couple who got bad at paying. It's not cheap but it gives us peace of mind. And to me that has a value!

I concur with this advice. 10% is good... it's hard to pay less than 12.5% around here.

[Peter 615]

I know it is awful but the couple and kids in our bungalow cannot buy until they inherit.

We started off with very little but stretched ourselves.No loans apart from mortgage.The trouble is our tenants have 2 brand new cars and holiday abroad every year.No doubt no pension...but who in their right frame of mind trusts this.

Buy coins.

[Chris Perkins 228]

My estate agent friend will do a managed vetted etc let for 8% pcm, as it's me

The tenants have been moving their stuff out this weekend. Mr Green says he has a replacement front door and frame, which is kind.

I fly over on the 23rd to have a look at the state of the place. Will no doubt need to get things done (dad's good at repairs and that kind of stuff). It's handy as somewhere I can stay for a few days myself. I may even leave it empty for a couple of months to use as a base. Mind you, I said that last time and had new tenants knocking on the door the day after the old one moved out.

[TomGoodheart 403]

My estate agent friend will do a managed vetted etc let for 8% pcm, as it's me

The tenants have been moving their stuff out this weekend. Mr Green says he has a replacement front door and frame, which is kind.

I fly over on the 23rd to have a look at the state of the place. Will no doubt need to get things done (dad's good at repairs and that kind of stuff). It's handy as somewhere I can stay for a few days myself. I may even leave it empty for a couple of months to use as a base. Mind you, I said that last time and had new tenants knocking on the door the day after the old one moved out.

Result! We had grand plans for one property (we rent out two), it needs new units in the double glazed windows, generally redecorating and we'd thought of replacing the kitchen work surfaces, which were a bit knackered even when we bought the place. But the agent had a tennant who was happy to move in as it was, who has now redecorated it herself and we've had one (or knowing us, and how long we take to do things, two) months' more rent which, even if we'd upped the price a bit after redecorating, would have taken a couple of years to recoup. I'd recommend letting as soon as you have reliable interest in the place.

[Peter 615]

WARNING....Ladies avoid long haired looking coinies with about 5 different sets of car keys.

If this chap produces Wreath Crowns...Run.

Comic looking cows are an alias...I should know as I married one. ;)