Tenants could be trying to avoid eviction by damaging property and abusing the new legal system designed to ban revenge evictions, an online lettings agent claims.
 
The new legislation came into force on 1 October meaning landlords who have failed to remedy legitimate repairs requests cannot use the traditional Section 21 procedure to regain possession of their property.

But research by PropertyLetByUs – an online agency – claims 10% of tenants have admitted that they have caused over £500 worth of damage to properties. 

“While in principle the legislation is a good move, ensuring that landlords don’t evict tenants because of a genuine disrepair issue, it is open to dishonest tenants bending the law to avoid eviction,” claimed the agency’s managing director, Jane Morris.

“Landlords need to ensure that they make regular checks on their properties and handle tenants’ complaints about damage, quickly and efficiently. If landlords are suspicious that the damage is intentional to avoid eviction, they should seek legal advice.”