dublin dude
Registered User
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I have a rented property that I recently decided to sell - usual sob story / overextended on borrowings etc. and feeling very financially exposed. I asked the sitting tenants if they would stay on at a reduced rent to facilitate viewings (max. two per week) until 'sale agreed'. They agreed to this and property has been on the market since Sep 2010 but no offers yet and may not sell for some time or at target price. Meanwhile tenants had the benefit of rent reduction of €250 p.m. for seven months = €1750. I had already twice reduced rent to reflect falling market rates.
They have now given me notice that they intend to quit as they are concerned that they may not be able to get a suitable replacement property in the area if they wait longer.
Naturally I am disappointed that they are leaving and that also raises insurance concerns re vacant property. I also feel that they have not kept their end of the deal. Also, they are almost 4 years there so I think they should have to give 56 days notice? I emailed PRTB for a view or to see if there is any precedent but they wont get involved unless I wish to engage fully in dispute resolution (which I dont wish to).
I am interested in the views of other posters on what is legal and what is reasonable here. Am I entitled to ask them for some / all of the rent reduction back? They have been good tenants but I have also been good to them and responded to all reasonable requests including allowing them to keep pigeons (and build a housing for them) in back garden. Would it be reasonable to insist on 56 days notice and / or say 50% of the rent reduction to be clawed back from their deposit of €1200 that I hold? I dont expect any major damage to the property other than wear and tear but could be left facing an expensive refurb programme if property doesnt sell and I need to go back to rental market. My initial reaction was to swallow the bitter pill / take the hit but on reflection I feel that this is a lose-win result for me v tenants and given how tough it is for landlords currently I need to be firmer on my rights.
Any views from other / experienced posters welcome.
They have now given me notice that they intend to quit as they are concerned that they may not be able to get a suitable replacement property in the area if they wait longer.
Naturally I am disappointed that they are leaving and that also raises insurance concerns re vacant property. I also feel that they have not kept their end of the deal. Also, they are almost 4 years there so I think they should have to give 56 days notice? I emailed PRTB for a view or to see if there is any precedent but they wont get involved unless I wish to engage fully in dispute resolution (which I dont wish to).
I am interested in the views of other posters on what is legal and what is reasonable here. Am I entitled to ask them for some / all of the rent reduction back? They have been good tenants but I have also been good to them and responded to all reasonable requests including allowing them to keep pigeons (and build a housing for them) in back garden. Would it be reasonable to insist on 56 days notice and / or say 50% of the rent reduction to be clawed back from their deposit of €1200 that I hold? I dont expect any major damage to the property other than wear and tear but could be left facing an expensive refurb programme if property doesnt sell and I need to go back to rental market. My initial reaction was to swallow the bitter pill / take the hit but on reflection I feel that this is a lose-win result for me v tenants and given how tough it is for landlords currently I need to be firmer on my rights.
Any views from other / experienced posters welcome.