Alternatives to eviction
Some evictions can be avoided. This can help landlords to save on eviction costs, void period costs, costs to prepare a property for new tenants and also the cost of finding and referencing new tenants
If you would like us to work with your tenant to help address problems with the tenancy to be addressed, you can refer them to our contact form
For example, if a tenant has fallen behind with the rent, we may be able to help the tenant apply for benefits to cover the shortfall, or help the tenant with a repayment plan. We can help in other situations too
If you want to talk to us to see if we can help resolve issues with a tenant please contact us
Giving notice
If you, as a landlord, wish to terminate a tenancy, you must follow specific procedures. One of the initial steps is giving proper notice to your tenant.
Safe Suffolk Renters are not able to help landlords to evict their tenants. If you are seeking help to evict a tenant we recommend you contact a landlord association such as NRLA or ELA. Both have helplines for landlords, as well as a lot of information on their websites
There is also advice for landlords on the Gov.uk website about ending a tenancy
Returning the deposit
Since April 2007 all landlords who take a deposit from their tenant on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy in England and Wales must comply with the tenancy deposit protection legislation.
At the end of the tenancy you must return the deposit as soon as possible, following the guidelines of your chosen government-approved deposit protection scheme.
The deposit should be returned in full, unless you have a reason to make deductions. This article from the NRLA gives more details of deductions that can be made before a deposit is returned to the tenant
Items left behind at the end of a tenancy
Tenants usually take their possession with them when they move out, but sometimes possessions are left behind by tenants. This can present a problem for landlords as the law prevents these items simply being disposed of. This can be very inconvenient, but it is important to deal with this situation correctly
The NRLA has a guide on what to do in situations when a tenant has left belongings in the property
