rentals a lesson on what not to do, page-8

Unfortunately the laws are definitely there to protect the tenant and bad tenants know this. I have recently had the experience of a bad tenant who decided they weren't going to pay rent anymore and turn the property into a tip at the same time. Not returning calls, not responding to written eviction notices, finally it took a court order to remove them. The damage was unbelievable. 2 skips full of rubbish, doors kicked in, gardens destroyed. a dog that caused a massive flea infestation. fortunately insurance covered some of it but not the endless hours I spent there doing repairs and the lost income from owning an unlettable property. I even have to attend court now to claim back the bond because if the tenent refuses to acknowledge in writing that the bond has been surrendered, I need a court order. 000's out of pocket and a tenant that laughed in my face.