When a Good Tenant Becomes a Serious Risk - And Why Renters’ Rights Changes Everything
3 minute read
When a Good Tenant Becomes a Serious Risk - And Why Renters’ Rights Changes Everything
Over the years at VA, I’ve helped landlords through all sorts of situations - but there’s one type of case that’s becoming more important to talk about, especially with Renters’ Rights reforms on the horizon.
This is a real VA Landlord Rescue case. No scare tactics. Just the reality of what can happen - and why preparation matters more than ever.
A Long-Term Tenancy That Slowly Slipped
This landlord first came to VA over 10 years ago for a simple tenant-find service.
On the surface, everything looked good:
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Rent paid on time
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A long-standing tenant
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No obvious complaints
Several years in, the landlord decided to move the property into full management - not because there was a major issue, but because he wanted peace of mind and more time back in his life.
That decision would later prove to be crucial.
When the Problem Isn’t Rent
Over time, the tenant began facing mental health and personal challenges.
The condition of the property deteriorated significantly - cluttered from floor to ceiling, tired, and increasingly dilapidated.
The biggest issue wasn’t arrears.
It was access.
The tenant repeatedly refused entry, meaning the landlord was unable to:
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Carry out safety checks
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Complete the EICR
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Fulfil his legal obligations
As weeks turned into months, communication broke down and the relationship completely deteriorated.
At this point, the landlord was exposed - legally and financially - through no fault of his own.
How VA Landlord Rescue Took Control
With our guidance, the landlord made the difficult but necessary decision to reclaim his property using Section 21.
VA handled the entire process:
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Court application
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Possession proceedings
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Bailiff instruction
In most cases, the involvement of bailiffs is enough for a tenant to leave.
In this case, it wasn’t.
The bailiffs attended and the tenant was still in occupation. The property was eventually recovered with police assistance.
It was stressful. It was time-consuming. But the landlord got his property back.
Why This Case Is So Important Right Now
This situation was manageable under current legislation.
Under Renters’ Rights reforms, this same case would look very different.
Section 21 will be removed.
Landlords will rely on Section 8, which requires a serious breach of contract, such as:
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Rent arrears (Ground 8)
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Anti-social behaviour
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Property damage
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Unlawful subletting
If your tenancy agreements, evidence, and management processes aren’t watertight, you may find yourself unable to act - even when the property is deteriorating or compliance is at risk.
Why This Case Is So Important Right Now
This situation was manageable under current legislation.
Under Renters’ Rights reforms, this same case would look very different.
Section 21 will be removed.
Landlords will rely on Section 8, which requires a serious breach of contract, such as:
-
Rent arrears (Ground 8)
-
Anti-social behaviour
-
Property damage
-
Unlawful subletting
If your tenancy agreements, evidence, and management processes aren’t watertight, you may find yourself unable to act - even when the property is deteriorating or compliance is at risk.
Need Advice?
If you’re unsure where you stand - or worried about how Renters’ Rights could affect you - let’s talk.
Or simply get in touch with VA for an honest conversation about your options.
Venessa Afonja,
Director, VA Sales & Lettings
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