Tenant with health issues can't maintain garden?
Flat rented to a single older tenant a few years ago. They asked for the garden to be cleared at move in time, which was done. We did not promise anything further, but now claiming paving was promised!
Over the years, he has never maintained the garden. The neighbour and tenant complains about the overgrowth.
The tenant is on benefits and says they have health issues and cannot do gardening.
The rent is now around £300 per month below market rate (about £3,600 per year). Their rent is just below LHA levels.
If someone cannot do any labour, does that mean they receive extra money e.g. PIP?
Unhappy, forked £400 again this year to clear the garden. The tenant keeps asking me to pay it. Every time, this comes up, it is meant to be a one-off, on the promise, they maintain it. The tenant's son did offer to the help last year, but their parent, but this has not happened.
It is frustrating because other tenants would love a home with a garden, but this tenant accepted the property and does not maintain it.
In 2023, the tenant complained to the council about other issues without informing the letting agent, although issues were resolved quickly. Council were happy.
We just replaced the boiler, a couple of years ago and tenant still claims the property is cold, it has double glazing.
Overall, it feels frustrating and like the situation is being taken advantage of.