What can the landlord do if the tenant is not looking after theproperty properly?
1/English and Welsh law English and Welsh Law A landlord has little control over the conduct of his tenants once they are in occupation of the property. This is why it is so important to be careful when choosing your tenants. If the tenant is causing major damage to the property, you may be able to apply for a possession order after serving a two week notice. However as you will be claiming possession under one of the discretionary ‘grounds’ your tenant may be able to obtain legal aid to defend the proceedings. You should seek legal advice from a specialist housing solicitor before taking any action. Otherwise the best course of action is to threaten to evict the tenant at the end of the fixed term, if he does not improve his behaviour (note, this is assuming that the tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy). You should also serve the proper form of notice on the tenant, which cannot end before the end of the fixed term and must give the tenants a notice period of at least two months.
