I feel like someone's being scammed.

Does Mr Bigg or moneybags uncle google up?

 

To be honest, I'm surprised you have even let him move in after what you've just described.

Personally, I just wouldn't want to risk it... sure, you're getting the extra rent money, but sitting with the feeling that the police may call at any time.... no way!

Also, @redchair I suggest you read up on what other responsibilities you may have as a landlord/property manager in case this (or another matter) is ever taken to a tribunal!

 

Yep, I wouldn't touch it. Seems like you'll be hosting illegal activity. Whatever it is, I wouldn't want a part of it.

 

They may have found it hard to get a house, being foreign with an accent.

That's why they may be happy to rent it for more than market rent.

 

Very suss
As said above and from what you have mentioned, you definitely need to have a better understanding of your rights and obligations as an owner. If things went south, you might have a hard time infront of the magistrate.
Insist that they do things by the book or not at all, is my opinion

 

Yes i smell a drug lab. If water usage high and electricity then bingo. I read articles on it and it happened to an acquaintances property.... they cut out the floor boards...grew drugs...

Easiest way is to get regular access to property ie. Maintenance works etc(ask your property manager how) ... as inspections are 6 monthly. You must monitor the property regularly in light of this...
Police yes that's def a go to...

 

I just had tenants from another country move out of a 3x1 near the airport. Their family seemed to grow while they were there and ended up being 5 adults and 6 children I think. All living in a 3x1. That is something for you to watch out for. They were neat and clean but 11 people in one house is an additional wear and tear risk.

 

If you have a problem with this tenant,the first question the insurance company will ask is there a lease in place ,the next question will be is the bond registered ,and that will only be the start..

 

Lol my guess is people smuggler/sub letting to foreigners and holding their passports? Or something else dodgey.
Having said that, we have refugee tenants from the middle east, 3 adults, 2 kids, and so far are the best tenants, house is kept spotless (grandma and mum are home all day to clean) and the rent is paid on time

 

Two words

Grow House

Enjoy your inspection!

 

It's easy to bypass the electricity and water meter and hard to pick no matter how many inspections you do as long as the garden gets watered they're all good

 

OP IP is a winnebago?

 

Keep us updated though, would be interest in what ends up happening

 

Maybe double the rent and ask for it weekly lol

 

Keep your fingers crossed it doesnt turn like:-

As flies swarm and a pungent stench fills the air, a tearful landlord wonders where she went wrong

 

And a tip... finding tenants on Gumtree can end in tears...

 

Gockie, absolutely right.

These stories sort of seem to have the same tune... saw an add on <insert private website>, felt sorry for prospective tenants, rented privately, ended up toast.

The stories are always terrible, such as the linked one, but engaging a property manager (and paying for landlord insurance) can at least outsource the majority of pain when your tenant doesnt appreciate the major effort that is put into your investment in any way has an effect on their ambivalence about where they live.

On the other hand some tenants are exactly the opposite, in that most landlords would offer a 20% discount up front for...

 

All does sound a bit odd, particularly with not wanting the water bill in his name and not wanting the bond lodged. With 10 documents given to you, hard to fathom anything illegal happening like a drug lab or brothel though.
Just be wary, inspect regularly and drive past whenever possible I guess.