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OT - Wondering if we will see the police today

TheAccidentalSM's picture

I'm wondering if we are going to see the police today.

My annoying neighbours marriage ended earlier this year. Husband moved out and wife stayed in the family home with their 2 primary school age kids.  Dad had some kind of visitation with overnights.

When school let out for the summer, the wife and kids had disappeared.  I assumed that she'd packed everyone up and gone to spend the summer with her parents and rest of the extended in family in their home country.  This is something that she does most summers so not too strange.  (Also I would have heard if there was a problem, we have mutual connections in their home country who would have told me if something bad had happened)

What was slightly more unusual is that  this summer another couple moved into the home.  I'd assumed some kind of home swop or doing a favour for friends.

Oh no!  She'd actually sub let the home to the new couple.  And how did  I find this out?  Because of a big public row on the doorstep of the home.

The husband turned up earlier this week knocking on the door.  He couldn't get in because the locks had been changed.  He announced that it was his home and that he was moving back in this week.  The new couple explained that they were paying thousands in rent per month and that it was their property while the rental agreement lasted.  He then said that was fine they could stay but he was definitely moving in at the weekend and they could all live together until the new couple found somewhere else.

Can you imagine?  Some random person sharing a home with you while you pay their ex-wife rent.  He's the kind that would encrouch on your space at the best of times.

The husband's plan is completely illegal in here.  His renters have the right to quiet enjoyment of the property under the standard terms of short term lets.  I'm waiting to see if he actually tries to move back in or realises that he's got zero rights.  If he does show up, will the tenants call the police?

Looks like his wife's exit plan included using the rental income to fund her new life back in her own country.  The short term lease is up at Christmas so I hope she has a back up plan for funds.

Comments

lieutenant_dad's picture

Well, did she have the legal right to lease the property in the first place? Or is the XH just that much of a whackadoo?

TheAccidentalSM's picture

They've been a couple since University and she has always worked so I'd guess that her name is on the mortgage along with XH.  The mortgage company would have insisted on counting her income too.

I think XH is just that much of a whackdoodle. Thanks, he'll know been known as Mr. Wacky.

My DH overheard another confrontation when Mr. Wacky suggested that the couple go and find an airb&b for the rest of the rental period if they didn't want to share with him.  Mr. Wacky didn't seem to get it when they said no way as they had already paid the rent to XW and there was no way they were shelling out any more.

Both XW and XH are so entitled in their attitudes.  We have strict rules about common spaces and how they should be shared which they break all the time. Hopefully, they sell the place and we don't have to see their junk pilled up in the shared spaces.

tog redux's picture

She may not have the legal right to rent it without his permission if he's a co-owner. Tenants should find out the law. 

TheAccidentalSM's picture

Good point.  But tenants rights are pretty strong in the UK.  They signed the agreement in good faith.  But we'll see what happens.  They should have at least contracted the Citizen Rights Bureau.

TheAccidentalSM's picture

If she hasn't agreed this sublet with the mortgage company, that is more likely to cause problems.  And since Mr. Wacky seems unaware of the arrangements, I have to assume she neglected to sort out the situation with her bank.

Another example of their entitled "rules don't apply to me" behaviours

Peach's picture

I would call the police right then and there if I were them.  Hopefully, they could make him leave the couple alone.

Exjuliemccoy's picture

Wow, how crazy. Good entertainment during COVID though.

I wonder why it took Mr Wacky so long to come knocking? Six months without seeing your kids is a long time.

TheAccidentalSM's picture

She went home in mid July so its only been 3 months.  I assume he went home at some point over the summer since that's were the rest of his family live too.  

I think what's happened is that the lease on Mr Wacky's place as come to an end and he's desperate for somewhere to live.