Landlords Face Nightmare as Tenant Leaves Flat in Disarray

A couple from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, have described their experience with a tenant who left their property in a shocking state after failing to pay rent for seven years. Landlords Sandra Considine, 58, and her husband Chris Considine, 70, rented out their two-bedroom flat in 2018 for a nominal fee of £30 per week to a friend who was experiencing financial difficulties.

Initially, the arrangement seemed like a compassionate solution; however, the situation deteriorated rapidly. According to the couple, the tenant paid rent only once and effectively blocked access to the property for seven years, refusing to vacate. The tenant finally moved out in January 2023, allowing the Considines to access their flat for the first time in years.

Upon returning to the property, the couple was confronted with an appalling scene. They discovered approximately 3,000 empty beer cans stacked throughout the flat, many of which were filled with urine. In addition to the cans, the couple found bags of human waste and a plethora of empty takeaway containers scattered across nearly every room.

The damage inflicted on the property was extensive. The couple reported that the carpets, walls, furniture, kitchen appliances, and even the bathroom sink and toilet had suffered significant harm. This level of destruction has left the Considines with a daunting task ahead as they clean and repair their home, initially purchased for their daughter.

Chris, who has been diagnosed with incurable cancer and is now retired, expressed his disbelief at the state of the flat. “You just can’t believe it when you see it. The state he was living in was inhumane,” he stated. He noted the overwhelming presence of cans piled waist-high, making it challenging to navigate the rooms without fearing fluid spillage.

The tenant, a former colleague of Chris at DPD, had fallen on hard times before moving into the flat. The Considines felt sympathy for him, believing they were helping a friend in need. “I asked him to pay £30 a week to cover the service charge and ground rent, which I thought was reasonable. I think he paid it once,” Sandra recounted.

As the situation escalated, Sandra found herself frustrated by the tenant’s evasive responses. “I just got so fed up with it; he seemed to know his rights,” she reflected. “I never looked at myself as a landlord or him as a tenant; I saw him as a mate. We felt sorry for him, but in the end, we just feel utterly exploited.”

In light of the financial burden associated with restoring the flat, the couple’s daughter, Rose Considine, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist her family with the costs of professional cleaning. The family is now seeking support from the community as they navigate the aftermath of this distressing experience.

This incident sheds light on the challenges faced by landlords, particularly when personal relationships complicate rental agreements. As the Considines begin the long process of recovery, their story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of informal tenancy arrangements.