QUESTION: Dear Legal Wiz,
Good day. I rented my home in Kingston 14 years ago to a tenant. He constantly paid me until recent Donald Trump episodes. The tenant literally stopped paying me rent. He even used the rent monies to play the waterbill that went sky high because of him. Now in that area there are a lot of termites. This tenant now refuses to let any of the persons from pest control in to treat the land as they usually do. He now claims that even the chemical sprayed on the outside makes him sick. He ignores all the notifications that he get about needing to view the place and treat the termites.
He is sending a lot of photos that the place needs fixing and treated, but refuses even to let the man who used to collect the rent inside. I sent a notice to him and he is still there. Even a lawyer delivered a notice they prepared and he still hasn’t moved, nor paid any more rent. I need him out because he seems to be hiding from everybody. My house is popping down while I am over here working hard to ensure I have a safe future in Jamaica on my return.
Sharee Smith
RESPONSE: Sharee Smith
It could be that the lawyer is now going to take further steps for you so please reach out and ask what will his/her next steps be.
However in your time read the Rent Restriction act and get a copy of ‘Landlord’s handbook’ that I wrote.
It’s useful for you to know the law allows you to go in and inspect your place provided you give at least ten days notice. You can also consider to give someone ‘with sense’ a power of attorney document so this person becomes your hands and feet in a real way.
Legal Wiz
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EDITOR’S NOTES:
The above does not constitute legal advice. Inhouse senior journalists research and discuss with specialists / experts, as necessary before posting responses. In conclusion, names are changed at times by request. Recommend that you purchase “Landlord Handbook” written by Anthea McGibbon
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