National Trust properties are eagerly sought after by more discerning tenants,
but according to a recent BBC report, increasing numbers of tenants are
unhappy at the treatment being meted out by their National Trust landlord.
Short Term Contracts
Pretty stone cottages and historic farmhouses in idyllic locations are a dream
home for many people but, unfortunately, an awful lot of these people are not
getting a fair deal.
The problem many National Trust tenants have is the lack of security caused by
short-term tenancy agreements. The government has recognised this as being an
issue in the private sector and introduced changes in its new ‘Tenants’
Charter’. Tenants can request longer tenancies, but only as long as the
landlord agrees. Unfortunately, many disgruntled National Trust tenants are
being moved on unreasonably early, despite being given assurances at the
beginning of their tenancy that they would be allowed to stay long term.
Busy TANT Helpline
The Tenants Association of the National Trust (TANT) has a helpline for
tenants. It is reporting a growing number of issues related to tenancy
disputes, bodged repairs and rising rents. One family were told that as long
as they were ‘good tenants’ a long-term tenancy in their National Trust
property would be no problem at all. So they spent money on the place—new
kitchen and flooring—only to be told their tenancy would not be renewed after
twelve months and they had to move out. The family are understandably
devastated.
Sadly, it would appear that although the National Trust is great at conserving
historic buildings, it isn’t so great at being a caring landlord.
