The response from the tenant did not come directly. It arrived through his lawyers.
By this point, the situation had clearly shifted. What had started as notices and conversations was now being framed as a legal dispute. In their letter, the tenant’s lawyers alleged that we were in breach of the tenancy agreement, arguing that the tenancy was for a fixed one-year period and could not be interrupted as we had indicated. They insisted that our notice to vacate was unlawful and premature.
We disagreed—firmly.
In our response, we made it clear that the issue was no longer about renewal or timelines alone. The tenancy relationship had been fundamentally compromised. We outlined, in plain terms, why the tenant’s conduct amounted to serious breaches of the agreement and why continuation was no longer tenable.
First, we addressed the incident that occurred on the premises. What took place went far beyond a simple disagreement or misunderstanding. It involved individuals connected to the tenant, resulted in physical injury to a guest, and led to arrests—including that of one of our own staff members who was on duty at the property. The disturbance was significant, disruptive, and entirely inconsistent with the peaceful residential use for which the property had been let.
We also explained that the incident caused serious concern for the safety, reputation, and quiet enjoyment of the property—both for us as owners and for neighboring occupants. This was not a private matter occurring behind closed doors; it spilled into the compound and attracted external attention. That alone altered the nature of the tenancy.
Second, we reiterated the issue of unauthorized use. The conversion of the main living area into a podcast studio had been discovered during a routine inspection. This was done without consent and in direct contradiction to the agreed residential purpose of the property. Altering the use of a property is not a minor technicality—it changes risk exposure, wear and tear, noise levels, and legal responsibility.
In our response, we emphasized that these issues were not raised lightly, nor were they manufactured to justify a decision already made. They were real developments that materially affected the tenancy relationship. For that reason, we restated our position: the tenancy would not be renewed, and termination was justified based on the tenant’s own actions.
We also made it clear that, despite the escalating tension, our intention was not to act vindictively. We expressed openness to a cooperative handover and indicated willingness to engage constructively to avoid unnecessary escalation—provided the process remained lawful and respectful.
What became evident at this stage was something many landlords only learn too late: once lawyers are involved, the issue is no longer just about who is right. It becomes about interpretation, leverage, process, and endurance.
And this was only the beginning.
What followed would take us beyond letters and legal arguments—into institutions, enforcement bodies, and a much longer road than we had anticipated.
Part Four will reveal how this dispute moved from paper to practice—and why many landlords underestimate what it truly takes to regain possession.
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