Dilemma: The Case of The Disappearing Tenants

Now I know this dilemma is going to cause masses of controversy. But hear me out.

Background:

I have rented my house out to both people on benefits and people not. All but 1 of the 4 people on benefits was habitually late paying the rent, left the house in an unacceptable condition and absconded. One left it in such a state that it needed total refurbishment.

Now, before the outraged comments are posted, I KNOW not all people are the same. I know good people are struggling on benefits because they have no other option.

Dilemma:

Do I rent my house out to someone reliant on housing benefit (which i can do pretty much tomorrow) or do I hold out until I find someone who is not dependent on benefits?

What's your advice?

What would you do given that the bond for damages is never enough to rectify the damage in the past?

Who would you let your house to?

Dilemma: The Case of The Slow Cleaners

This week I was faced with a right dilemma which quite frankly made my blood boil.

Here it is:

I was quoted £64 for my rental property to be cleaned. The owner and her supervisor assessed the property with me and quoted 4 hours work to be undertaken on Friday and finished by lunchtime so the carpets could be steam cleaned.

I received an answer phone message at 2.47pm stating, it was a mess, it took 8 hours therefore the bill will be double. £128. Due to this, the carpets will now be cleaned on Saturday.

Background info:

The woodwork, kitchen and bathroom needed cleaning. There is hardly any furniture and I had been there last week to paint the walls. It was not 8 hours of work. It was dusty & the bathroom had about 3 weeks of grime. Admittedly the daft letting agent turned off the electric so the fridge freezer needed cleaning out but I reckon 30 minutes tops.

Dilemma:

Should I pay the £64 as agreed or pay the £128 I have been invoiced?

What would you do?