North Cyprus squatters

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
11/07/2010 20:45

I have a big problem with my first ever tenant - the house was rented to a cypriot family for nine months, he paid for three months and stopped. Contract ended June 30th but he refuses to leave and wants a new two year contract. He says he will then pay all the outstanding rent and the £800 electric/water bills. I don't want him to stay as my family want to live in the house. I am considering going very public with this as I have been told it can take years to get him out through the courts. The obvious thing is to take out adverts in all of the TRNC papers - english and turkish but it has been suggested that I should get in touch with the person in the TRNC government who deals with PR/publicity as, if I take this public, it would reflect very badly on the TRNC and its citizens. Unfortunately, I have no idea who this would be. I am coming to Cyprus on 21st July as I need to do something as the worry of it is making me really ill. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Debbie

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
11/07/2010 23:00

Don't extend the contract that would be a recipe for disaster and allow them to stay for the length of the tenancy. Remove the fuse for the electric would be a start, and maybe the water pump you could also send a friend round to have a quiet word whilst you were sat at home watching tv good luck

cyprusishome


Joined: 31/03/2007
Posts: 2381

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 00:35

You are not allowed to disconnect the electricity supply to a domestic dwelling, even though they are illegal.



Squatters rights here are cast iron and after hearing many stories over the last 5 years your are basically f*****.



Sorry to be so pessimistic but that is the case. The advice given across the board is DO NOT RENT TO TURKS OR CYPRIOTS they will pay first months rent and then you are up the creek.

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 00:56

If the electricity account is in your name you can tell Kibtek to remove the meter without having to give them any explanation. This will obviously also leave them without water.



Do not renew the contract, they have no rights to be in your property if the contract has expired and im sorry to say you will then have to come down heavy on them.



Using the legal system will be a disaster and you may find the tenants in your peoperty for the next 5 years.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 01:17

TYPE SQUATTERS IN THE GOOGLE SEARCH BAR AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE. YOU MIGHT JUST COME ACROSS OTHERS THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.



Good Luck, its a difficult one.

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 01:33

What do you mean by 'come down heavy on them'?

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 08:11

I could be wrong but i think he means get someone to go round and have a quiet word in their shell, like pack your bags or i will become very angry and you wouldn't like me when I'm angry !!

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 08:30

Put the dogs in, works every time,

Geoff

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 10:54

Blackpoolfan - why would extending the agreement be a disaster? I don't understand the point of the contract as it has come to an end but he hasn't left. He hasn't paid for 6 months either. So if I gave him a new contract and he pays all the debts owing so far, if he then doesn't pay the new contract is harder to get him out than if he hasn't paid and hasn't got a contract?



Geoff - what dogs?

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 11:00

If they haven't honoured the original contract up to now, what makes you think that they will honour it and more if you extend the contract. If however you do extend the contract and they still do not pay, you will have just given them a document stating that you are allowing them to stay for 2 years so unless he pays up first you will be worse off.

JohnW


Joined: 23/04/2009
Posts: 601

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 11:10

Surely, as a good landlord, you will find it necessary to make some urgent improvements to the property.



This may involve removing the front door and the windows while you get new ones. It's amazing how long this can take in Cyprus. The electrics obviously need upgrading and the water pump and tanks need replacing. Presumably the pool is leaking and needs fixing, try TRNCVaughan, he's usually very quick!



I'm sure the members on here can spend many a happy hour thinking of more urgent work that need doing.



I presume your lease gives you the right to do necessary repairs and maintenance!

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 11:31

The electrics and water have already been cut as he owes £800 in bills but he has a generator and we have a well! Although, if last summer was anything to go by, the well will dry up soon. Apparently the pool is disgusting because there is no electric and no water.



The reason I am thinking of giving him a new contract (six monthly renewable?) is because he has said that he will pay in cash all monies owing before signing new contract. I am coming out next week so I can be there to make sure that happens. Then presumably if he doesn't pay the new contract I am in the same situation that I am in now (except with all the monies paid) and can then start the legal proceedings. If I don't give him a contract I would have to start the legal stuff now. Does a new contract give him more rights or me less rights than now when his contract has run out? It goes totally against the grain to give him a new contract but I can't see another way out and I can't sleep for worrying about it

jock1



Joined: 06/01/2008
Posts: 3786

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 11:47

Do not give him another contract !!!!

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 11:53

The Lawyer is advising us to give him another contract - but she is the lawyer of the cypriot who put the family in the house in the first place!

kiwikid


Joined: 18/08/2008
Posts: 496

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 11:57

Go to the courts, you will have a strong case if the contract has finished and you are now wishing to live in the property. And tell them you are taking them to court, to remove them and to get your money back. This my be the push they need. DO NOT remove and electric or water conection as this will make you the one breaking the law. as the propety has to stay in the same condition as when you rented it. ( We learnt his the hard way we when we turned the electric off to our rented property and the police were called. We had to reconnect the electric or face being taken to court.) And as said before DO NOT renew the contract, as soon as they have a new contract they will not pay you again, and if it does go to court they will be able to stay and pay what they can afford. My husbands uncle had this and his tenants got away with paying £5 a month until the contract ended.

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 12:06

Thank you all so much for this advise. It would seem that giving him a new contract is madness when I had thought it was the sensible option! Perhaps, as suggested, sending 'the heavies' round would be better - if only I knew some! The lawyer has just sent me an email which says that if we 'don't give him another contract he has to buy a new generator in order to clean your pool'. I really don't understand why she has said this or what she means. Is there an underlying meaning here that I am missing?

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 12:14

Deborah,

Dont give them another contract,you have had plenty of advise with regard to this .You have to find a good Solicitor, independent from the one you have already and get them to issue an eviction order. Ask the police to accompany you when you deliver the order.Try to tape any conversations you have with the tennants and get as many photos of the property as you can .Bite the bullet and start proceedings.

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 12:16

You are right - Can anyone recommend a good lawyer?

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 12:24

Reading between the lines, you definately need a new lawyer. The only sense I can make of the additional generator is similar to the UK law about keeping it in the condition that it was found. They are willing to keep the pool topped up and clean but not able to do it with the available load limit of the genny they have.



I am no legal expert but it sounds to me like a sneaky way of saying that it is not their fault the pool is not in good condition, they are willing to pay for the water and fuel for a genny to keep it clean but there is no genny so it would be yours for not supplying one.



The fact that their non payment of bills meant the lack of mains electricity seems to have been forgotten about.

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 12:35

I think you are right - I need a lawyer! Anyone know how much this is likely to cost?

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 14:22

Probably considerably more than for you to PAY these squatters to leave!



Remember TRNC is the Levant!

rayz1


Joined: 22/03/2008
Posts: 65

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 14:45

If you agree to a new contract you are stating you actually agree to this form of payment

jardap


Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 318

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 15:13

We have used Naomi Mehmet for all our legal work here,not cheap but usually very good

http://www.nmplegal.com

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 15:28

Paying them to leave? How would this work?

spider


Joined: 03/01/2009
Posts: 5527

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 15:32

My guess is you wait till they have packed up and then you give the 1ytl..when they leave !







Spider,X

Geoff


Joined: 25/06/2008
Posts: 1370

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 15:52

For Llloydsinspace:

There are locals with trained dogs for hire to deal with such problems. I kid u not.

Don't ask me for contact details, just ask around discreetly in your area, I am sure you'll find what is needed.

Geoff

jardap


Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 318

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 16:01

you stand outside with a couple of thousand tl,to be paid as soon as they have left the premises,

Then change all the locks make sure everything is closed,or stay in the house yourself,

seems expensive but cheaper than trying to use the courts.

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 16:22

A new message from the lawyer says that the man will stay in the house if I don't give him a contract as he knows we will have to sue him.

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 16:36

The man will try and stay in the house either way. Take the advice already given, don't give him another contract. Get another lawyer. You are learning that you can't trust anyone in the TRNC especially your own lawyer. If your tenant was trustworthy you wouldn't be in this situation and the bills would have been paid.

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 16:42

Re : Msg 28,



Lloydsinspace, fire your lawyer ASAP!



It is MADNESS! If your tenants stay in your house even 1 day longer then 1 year term, then you as good as have given it away to them, as over 1- year tenancy will put them on entirely new level of their rights.

jardap


Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 318

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 16:49

Your lawyer is using a form of blackmail,and as he/she is now not acting in your best interests a change is

needed as soon as poss,we where fortunate when we let our place out the tenant moved out on the due date with all bills paid up to date, in fact they still rent a place on the same site as we where able to give a good reference to another owner.But i do know someone personally who was in a similar position to you and it took nearly 3 years to have them moved out so although it will go against the grain a cash offer might just work

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 16:52

I have just asked the lawyer to ask how much he wants to leave. It would appear that she is working for him!

jardap


Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 318

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 17:01

As many people have said on here, you do need a new lawyer as soon as poss,

and one that will work for you not the tenants.Your existing one has a definite conflict of interest

If Possible you need to talk a different Lawyer before you come out, at least that way you can explore all the options

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 17:10

I feel sick at the thought of coming out - as if my head will explode! I will get a new lawyer - I have paid this one anything as yet as she is the lawyer for the cypriot who found the tenant. I guess I should consider some of the other options people have suggested on here.

proger1



Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 2919

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 17:12

check message 23, Naomi does have a good reputation and she could at the very least advise you on the next best step

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 18:28

I would endorse the recommendation of Naomi she was and trained in the UK and from previous expeirence she is first and foremost for the client she represents.Totally professional at all times.

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 22:53

I have emailed Naomi Mehmet but they are out of the office until July 26th.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 23:21

Please take note of my message 21 and also msg 30 from Clarissa - remember lawyers, collectively, have stated that they 'don't have any duty of care towards their clients' - then add nepotism into the equation....



But, please act as you see fit......... !

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
12/07/2010 23:24

Naomi is in the UK but the office is still working .Received 3 E-mails from them today.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 01:07

The only 'duty of care' TRNC Advocates have is to their Swiss bank accounts!



Richard

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 02:32

Thank you. I have asked how much they want me to pay them to leave.

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 03:29

Tyr this it may work

you could seal or block off the doors so they cant get in secondly



Wait till they are out, remove there possesions and other stuff to the lawn driveway, patio any place but inside your house, change the locks.

Oh make sure your in the house when they get back preferably with a big stick just in case



Bset of luck sounds absolutly horendous what your going through

ataturk


Joined: 09/09/2008
Posts: 712

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 08:33

My solicitor has told me that if you give them a new contract you cannot go to court for non payment until the contract has expired. That is why they want a new contract beware

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 08:42

If you don't know any Cypriot friend, it would be better for you to visit any one of a number of the casinos to arrange for a 'minder'. Make sure he [or they!] is a mainland Turk with a work permit. If your squatters call the police, which is highly likely, your 'minders' are only there to 'remove household rubbish'!

Pixie


Joined: 18/03/2009
Posts: 489

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 09:14

Shame on this lawyer...name and shame her!

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 09:58

If the contract has finished then they must leave. What are contracts for!



Get a lawyer and take them to court.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 10:18

Lloydsinspace:



Be very careful that you do not enter the property while the rental contract is still valid - not even by five minutes! If you do, and these squatters call the police, it is YOU who will be arrested and charged for trespass - yes, on your own property.



This happened recently to good friends of ours, who were forced to attend court no less than 15 times.



I shudder to imagine the litigation costs...... !

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 10:38

Ataturk - thank you. I think a new contract is out of the question! My instincts have told me that is wrong all the way along.



Tenakoutou - The contract (for what it's worth) expired 30th June so does that make a difference?



Pixie - The lawyer (if that is what she is) is called Gozde Ozerk



Thank you all so much for all of your advice and support

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 18:51

Lloyd I only heard the story second-hand TC rented his property to Aussie TC paid deposit and no more

So TC had a bostin idea went into his place whilst they were out and tired to remove their belongings to the street Police were called and he was locked up for trespass .Go the legal route or send in a mainlander heavy but no Trace-back to you.

YFred


Joined: 06/05/2009
Posts: 1471

Message Posted:
13/07/2010 19:17

Legal means is the only way. One thing you don't want is to be locked up in a cyprus jail. If the contract is finished, find a decent lawyer and get rid of them. It's the only way.

magolina


Joined: 06/12/2008
Posts: 461

Message Posted:
14/07/2010 17:31

one year contract finished then another one year and a half years later and a cypriot laywer loads of work many many months got to court was awarded that she vacant after 2 months which she didnt was ordrded to pay a paltry amount so I was well out of pocket not even 6 months rent worth yes you guess she has never paid left large unpaid bills and loads of damage so legal dosent work here .I am told the court cant find her lawyer has now given up and I am sure she is here some where I would always use heavies now.



We must all campaign to get the law changed its disgraceful there will be no rentels here at all if they dont do something and soon dont you all agree.?????

Tiggy


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 1994

Message Posted:
14/07/2010 18:28

Msg 42....you omitted to say "Set alight to the possessions"

marcosthechef



Joined: 30/11/2009
Posts: 646

Message Posted:
14/07/2010 20:34

why are you even talking to your current lawyer, get a new one NOW or talk to someone 'local' who can help !!!!

karakum5c



Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 1021

Message Posted:
14/07/2010 20:51

Surely the lawyer can be reported for serious misconduct to someone in the judicial or court system.



I met a female Turkish Cypriot Judge at Court she was not a woman you would want to mess with, a most impressive lady.

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
14/07/2010 21:00

Maybe she is, but she was unable to get the bailiffs to serve writs on Sercem people.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
14/07/2010 21:01

Lloydsinspace/Msg 48: 'Tenakoutou - The contract (for what it's worth) expired 30th June so does that make a difference?'



This is TRNC, where 'Nepotism Rules' - the answer to the above will depend on which lawyer [ADVOCATE]you approach, also the same with police, I imagine.



My friends got charged with trespass [you read my post] even though the Turks the property had been rented to had stolen EVERYTHING and then deliberately trashed the place. The police, ALLEGEDLY [you must alway use this word in TRNC], weren't a scrap interested in pursuing the criminals - just to secure a conviction against my friends who were trying to help, by taking photos of the damage/theft, an elderly lady to whom the property belonged to.



The law seems to be only what suits those who are supposed to enforce it!



I truly wish I could be of more help........................

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
14/07/2010 21:28

I am coming to cyprus next week. Is there somewhere that the people on this forum meet there?

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 00:46

Hi Debbie



There is not much you can do untill you actually set foot onto the island, as I and other members have advised under no circumstances should you even consider renewing the contract.



Do not confuse the TRNC with the UK as the legal system here is basically crap and serves no purpose whatsoever so do not even begin proceedings as you will then find yourself well & truly trapped.



If you would like to email me off board I my be able to give you some ideas as I myself have also had many issues with tenants. ozzyhasan@hotmail.com

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 00:58

oh debbir if only hindset set in we would all not be in the positions we are in. i feel for you so much, my experience is that whatever layer advocate will act or thier own, email me if i can help in any way xxxxxxx

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 01:57

If anyone wants to contact me, my email address is Lloydsinspace@ntlworld.com

wearytravellers



Joined: 27/04/2007
Posts: 250

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 07:33

Wait until someone comes out of the house, grab them stuff them in your car drive out to the Karpas, hack off a finger or two, get them back to the guy who occupies your house....with a note, saying get out or arm next !!!!!



Works in the Movies !!! AND Glasgow !!!

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 10:15

Anybody remember the Peter Sellers skit????!!! --- >>>



'Stand up on a chair behind the door,

Hey, diddle, diddle,

Along comes Poppa,

So up wiv ya chopper,

An' sphlitt 'im darn the middle!'



I'm sure some hungry Turkish 'hit man' could arrange the above scenario for merely a small 'cash consideration'!

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 10:19

Bugger - 'Poppa' was supposed to read 'ya squatter'!



So:



'Stand up on a chair behind the door,



Hey, diddle, diddle,



Along comes ya squatter,



So up wiv ya chopper,



An' sphlitt 'im darn the middle!

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 12:55

Actually, I was thinking that if I went to the house and cried (which won't be too difficult as I am on the verge most of the time over this) they might feel some sympathy and leave.

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 13:29

Multiple commiserations - however, I fear that such actıon will only elicıt the 'Cyprus Shrug'..............

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 13:37

Have you still got a key? how many bedrooms does this villa have,? As a landlord with non paying guests, is it possible to gain entry and move into a room and basically take control of your home?

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 13:49

As the contract with the 'squatters' has now expired, have you thought of a making a new rental contract with someone else - someone that you know, and can trust - preferably someone quite LARGE ?

Register the contract and get it stamped with the Tax people, give your new tenant the key, and let THEM move in - they will have a contract to show that they are entitled to be there, and the squatters will only have an out-of-date one.

When the Police are called, they shouldn't have much trouble deciding who has a right to be there...

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 14:47

Wow, Keith !



sounds rock solid to me..

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 14:55

That sounds like a really good idea - certainly worth thinking about

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 15:16

whatever the rental you agree with the new tenant you are committed to paying the government 10% of the gross rental so keep the contract to 6 months the same as UK tenancy period

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 15:38

mmmmmm,

I just HATE it when you unreservedly AGREE with me...

I tend to have a sneaking suspicion that you're taking the 'proverbial'

dozza67


Joined: 11/07/2008
Posts: 607

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 15:46

I think that was genuine from mmmmmm. I also think that is a brilliant idea - IF - you can get a new tenant to agree to that.

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
15/07/2010 15:59

The 10% would probably still be cheaper than the courts though

jardap


Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 318

Message Posted:
30/07/2010 09:51

Any luck with evicting your unwelcome tenants as yet

MsGarnet


Joined: 04/01/2009
Posts: 989

Message Posted:
30/07/2010 11:01

I am astounded you are still in touch with the lawyers, as you say you know for a fact they represent the tenants. I would send the lawyers an e.mail (I hope you keep copies of all correspondence - yours and theirs) telling them they are dismissed and stating why. Never get emotional, just state the facts as you know them to be. Also, it won't work for one single second to turn up on the doorstep weeping, if they had a moral compass you wouldn't have come to this sorry pass in the first place. It is true you need to know 'someone' have a quiet word - someone fluent in both languages. Look and sound as if you mean business when you go there, otherwise they will know they have you over a barrel.

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
01/08/2010 18:45

No luck as yet - they say they are not going! Have found a new lawyer so am waiting to see what happens next.

journey1


Joined: 05/12/2009
Posts: 134

Message Posted:
01/08/2010 21:11

please contact me- I have experience in dealing with this

regards Ali

ali.farquharson@btinternet.com

Lloydsinspace


Joined: 02/09/2009
Posts: 33

Message Posted:
02/08/2010 10:45

Lloydsinspace@ntlworld.com