Three landlords face financial ruin on ‘Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords’

The second episode of Channel 5’s ‘Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords’, due to air on Wednesday 1st July 2015 at 9pm, will feature three separate landlords all facing financial ruin as a result of troublesome tenants. Calling on the expert help of Landlord Action to help regain possession of their property and chase outstanding arrears, Founder Paul Shamplina uncovers the stark reality of tenancies gone wrong.

The leading story follows builder Franc Coutinho, who has been renting his property out in North London for six years without a problem until his latest tenant, Shuaghxi Fu, moved in. Within six weeks, problems with paying the rent began with the tenant reporting false issues with the boiler to avoid paying rent. Despite numerous visits by plumbers to the property, when rent was due, the boiler mysteriously stopped working. Unable to take anymore and facing financial ruin, Franc starts the eviction process. However, when his day in court arrives, Shuaghxi Fu makes a surprise show, files a last minute defence – again about the faulty boiler – and delays the eviction by months.
Commenting on the case, Mr Shamplina says “Sadly we see far too many cases like this. It is one of the many reasons we have fought so hard to prevent law changes in relation to retaliation eviction because we fear we will see more and more cases like this if tenants are able to use delay tactics by reporting bogus issues of disrepair. Upon checking out the property it was clear there was nothing wrong with the boiler but the delay at court meant poor Franc was left with months of unpaid rent and legal fees. Having to pay two mortgages he was on the brink of bankruptcy.”

The episode’s second case features landlord Dipan Doshi who has been renting his flat out to a family of four for 18 months but for the past year has barely received a penny in rent, and is now owed over £12,000. With a wife on maternity leave, he can’t just walk away from this amount of money, so starts the ball rolling in getting the money and his property back.

Finally, after been out of pocket to the tune of £7000 in unpaid rent, landlord Louise McKinlay finally gets her tenant evicted, but once she’s in the property she finds that just because the tenant’s gone, doesn’t mean that’s the end of the nightmare.

Catch Landlord Action fighting to regain possession of these landlords’ properties on Wednesday 1st July on Channel 5 at 9pm.

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

to let sign 2025
Letting Agent Talk

Northern Ireland emerging as one of the UK’s most attractive long-term rental investments

Northern Ireland rents have increased by approximately 51% over the past five years Tenant enquiries have risen by approximately 33%, highlighting continued demand for quality rental accommodation. Four of the five fastest-growing housing markets in the UK are located in Northern Ireland 26% of landlords in England sold at least one rental property during 2024,…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Homebuyers demand same-day conveyancing updates

New research from Lyons Bowe solicitors reveals that Britain’s homebuyers have little tolerance for poor communication during the conveyancing process, with buyers increasingly expecting same-day updates, prompt responses, and swift notification of any issues that could impact their purchase. The survey of current and recent homebuyers who have purchased a property within the last two years,…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 25/6/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Detecting property moisture defects without invasive or damaging procedures BEST Training, a specialist CPD provider for the built environment, has now launched Module 2 of its advanced course series: Investigating Moisture in Traditional Buildings. The module offers an end-to-end diagnostic curriculum for professionals working…
Read More
Breaking News

How Wimbledon property compares to other Grand Slam locations

The latest research from Benham and Reeves has revealed that property values in Wimbledon, home to the Wimbledon serves up more subdued house price growth than fellow Grand Slam locations The latest research from Benham and Reeves has revealed that property values in Wimbledon, home to the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament, have fallen by…
Read More
Breaking News

Interest rates matter, but asking price is still what sells a home

Homes priced right first time find a buyer in around five weeks, while overpriced homes take three months longer, and new LRG research shows what buyers are looking for. The Bank of England’s latest decision to hold interest rates is welcome news for buyers and sellers, providing greater stability and confidence for those considering a…
Read More
Tips when buying at property auctions
Breaking News

Three-bedroom homes dominate Britain’s quick-sale market

The latest industry insight from the House Buyer Bureau reveals that the East and West Midlands are Britain’s quick sale hotspots, with three-bedroom homes proving the most common property type when it comes to quick-sale activity. House Buyer Bureau’s internal data* shows that in 2025 the company had contact with, and made a firm offer…
Read More