Lack of contract leads to tenant dispute

Posted: 20 Mar 2008 12:09:36 GMT

A court case between a landlord and his tenant has highlighted the importance of getting a formal contract drawn up.

A court case between a landlord and his tenant has highlighted the importance of getting a formal contract drawn up.

The case centred on a woman who moved into a property owned by a man she claimed she was having an affair with.

Gillian Roberts said that she was originally paying half rent but when their relationship ended, millionaire sculptor Am Afifi demanded full rent.

When she failed to pay it, Mr Afifi tried to evict her but she refused and the case went to court.

Ms Roberts claimed that because of her affair with Mr Afifi, she was not longer "morally" his tenant.

However, the court found in favour of the sculptor and Ms Roberts has been ordered to leave the property.

Mr Afifi denies having an affair with the 53-year-old and claims that she was merely trying to cause damage to his business.

The case highlights the importance of having a contract in place before moving into a rented property or taking on a new tenant.

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