• ROBERT Taylor of the Camden Federation of Private Tenants argues that longer tenancies are “perfectly reasonable”, (Renters, have your say on longer tenancies, July 26).

He has obviously not come across the “tenant from Hell”, as I have. It was a disabled woman who was charming and professional and came armed with a reference.

I tried to be helpful and took her in. She turned out to be a fraudster. I got taken in hook line and sinker and ended up out of pocket. Fortunately she did a runner.

On another occasion a tenant applied without references citing that he had fallen out with his previous landlord. I took a risk and took him in. He turned out to be the perfect tenant. You never can tell how things will work out.

While the proposals for longer tenancies gives the landlord right to seek an eviction if the rent is not paid or there is anti-social behaviour, the tenant from Hell will know how to play the system.

The landlord could end up with three years of misery. At least with the current system the landlord can get the property back in six months if things do not work out.

JONNY BUCKNELL
NW1