Saucy,
"Flicking" usually occurs when there is absolutely no paperwork in place at all. After sitting down and having a chat with them, usually they refuse to enter into a solid, written up Lease for any number of reasons, the most common one being they are illiterate and they cannot read what the agreement says.
Other reasons may be they have a residential mindset when it comes to renting, and do not wish to legally bound by all of the onerous conditions placed upon them by the Lease. Others take the view that a carton of beer slung here and there, and some fix up jobs for my vehicle etc substitute for rental payments.
I've had fibreglass guys promise to build me a boat instead of paying rent, marble cutters install a kitchen for free, furniture wholesalers try and build me a lounge and dining suite, all in the attempt of not signing a Lease and not paying rent and outgoings. All have failed and all have been kicked out.
In fact, of the 10 industrial tenants we have inherited, we've only kept 2....and they are an absolute joy. Look after the place as if it was their own, improve it at their will, pay for absolutely everything and have established businesses that are thriving and expect to be there for a very long time.
In terms of tarting up the places, that's costly and time consuming, just as renovating residential places is. We now try and leave all the reno's to the tenants - simply hand them the raw dump and let them at it. They pay for it all and tart it up just as they wish for their business purposes.....less whinging on their part that way.
Anyway, good luck anyone considering venturing into these waters. Come in, the water's fine !!!!
