PS of 5th April.
We have practically sorted the flat out now a lengthy and expensive job - about 11 man days !
Don't get me wrong, I have rented property in England for over 10 years and there have been a few disappointments, but that's what you expect. Nothing like this though.
Don't let me put prospective landlords off, but do be careful. Try to interview tenents yourself, get references from employers and their bank, obtain a meaningful deposit - at least one months rent prefereably two - and insist the rent is paid by standing order. As a general rule don't deal with tenants who don't have a bank account. If the prospective tenents won't agree to this don't rent to them. As Richard Branson says: 'you can always walk away from a bad deal'.
Nick