A Surrey mother has been left facing a £40,000 financial black hole and a home destroyed by filth and vermin after a horrific experience with a 'tenant from hell'.
A Family Home Turned Into a Hoarder's Nightmare
Nevena Khediri, a 51-year-old mother-of-two from Camberley, decided to rent out her five-bedroom family home two years ago following the breakdown of her marriage. What began as a practical solution to support her children descended into a 14-month ordeal of legal battles and mounting debt.
The tenant, who initially seemed normal, stopped paying rent in October 2024. Nevena was forced to embark on a lengthy and costly process to secure an eviction, involving court proceedings, letters to MPs, and bailiffs. The tenant was finally removed on November 21, 2025.
Upon finally regaining access, Nevena discovered her immaculate property had been transformed into a scene of devastation. Every room was stacked high with foul-smelling rubbish, with drawers pulled out to create more space for waste. The garden, patio, and two garages were similarly overflowing.
Financial Ruin and a Heartbreaking Clean-Up
The physical damage is matched by severe financial loss. The tenant's 14 months of unpaid rent totals £40,000, a sum that has completely depleted Nevena's savings on top of her substantial legal fees. The single mum, who works in a school, described the strain of providing for her children while 'making ends meet'.
"It has been an absolute nightmare. I have gone through hell for the last 14 months," Nevena said. "All of my savings have been depleted. Christmas is coming up and the kids know it is going to be quite modest this year."
The scale of the mess is staggering, with rotting food, mould, cobwebs, and dog hair throughout. A major rat infestation has taken hold due to the conditions. Nevena estimates it will cost thousands more in repairs, as carpets and floors are ruined, and she cannot afford professional cleaners. She is now relying on friends and family to help clear the mountain of waste.
A Stark Warning to Other Homeowners
Nevena's ordeal was compounded by the tenant being accepted onto the government's 'Breathing Space' scheme, which gives people in debt 60 days of protection from creditor action. This created a two-month period where Nevena, herself struggling financially, could take no further steps in the eviction process.
"That was the longest two months of waiting and not being able to contact anyone," she recalled. The situation became so dire she had to represent herself in the final court hearing after running out of money for lawyers.
Her experience has led to a stark warning for others considering renting their property. "I am never renting again. I don't recommend it," she stated. "If you do then you need to make sure you protect yourself, but I would never rent again." She emphasised that not all landlords are large-scale investors, but 'real individuals that get hurt' when things go wrong.
