I am interested in property prices and the market in general, which I follow each week in The Argus Property.

I frequently note properties sold as "buy to let", which is promoted as a good way to make money. Is it?

I bought my flat in a harbour, with garden and car parking, as an investment for my grandchildren and to provide some income for me since I have only a partial pension.

I did it up with pleasure and proudly showed it to my first tenants. The couple who moved in seemed okay up to a point but turned nasty when I wasn't keen to renew the contract without a rent guarantee.

Next, I rented to a single man, apparently quite respectable, who signed the contract. He was happy with both the flat and the rent but then told me disability allowance paid most of his rent. Okay, I thought.

He moved in, "snug as bug in a rug", he said. But the demands and harassment started on day one. If I didn't do this or that, he threatened court action.

Environmental and rent officers called. Both seemed okay when I contacted them.

I bought and installed a new gas cooker for the tenant. The health officer said show him the gas check certificate and the rent officer said he had signed a contract for the rent so thought his demands would stop. They didn't. He is taking me to a rent tribunal.

This man has cost me hundreds of pounds and I'll face solicitor's bills and, most likely, will have to reduce his rent. So what is a contract? Just a worthless bit of paper that offers no protection?

I have to put the flat on the market with limited viewing because of the tenant. I can't handle it any more - it has wrecked my life and health.

-Name and address supplied