6 Lies Commonly Told by Landlords That All Tenants Should Be Aware Of!

Bullshit Detector

Obviously, the perception of the property industry and those filling it, specifically agents and landlords, is a total embarassment.

Even though I’m a [good] landlord, I get it. I’ve heard all the toe-curling stories.

I remember something an old collegue said to me almost a decade ago, and it’s something that I’ll never forget: “the problem with dealing with an agent or landlord is that they’d stab their nan for a fiver”

How can you argue with that?

So today, I’m going to go over a dozen or so lies and traps that all tenants should be aware of, which at some point, probably contribuited to forming our abysmal reputation.

1] “Don’t worry, that 10foot hole in the roof will be fixed by the time you move in”

If you notice anything broken, in desrepair, or off-key during the viewing, ensure it’s attended to before you sign any contracts or pay a deposit.

Once you’ve moved in, the landlord will be become increasingly reluctant to resolve those outstanding issues.

2] “don’t worry, everything is in working order”

Of course, don’t take your tight-fisted landlord’s word for it. Take the noise escaping your landlord’s greasy lips with a pinch of salt

Test everything for yourself; the heating, the taps, the toilet flush, the hot water, and all appliances for yourself. Open and close all the windows and doors for good measure.

You should be able to run all the necessary tests during the inventory (which every good letting agent/landlord will conduct).

3] “I’ll definitely protect your deposit into a tenancy deposit scheme”

There’s a reeason why one of the most popular blog posts on this website is, “I haven’t protected my tenant’s deposit

Make sure your landlord secures your deposit into a Tenancy deposit scheme – don’t just take his/her word for it.

Ask your landlord which scheme they’re going to use and when they’re going to deposit it. The fact you’re even asking about the scheme will inform the landlord you’re clued up on the issue.

4] “Pay for it, I’ll give you the money back later”

Do NOT give your landlord credit- he will abuse the hell out of it.

If anything needs replacing or fixing, which is the landlord’s responsibility, ensure the landlord pays directly for the costs.

5] “It’s a really quiet neighbourhood, there’s no trouble at all around here”

Classic sales pitch. Your landlord doesn’t even live there, what does he know?

6] “I’ll send you your copy of the tenancy agreement in the post”

I still find it difficult to believe that tenants move into a property WITHOUT having their hands on a tenancy agreement which covers all the terms and conditions.

Do not hand over money or move in until you have a copy of your Tenancy Agreement in your hands so you can properly look through the contract!!

Trust me, I’m a landlord :)

11 Join the Conversation...

Guest Avatar
Sam 6th February, 2010 @ 09:35

Apart from number 6 - the first 5 could be the landlord telling the truth! we're not all lying scumbags you know!

1
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 6th February, 2010 @ 10:14

@Sam, I agree, they could be telling the truth.

I'm just saying they're lines tenants should be aware of, as they can easily be (and in a lot of case are) lies. It's just something for tenants to be aware of, and can easily avoid. E.g. Point number 1. Tenants should ensure everything is fixed before signing any agreement and moving into the property- don't just take the landlords word for it.

This list was actually generated from a list of common complaints tenants have left on my blog about their landlord.

Cheers

2
Guest Avatar
Peter 6th February, 2010 @ 11:22

No surprise.
People who rent have no rights.
Landlords are lazy parasites.
Many lawyers are landlords.
I'm better off sleeping in my car or buying a house.
Renting should be a crime.

3
The Landlord Avatar
The Landlord 7th February, 2010 @ 01:05

Peter, you clearly have no comprehension of landlord law.

Tenants have PLENTY of rights. E.g. A landlord can't legally evict a non-paying tenant until they are two months behind on rent. TWO MONTHS!

4
Guest Avatar
Jason 11th February, 2010 @ 11:34

Number 7: "I sent it to you by post, it must have been delayed - I'll ring you in a few days to see if you've received it"

If you need documents, tell the landlord you will pick them up from their office or house. Otherwise you will be waiting weeks for a non existent letter and a phone call they will never make. 99.999999% of the time if someone tells you they posted something and that it must have been lost, it is just one big lie.

5
Guest Avatar
John 24th February, 2010 @ 14:58

The landlord is going to stretch the truth, he is trying to sell you something, surely it is the responsibility of the potential tenant to counter this by doing his/her homework prior to meeting the landlord. For example with regard to the neighbourhood, they should have a look around the area, visit the property at least twice at different times of the day so that they have a good idea of the area. They should also have a list of questions and things to check out so that they cover everything to their satisfaction.

http://propertysuccess4u.bogspot.com

6
Guest Avatar
Beth 17th September, 2010 @ 19:36

I have a query if possible can you email me for a personal response as I dont wish to stick my bizzness on internet forum. In a nutshell, new tenants have moved in and they're doing drugs. How can I get out of this contract legally?

7
Guest Avatar
Derek 12th December, 2011 @ 17:21

If a common repair is required to the roof and loft and requires access through my ceiling, will the cost to put the ceiling back on for me back to the same state prior to the common repair be shared between all common flat owners who benefit from the common repair? We all own separate individual flats in a block. Anyone help with the query as I am being asked to pay an additional £270 to replaster my perfectly fine ceiling again back to the state prior to any work. It does not seem fair.

8
Guest Avatar
wayne.davis 9th April, 2014 @ 23:26

my landlord as put eletric in my name and gas just found out his also charging me we dny ave heating an celling is falling in on us i share with 8 other people not sure what to do as cant affoed to goany were as im unemployed

9
Guest Avatar
william 8th August, 2020 @ 11:33

Biggest lie "We provide housing"
no. builders provide housing, landlords leech.

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Guest Avatar
Ann-marie Derrick 26th August, 2020 @ 13:55

Iv been renting a house for six months with a guarantor but my guarantor will not do it again what can I do if I wait for an eviction All the guarantor end up with the bill

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