It’s All About Me & Property
54 Comments Comments / Article written on 23 Sep 2008
Who are you?
I’m responsible for all the appropriate, and equally inappropriate material plastered all over this site.
I’m just a foul-mouthed individual that occasionally has too much time to spare, and loves a good bitch. I had a keen interest in property without actually having any property investment experience, so I decided to save some cash and buy property, which eventually lead me to become a landlord. Everything else is pretty much a blur.
How old are you?
25.
Where has your picture gone?
I had to take it down for my own personal safety. As it turns out, I tend to bitch about my tenants rather a lot. Unfortunately, the Internet is getting more crowded by the day. It was only a matter of time before one of my tenants landed onto this site and 1) saw my ugly mug 2) realised I was actually calling them a stupid fuckface.
Why are you always bitching?
Just to clarify, I’m not a bitter person. I love being a Landlord and I’m a pretty laid back individual. The thing is, I only ever feel like blogging when I have a chip on my shoulder. People incorrectly assume I’m a miserable sack of shit that just cries all day like a little bitch. Not true! Not true.
What’s this site all about?
This site started off as a “property investment project”- the plan was to invest into property and become a landlord. When I created this website, I knew nothing about property investment. The point of this website was to document my every step, so people (bored people) could read about my transition from clueless-property-idiot to landlord. I completed that task on the 2nd of March 2007. You can read all about that junk in my Property Diary blog category.
So, what now?
Now? Well, now that I’ve completed my initial project, I continue to indugle myself in other property related projects, with the ultimate aim of increasing my portfolio until I’m a property millionaire. Besides from that, I ramble about the ups’ and downs’ of being a landlord, and general shit about the current property market. I also drop a few tips on occassion, which I don’t actually expect anyone to digest.
Why property?
I know many may disagree, but I think property is a low risk investment with high rewards (if you do it right). I heard somewhere (God knows where) that 20% of the UK rich list made their wealth with Property Investment. I like the sound of that (even if it’s not true)! Basically…IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY!
What if there’s a property crash? There is going to be one, ya’ know?
I’m in property investment for the longterm, not short-term. I’m using property as a means to secure my future. A crash will only hinder the short-term investor (i’m not saying there will or will not be a crash). If you can be bothered, you can read more about My Property Investment Strategy.
What’s so special about your site compared to other property sites?
Nothing at all, to be honest. The only niche I have is that I have documented my “real story”, from property amateur to landlord. I’ve been to a lot of financial and property related websites, and I swear they’re just crammed with technical jargon that no one really ever understands. Why do they do that? Because they want to sound like professionals (or probably because they are). I try to keep things real, in the sense that any normal, average person can understand what i’m saying. I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but i’ve picked up a few useful things along the way, and this is where I release.
There are a lot of people laughing at Property Investors right now because of the expected crash. Does that bother you?
Hell no. Most of the people complaining are either old and bitter or just irresponsible for making the wrong decisions. I’m still young, I have positive equity, I have a plan!! In 10 years time i’ll still be young, but with much more equity.
You’ve made a few spelling mistakes, are you stupid?
Fuck you.
A lot.
Fucker.
Only joking, but seriously, don’t disrespect me again. I’m pretty casual when I write, so I make constant mistakes in gramer and I guess the problem is I don’t care…
What’s your favourite quote?
To quote Blaise Pascal, “I would have written a shorter letter, but I did not have the time.”
What do you want from me (YOU, the readers)?
This site is based on a blog format, and blogs are about networking. I want more Fonzies that are interested in property and/or financial investment to step forward and start getting involved- join my forum, start responding to blog entries, start emailing..etc.
That’s all for now, kids. If you would like to know anything else, just hit me up by filling in the contact form on the contact page (duh)!
Kind regards,
The Landlord.
Talk / 54 Comments left so far
patrick wrote this on 2008-09-30 16:08:09
you are too far up your arrogant arse to be rescued
2
The Landlord wrote this on 2008-09-30 18:59:34
Rescued from what? :)
3
passing through wrote this on 2008-10-02 08:24:09
dude when I read info on your site I just could not stop laughing gee! You fucked up man. I hope you do not lead a lot of stupid motherfuckers astray... You are succeeding at taking the piss out of your readers...keep going man. How many properties do you own?
4
The Landlord wrote this on 2008-10-02 09:40:03
Hey PT,
I genuinely don't take the piss out of my readers, I simply tell my readers how I do and perceive things. If anything, I'm trying to help my readers by encouraging them not to make the same mistakes I do when it comes to being a landlord :)
I only own 3 properties at the moment. I'm looking to buy more at the beginning of next year! Fingers crossed!
I genuinely don't take the piss out of my readers, I simply tell my readers how I do and perceive things. If anything, I'm trying to help my readers by encouraging them not to make the same mistakes I do when it comes to being a landlord :)
I only own 3 properties at the moment. I'm looking to buy more at the beginning of next year! Fingers crossed!
5
Richard wrote this on 2008-10-02 11:16:00
Interesting website - keep up the good work!
6
John wrote this on 2008-10-08 14:09:33
your an idiot.
anyone to really do thier homework should have seen that LIBOR historically did not hover around 4% in fact it was 8% as early as 1997.
Considering Northern Rock funded nearly all of thier mortgages through this, thier demise was always inevitable.
This is responding to your '1 in a million' chance of having a mortgage with Northern Rock. Lets face it, the only idiots to lend to a fellow idiot with minor equity in the first place were Northern Rock themselves.
As Joe Kennedy famously said "When the Shoe shine boy is giving you stock tips, sell!" Similar situation with yourself.
Good blog though. Gave me much amusement, especially now. It will allow young educated people such as myself who deserve a home to do so, rather than morons like yourself getting involved in a business you know nothing about.
john
anyone to really do thier homework should have seen that LIBOR historically did not hover around 4% in fact it was 8% as early as 1997.
Considering Northern Rock funded nearly all of thier mortgages through this, thier demise was always inevitable.
This is responding to your '1 in a million' chance of having a mortgage with Northern Rock. Lets face it, the only idiots to lend to a fellow idiot with minor equity in the first place were Northern Rock themselves.
As Joe Kennedy famously said "When the Shoe shine boy is giving you stock tips, sell!" Similar situation with yourself.
Good blog though. Gave me much amusement, especially now. It will allow young educated people such as myself who deserve a home to do so, rather than morons like yourself getting involved in a business you know nothing about.
john
7
The Landlord wrote this on 2008-10-08 17:34:35
@John,
Aww poor John. You sound bitter. Ridiculously bitter.
The most unfortunate aspect about your mental masturbation is that i have no idea what triggered it.
The "1 in a million" statement was a figure of speech. You know what that is, right? I didn't literally mean it was a "1 in a million" probability. I was merely emphasizing it was unfortunate that I had a mortgage with Northern Rock.
Anyways, you'll be pleased to know that I don't have a mortgage with Northern Rock anymore, I remortgaged ages ago. Moreover, I've never had "minor" equity in any property (I guess you missed the link to my My Property Investment Strategy. page).
Amusing that you call yourself educated- don't educated people actually read the facts before making baseless comments?
1. I only have repayment mortgages
2. My rent covers my repayment mortgages
3. I put down large deposits (25%-30%)
4. In 10-15years my mortgages will be cleared with rent money
5. I buy under market value
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM, DUMBASS?
On a final note, i actually have a friend that is a child psychologist. If you want her number, let me know. She'll be able to control that beastly temper of yours.
Aww poor John. You sound bitter. Ridiculously bitter.
The most unfortunate aspect about your mental masturbation is that i have no idea what triggered it.
The "1 in a million" statement was a figure of speech. You know what that is, right? I didn't literally mean it was a "1 in a million" probability. I was merely emphasizing it was unfortunate that I had a mortgage with Northern Rock.
Anyways, you'll be pleased to know that I don't have a mortgage with Northern Rock anymore, I remortgaged ages ago. Moreover, I've never had "minor" equity in any property (I guess you missed the link to my My Property Investment Strategy. page).
Amusing that you call yourself educated- don't educated people actually read the facts before making baseless comments?
1. I only have repayment mortgages
2. My rent covers my repayment mortgages
3. I put down large deposits (25%-30%)
4. In 10-15years my mortgages will be cleared with rent money
5. I buy under market value
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM, DUMBASS?
On a final note, i actually have a friend that is a child psychologist. If you want her number, let me know. She'll be able to control that beastly temper of yours.
8
John wrote this on 2008-10-08 19:26:37
First of all, I am far from bitter. I own a property myself outright, so have little to worry about. Perhaps I did not make this clear in my original statement.
Also, your right. Your system is fool proof.
Except for the millions of easy money chasers, (such as yourself) who went bust in the 80s. Im sure that was one of your prime research objectives when you began. My guess is that it was years of watching property ladder.
If you are in a steady, highly paid job, im sure interest rate hikes wont bother you too much but in a bear market like we are in now, its financial suicide to attempt to make money in property.
50 billion injection to the financial market & .5% knocked off interest rates still led to a 5.25% fall in the FTSE today. The rate of decline in property prices has not even begun to flatten yet (look at the stats). Do you not think that, perhaps your days are numbered?
I will refer you to a graph which has been repeated through-out history, from the Dutch poppies of the 16th century to the Great Depression in the 20th, and everything in between.
http://www.housepricecrash.co.uk/graphs-bubble-lifecycle.php
From reading your blog, it would be safe to say you got in on the boom in the 'Delusion' stage.
Finally, it is amusing to see your level of incoherence to critisism. Then again, as you say Im a "dumbass".
Also, your right. Your system is fool proof.
Except for the millions of easy money chasers, (such as yourself) who went bust in the 80s. Im sure that was one of your prime research objectives when you began. My guess is that it was years of watching property ladder.
If you are in a steady, highly paid job, im sure interest rate hikes wont bother you too much but in a bear market like we are in now, its financial suicide to attempt to make money in property.
50 billion injection to the financial market & .5% knocked off interest rates still led to a 5.25% fall in the FTSE today. The rate of decline in property prices has not even begun to flatten yet (look at the stats). Do you not think that, perhaps your days are numbered?
I will refer you to a graph which has been repeated through-out history, from the Dutch poppies of the 16th century to the Great Depression in the 20th, and everything in between.
http://www.housepricecrash.co.uk/graphs-bubble-lifecycle.php
From reading your blog, it would be safe to say you got in on the boom in the 'Delusion' stage.
Finally, it is amusing to see your level of incoherence to critisism. Then again, as you say Im a "dumbass".
9
The Landlord wrote this on 2008-10-08 19:56:56
Property ladder isn't about longterm rental investment, it's about flipping/redeveloping properties. It's a completely different game.
Again, you continue to astound me with your self-proclaimed intelligence. Great.
If I sell any of my properties now, even in this bitterly dry market, I'll walk away with a signinificant amount of profit. The market can drop by 35%, and i'd still make a profit.
I'm not attempting to make money from the property market, I AM making money. I'm not going to go out and buy property at the moment, but I will sit back and enjoy the fruits of my earlier investments.
The moment in time I entered the market doesn't really matter to me. Like I said, I purchased below market value. I look at rental yield. I invest for the longterm.
The fact is, you have no idea about my position, you're just generalising absolute shit.
I would admit if I was anywhere near struggling. But i'm not, so I'm not quite sure what you're trying to convince me of? You're like a delusional freak that's trying to convince me that you know more about my financial situation than I do. Wake up, freak, or skip back to HPC.
Spare me from your "intelligence", please *yawn*
Again, you continue to astound me with your self-proclaimed intelligence. Great.
If I sell any of my properties now, even in this bitterly dry market, I'll walk away with a signinificant amount of profit. The market can drop by 35%, and i'd still make a profit.
I'm not attempting to make money from the property market, I AM making money. I'm not going to go out and buy property at the moment, but I will sit back and enjoy the fruits of my earlier investments.
The moment in time I entered the market doesn't really matter to me. Like I said, I purchased below market value. I look at rental yield. I invest for the longterm.
The fact is, you have no idea about my position, you're just generalising absolute shit.
I would admit if I was anywhere near struggling. But i'm not, so I'm not quite sure what you're trying to convince me of? You're like a delusional freak that's trying to convince me that you know more about my financial situation than I do. Wake up, freak, or skip back to HPC.
Spare me from your "intelligence", please *yawn*
10
Duanne wrote this on 2008-10-09 08:21:17
you from SA?
11
cath wrote this on 2008-10-09 13:15:41
Crikey, that is some debate you have stirred up matey. Lots of people don't like to hear opinionated views from young people. (Language please gentlmen!) However I think your blog is great. A refreshing and honest approach which makes a change in this business.
At least you've got the guts to acknowledge you are learning it as you go along. To be fair who isn't?
At least you've got the guts to acknowledge you are learning it as you go along. To be fair who isn't?
12
The Landlord wrote this on 2008-10-09 15:17:27
@Cath
Thanks Cath. Apologies for my potty-mouth :)
Duanne: Where is SA? (I guess that answers your question). South Africa? If so, no.. =/
Thanks Cath. Apologies for my potty-mouth :)
Duanne: Where is SA? (I guess that answers your question). South Africa? If so, no.. =/
13
Jon wrote this on 2008-10-10 09:50:55
I think you're brilliant. Good idea for a site, refreshing, honest and open.
People don't like it in the UK when other people get up and try to make something of themselves - they just get upset and tall poppy syndrome kicks in.
Fear of missing out, bitterness, whatever it is - it's a bit sad that others can't cope that you're having ago. And even if you lose money through making some mistake - it's your money why is it any of their business?
Ignore them, go your own way. Best of luck to you!
People don't like it in the UK when other people get up and try to make something of themselves - they just get upset and tall poppy syndrome kicks in.
Fear of missing out, bitterness, whatever it is - it's a bit sad that others can't cope that you're having ago. And even if you lose money through making some mistake - it's your money why is it any of their business?
Ignore them, go your own way. Best of luck to you!
14
Tan wrote this on 2008-10-25 02:27:48
Wow, what a debate! I am a stockbroker and not an advocate of over concentration in property investments or in any one particular asset group. However, I'll have to agree that it is your money and you decide how you want to invest it and ignore bitter, abusive criticism. You are honest in your approach and I honestly wish you every success! My unsolicited advise to you is to consider gradually diversifying your portfolio. Have a mix of real estate as well as liquid assets such as equities, gilts or corporate bonds, capital investment bonds, offshore bonds etc. These will add flexibility and long term growth to your your portfolio as well as enhance your tax efficiency. Real estate investing is highly tax-inefficient, so remember income tax on rental income and capital gains tax on profit from sale of property. One last piece of advise is rather than buy the property on a self-employed basis in your name, own your real estate through your company. If you do not already have a company, think about setting up one and remember to explore the benefits of working for your company, taking an income and setting up a pension. All these will help keep more of your hard earned money for yourself. If you need any help, do not hesitate to ask. I wish you success!
15
Sarah Beenys Nipple wrote this on 2008-10-26 15:31:47
Dude I just came here via another site about Sarah Beenys nipples and you had linked here, with another sub post that the author of this blog 'Robb' was dead.
Apart from not seeing Sarah's big mams I am confused as to who died?
Apart from not seeing Sarah's big mams I am confused as to who died?
16
bob wrote this on 2008-10-30 00:02:29
You gone bankrupt yet?
17
The Landlord wrote this on 2008-10-30 18:25:25
@Bob,
Nope.
Nope.
18
Carly wrote this on 2008-11-09 10:15:25
This is fun!!
Just want to add that I like property !
I have 11 properties all up mostly uk with a couple internationally. I started this up myself when was 26 im now 33 and im a woman !!!and have myself a nice little retirement nest egg thank you!
My properties are managed by me and my sister and a couple of agents as Im here then and everywhere, I also make a profit each month. Property investment should be seen as long term, always have a small 'pot' to take from for unexpected maintenance, always calculate for vacant periods and you're laughing! bring it on!!Love it!!. Great site mate !!
Just want to add that I like property !
I have 11 properties all up mostly uk with a couple internationally. I started this up myself when was 26 im now 33 and im a woman !!!and have myself a nice little retirement nest egg thank you!
My properties are managed by me and my sister and a couple of agents as Im here then and everywhere, I also make a profit each month. Property investment should be seen as long term, always have a small 'pot' to take from for unexpected maintenance, always calculate for vacant periods and you're laughing! bring it on!!Love it!!. Great site mate !!
19
sue wrote this on 2008-11-12 23:09:25
Just a note to say thanks!!! After searching the birm.mids. website for info about the 1.5% reduction, to no avail, your site
gave me the answer.
gave me the answer.
20
ajay wrote this on 2008-12-05 15:25:27
love this site!
21
WebWonders wrote this on 2008-12-30 23:56:46
Hi. I like the site. I see you use simple machines for the forum, but wondered what software and layout scheme is used for the blog engine? Thanks.
22
Sarah Bernhardt wrote this on 2009-01-03 23:13:27
I wanted to send this email to "landlord" directly, but whatever - couldn't find his email although I searched.
My crappiest tenant to date was someone who first lived with me in Jan. 07 for one month (shared home). Then, I had to leave my city, to go back to visit my family: my father's cancer had spread.
Not that it wholly matters, but it started at prostate cancer, and then they found that he also had lung cancer, and on Jan. 26 2007, I received a very bad call from my father's co-worker, saying that he was just informed that the cancer had spread to my father's brain and that I had to come right away (I was five hours away by car or bus).
Anyway, my roommate and I decided to change our original plan, he would be taking over as the main person living there - single tenant.
1. He soon had his girlfriend move in.
2. His cheques bounced twice, and he consciously cancelled his PayPal payment.
Basically, I was at the lowest point of my life, trying to deal with what my dad was going through in the hospital, and this guy wrote faulty cheques and played a game with me by cancelling his Paypal payment.
I asked him to leave, and that's when things became worse.
A neighbour told me that she saw him at one point (before he moved out), a big black man. Funny, my former roommate/tenant was caucasian/white.
After he and his girlfriend left -
I had another neighbour check up on the place (she had an extra key and I was still out of town planning funeral arrangements), and she said that the place was unbelievable: cigarette butts, alcohol bottles, garbage...
Not only that, but in addition to not paying rent for 2-3 months, he STOLE from me - stole my dog's kennel cage, my chairs, my stepdad's powertools that he gave to me, even the toilet paper roll holder.
I reported him to the Canadian Credit Bureau.
I was told that he had more addresses that would fit on any two screens.
He's schemed other credit card companies (running up a four digit debt, and then walking away from it).
I am the first landlord that he has duped.
His answer to them, after they tried to contact him, was "Do what you have to do" before hanging up the phone.
Anyway, I changed my locks, and basically kept my mouth shut about him until now.
I was afraid he'd send someone after me; he knew where I lived and worked.
I've since moved and changed workplaces so I'm not as concerned about speaking up about it.
But the issue happened long ago.
I guess I've moved on, but wonder if I'd act upon it if I ever saw him again.
I never want to see him again, for the record.
Other than having a bad credit rating that will follow him for 7 years, he's gotten away with again being a criminal.
It was a short term contract initially, so I didn't bother checking his credit.
My crappiest tenant to date was someone who first lived with me in Jan. 07 for one month (shared home). Then, I had to leave my city, to go back to visit my family: my father's cancer had spread.
Not that it wholly matters, but it started at prostate cancer, and then they found that he also had lung cancer, and on Jan. 26 2007, I received a very bad call from my father's co-worker, saying that he was just informed that the cancer had spread to my father's brain and that I had to come right away (I was five hours away by car or bus).
Anyway, my roommate and I decided to change our original plan, he would be taking over as the main person living there - single tenant.
1. He soon had his girlfriend move in.
2. His cheques bounced twice, and he consciously cancelled his PayPal payment.
Basically, I was at the lowest point of my life, trying to deal with what my dad was going through in the hospital, and this guy wrote faulty cheques and played a game with me by cancelling his Paypal payment.
I asked him to leave, and that's when things became worse.
A neighbour told me that she saw him at one point (before he moved out), a big black man. Funny, my former roommate/tenant was caucasian/white.
After he and his girlfriend left -
I had another neighbour check up on the place (she had an extra key and I was still out of town planning funeral arrangements), and she said that the place was unbelievable: cigarette butts, alcohol bottles, garbage...
Not only that, but in addition to not paying rent for 2-3 months, he STOLE from me - stole my dog's kennel cage, my chairs, my stepdad's powertools that he gave to me, even the toilet paper roll holder.
I reported him to the Canadian Credit Bureau.
I was told that he had more addresses that would fit on any two screens.
He's schemed other credit card companies (running up a four digit debt, and then walking away from it).
I am the first landlord that he has duped.
His answer to them, after they tried to contact him, was "Do what you have to do" before hanging up the phone.
Anyway, I changed my locks, and basically kept my mouth shut about him until now.
I was afraid he'd send someone after me; he knew where I lived and worked.
I've since moved and changed workplaces so I'm not as concerned about speaking up about it.
But the issue happened long ago.
I guess I've moved on, but wonder if I'd act upon it if I ever saw him again.
I never want to see him again, for the record.
Other than having a bad credit rating that will follow him for 7 years, he's gotten away with again being a criminal.
It was a short term contract initially, so I didn't bother checking his credit.
23
DP wrote this on 2009-02-11 16:32:30
Just had to leave a note to say what a great refreshingly straightforward and easy to use site.
As someone who spends their life in and out of sites like this to give me data, this is very good indeed. Well done
As someone who spends their life in and out of sites like this to give me data, this is very good indeed. Well done
24
TJ wrote this on 2009-02-19 13:14:53
Just wanted to say, great website for those of us starting out in the property game. I wish I'd found you before I used an agent that cost me £800 yep you heard right!! Not only did they do the inventory wrong, missing items, no meter readings etc. Also they gave the tennants an addendum to allow pets without my permission. Who paid the bill-me or the tennants? Also, the tennants they provided were a young couple who have never lived away from home who should be paying the rent on 8th, but continually pay me on the 23-26th (Glad to see on your site that I'm not alone), have managed to find my own tennants via Gumtree-great piece of advice there! Thanks for an invaluble source of advice to a new landlord. Much Appreciated
25
Petrona wrote this on 2009-05-22 12:28:44
Hey, just found your site tonight. Highly entertaining so far. I can empathise with some of what you've been through - when I read the bit above about calling your tenant a stupid fuckface, I thought wow - it's like coming home. ;)
So yeah, loving your work!
So yeah, loving your work!
26
virgin_landlord wrote this on 2009-06-09 03:23:21
Hey LL,
Am now in the boat that prompted you to start this site/ blog.
Eye-opening, and refreshingly blunt - cd do with some dos & don'ts ...
Thanks!
/am
Am now in the boat that prompted you to start this site/ blog.
Eye-opening, and refreshingly blunt - cd do with some dos & don'ts ...
Thanks!
/am
27
Lozza1mc wrote this on 2009-06-28 20:22:04
Hi im wondering if this site is really serious? After reading above comments Im not sure now. Im currently thinking about renting out my current house, ive raised a btl mortgage based on the equity in it on another house and mangaged to knock sellers down by 10,000. So my question is as a total novice.........whats the rental market like at the mo and if all else fails should I do a lodger/houseshare thing just to make ends meet? whats the law on live-in landlords anybody help??
28
The Landlord wrote this on 2009-06-28 20:52:01
Hey Lozz,
This site is actually legit. Crazy, huh? Well, legit in the sense that I am a Landlord that blogs on here :)
Rental market is pretty wierd at the moment because there are more BTL properties than demand, hence why rental prices have recently dropped. But saying that, it's not to say you can't get tenants, you just need to remember tenants have a lot of choice, so offer them something better than the competition :)
The main difference between taking in a lodger and tenant are the legal rights.
You might find this a little more useful: Taking In Lodgers- “Rent-A-Room” Scheme
Kind regards!
This site is actually legit. Crazy, huh? Well, legit in the sense that I am a Landlord that blogs on here :)
Rental market is pretty wierd at the moment because there are more BTL properties than demand, hence why rental prices have recently dropped. But saying that, it's not to say you can't get tenants, you just need to remember tenants have a lot of choice, so offer them something better than the competition :)
The main difference between taking in a lodger and tenant are the legal rights.
You might find this a little more useful: Taking In Lodgers- “Rent-A-Room” Scheme
Kind regards!
29
Lozza1mc wrote this on 2009-07-05 18:13:03
Thanks but now had a rethink.....looking at at cheaper property that I can buy outright.so avoiding for family restrictions on btl mortgages Then let it to... wait for it...my son's ex girlfriend and my grandson who's 2.She is currently on benefits.Question is although she is not a relative my grandson is Really,Im trying to keep hold of some imput into his future. Its either I do something to house them or maybe lose them. Any info on benefits for this?? Thanks
30
Experienced Landlord wrote this on 2009-07-19 21:03:17
Love the blog and the refreshingly 'in your face' commentary from you - The Landlord. Some people just bitch and whine all the time. The funniest thing for me was the people that called themselves "educated" and couldn't spell to save their lives. Even the stockbroker can't spell "advice" (not "advise" - two different meanings). Tennant instead of tenant, your when they mean YOU'RE (you are)and thier instead of their! It's (or should it be "its" - you tell me :o) ) no wonder that the standard of literacy in the UK is going downhill so quickly. Anyhow, keep up the great work and be controversial. People learn from assessing the opinions of others, especially when they differ.
31
connor wrote this on 2009-07-29 23:51:12
"The point of this website was ... so people could read about my transition from clueless-property-idiot to landlord. I completed that task on the 2nd of March 2007."
So becoming a landlord at the top of the mutha of all property bubbles allows you to graduate from being a "clueless-property-idiot"? Class parody bro. You ought to write for "The Office" or some shit.
So becoming a landlord at the top of the mutha of all property bubbles allows you to graduate from being a "clueless-property-idiot"? Class parody bro. You ought to write for "The Office" or some shit.
32
The Landlord wrote this on 2009-07-30 00:02:46
Yes, because buying at the wrong time was irrelevant to my objective. The point was to become a Landlord, and learn the trade, not "buy to sell quickly for profit". It's called "Buy-to-let"
I guess you could still do with graduating from English- where they teach basic "comprehension", bro.
You should write for Katherine Tate, your natural inability would be so…natural for the script.
I guess you could still do with graduating from English- where they teach basic "comprehension", bro.
You should write for Katherine Tate, your natural inability would be so…natural for the script.
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Harji wrote this on 2009-08-11 20:06:42
Whatever some idiots write about you, I found it very infomative. Keep up the good work. My properties are my pensions. Wish i had done more of it instead of trusting the financial bastards where I have lost my savings and pension pot.
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pati wrote this on 2009-08-13 14:55:35
I'm a tenant with a good landlady. I'm looking for information on renewal fees. Briefly, I've been in the property for nine-years. Initially my landlady had a property management agent but she has taken over the management of the property and now her agent has sent me a bill for a renewal fee of £86.25! I'm 65; on a small pension and I'm afraid that if I don't pay the renewal fee the agent will take me to court and I'll be evicted. Any advise?
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Housing Support Worker wrote this on 2009-08-28 20:11:02
I work in the Housing field and daily assist people to stop them being evicted or to find suitable accommodation or to force terrible landlord to make repairs (no offence meant!) To the lady asking about benefits, in a recession with people losing their jobs, Housing Benefit applicants surely are must haves? Some of them are nice people - honest. And the COUNCIL will pay their rent - that money is NOT going to run out for the forseeable!! I see so many ads with 'no DSS' that its disheartening - guarenteed income? I wouldn't pass that up! Oh, and to any struggling Landlords with terrible tennants (because i see those too) - i work in Kent and Housing Support down here finds LOADS of inventive ways to get people to pay their bills, and if thats not possible, we find charities that will!! Don't miss out - Housing Support might actually help you. (Not to mention it looks fantastic to the Judge when you can offer up a huge list of support avenues and generous other chances you have offered your tennant before sadly deciding on the eviction/forfeiture route... LOL - even if you don't believe it yourself it all works in your favour!)
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ibrahim wrote this on 2010-01-01 18:03:30
Happy new year, thankfully my smelly useless tenants have left what a nightmare there have been, thankfully the return i get for my property is nice otherwise i would just sell up.
I have a small problem need to see if anyone can advise the electricity has been disconnected due to non payment of rent.
I am wondering as the landlord will the supplier expect me to pay the bill???
any suggestions
has anyone
I have a small problem need to see if anyone can advise the electricity has been disconnected due to non payment of rent.
I am wondering as the landlord will the supplier expect me to pay the bill???
any suggestions
has anyone
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Gareth wrote this on 2010-01-01 18:07:30
Ibrahim,
I can tell you categorically that if you tell them the tenant has gone, the date they left (if you know) and the last meter reading taken by you and the date of the reading, the tenant will be charged, not you. If the utility suppliers can't trace the tenant then that's down to them, not you.
Don't wait, get the meter readings done asap and get the account closed in the tenant's name and opened again in your name.
I can tell you categorically that if you tell them the tenant has gone, the date they left (if you know) and the last meter reading taken by you and the date of the reading, the tenant will be charged, not you. If the utility suppliers can't trace the tenant then that's down to them, not you.
Don't wait, get the meter readings done asap and get the account closed in the tenant's name and opened again in your name.
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Corinna wrote this on 2010-01-26 09:20:54
Hey Landlord
Any chance you can put me in touch with TwattyBollocks please? I loved his comms about my Ajay AHuja dealings and am looking to network more this year and learn from some of the "masters". He offered up some insights into how "he's made it" on your forum and I'd love the opp to talk more with him.
You have my details and so I would be very grateful if you could forward these onto him for me.
Thanks - Corinna
Any chance you can put me in touch with TwattyBollocks please? I loved his comms about my Ajay AHuja dealings and am looking to network more this year and learn from some of the "masters". He offered up some insights into how "he's made it" on your forum and I'd love the opp to talk more with him.
You have my details and so I would be very grateful if you could forward these onto him for me.
Thanks - Corinna
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UKs Bad Housing Crisis wrote this on 2010-02-07 23:21:55
I've noticed you are providing more advice against dodgy landlords and agents which is great! It would be even lovelier if you could bring more perspective on the tenant side of the woes that families have to face when they are without a permanent and safe home.
Many landlords flout all sorts of laws when it comes to things like heating and safety, so please can we see more articles about landlords doing the right thing. For the sake of the children having to live in their properties?
Please go to my blog when you have time, the other side of the story is there, best wishes
www.badhousing.wordpress.com
Many landlords flout all sorts of laws when it comes to things like heating and safety, so please can we see more articles about landlords doing the right thing. For the sake of the children having to live in their properties?
Please go to my blog when you have time, the other side of the story is there, best wishes
www.badhousing.wordpress.com
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Evan from Heaven wrote this on 2010-02-18 21:33:52
Good job on the site, LL. It's amazing how many people get very worked up at someone else's claim of moderate success. I remind those who have that they are free to publish their own blog.
I feel an important distinction to make is the difference between landlording and buying and selling for profit. Landlording is a business, and if done correctly, the risk can be managed effectively. Buying at the top of the market, frankly, doesn't matter; if you've calculated your potential income vs. expenses at a moderate interest rate, allowed for vacancies, and insisted on only properties that generate monthly cash flow, you'll do fine in the long run.
Flipping houses is purely speculative and relies on the ups and downs of the market.
The 'x-factor' is having the patience to deal with tenants and service-people.
Good luck to you.
I feel an important distinction to make is the difference between landlording and buying and selling for profit. Landlording is a business, and if done correctly, the risk can be managed effectively. Buying at the top of the market, frankly, doesn't matter; if you've calculated your potential income vs. expenses at a moderate interest rate, allowed for vacancies, and insisted on only properties that generate monthly cash flow, you'll do fine in the long run.
Flipping houses is purely speculative and relies on the ups and downs of the market.
The 'x-factor' is having the patience to deal with tenants and service-people.
Good luck to you.
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Jay wrote this on 2010-03-19 22:36:04
Mate, careful what you say here you need a legal disclaimer this is mostly nonsense. Sort it out or risk a law suit
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The Landlord wrote this on 2010-03-20 19:04:25
There's a disclaimer in my footer, on every page of my website....
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Phil Wadsworth wrote this on 2010-03-23 22:59:46
Can access your site today but not the Forum. Have you taken it off ?.
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The Landlord wrote this on 2010-03-23 23:58:38
Hi Phil,
Thank God you asked!! I never removed the forum, but there was a small bug, which I just noticed thanks to your message! It should be all up and working now!
Many thanks for that.
Thank God you asked!! I never removed the forum, but there was a small bug, which I just noticed thanks to your message! It should be all up and working now!
Many thanks for that.
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Jay Huggins wrote this on 2010-03-24 15:53:29
I vacated a flat on Feb 1 2010. The landlord, thorugh the rental agency, claim of £720 was made on my desposit of £1800. A few of the items were legit (faulty extrctor bulb, the Inventory check-out cost, bringing cleaning up to a 'pro standard', etc..) and I conceded these quickly and reasonably. However, some of the claims were illegitimate and clearly a try on. I objected to these robustly but always with reference to the facts and what could reasonably established.
The other side did not play by the rules of good practice. The Property Negotiator on behalf of the landlord was evasive, perverse and unreasonable. She took it upon herself to extract as much money as she could from my desposit. I don't know whether she or the landlord directed the tactics but of course the landlord was ultimately responsible. I dug in, especially as I could prove I was correct over some of the claims, but what the other side did was never address the evidence instead they always made concessions 'in the spirit of good will' with an eye to obtaining a reduced settlement.
There was 3 weeks of this wrangling and they infuriated me so much that even before it was over I was threatening legal action to obtain redress for this unwarranted and unreasonable claim on my time. Right at the end of negotiations there was a tipping point when I saw something that exposed a probable fraud. I asked for specific information on why a particular item was being charged and on what basis and they suddenly capitulated.
They withdrew all outstanding claims on the deposit and offered me the £272 that I had already conceded in exchange for my drawing a line under the whole business. I pointed out that this was in effect an offer of compensation for the reckless and unreasonable way they wasted my time and I wanted a minimum of £1000. They were aware, incidentally, that I used the flat as an office to write and when I made the offer I told them that I expected to be paid for 'the merry dance' they had led me.
Silence. Three days later the landlord's solicitor entered the fray: the remaining £272 was being transferred to my account and with all my deposit now returned to me I had no case. I retorted that I regarded this as only partial settlement for my claim and that will take further action to obtain redress.
Now I am not really sure how to go about this. I am currently asking the rental agency's lawyer for information and trying to find out from the Deposit Protection Service whether such negotiations should be conducted according to any specified standards, so as to process my claim but I am not sure under what grounds. I am not even sure that wasting a tenant's time and giving him the runaround in this fashion is liable. One would think it is but I am not sure. Someone suggested the simplest course is to just bill them for all the emails I wrote trying to deal with their nonsense, then sue if they refuse to pay.
Is there any advise you can give me?
Thanks, Jay
The other side did not play by the rules of good practice. The Property Negotiator on behalf of the landlord was evasive, perverse and unreasonable. She took it upon herself to extract as much money as she could from my desposit. I don't know whether she or the landlord directed the tactics but of course the landlord was ultimately responsible. I dug in, especially as I could prove I was correct over some of the claims, but what the other side did was never address the evidence instead they always made concessions 'in the spirit of good will' with an eye to obtaining a reduced settlement.
There was 3 weeks of this wrangling and they infuriated me so much that even before it was over I was threatening legal action to obtain redress for this unwarranted and unreasonable claim on my time. Right at the end of negotiations there was a tipping point when I saw something that exposed a probable fraud. I asked for specific information on why a particular item was being charged and on what basis and they suddenly capitulated.
They withdrew all outstanding claims on the deposit and offered me the £272 that I had already conceded in exchange for my drawing a line under the whole business. I pointed out that this was in effect an offer of compensation for the reckless and unreasonable way they wasted my time and I wanted a minimum of £1000. They were aware, incidentally, that I used the flat as an office to write and when I made the offer I told them that I expected to be paid for 'the merry dance' they had led me.
Silence. Three days later the landlord's solicitor entered the fray: the remaining £272 was being transferred to my account and with all my deposit now returned to me I had no case. I retorted that I regarded this as only partial settlement for my claim and that will take further action to obtain redress.
Now I am not really sure how to go about this. I am currently asking the rental agency's lawyer for information and trying to find out from the Deposit Protection Service whether such negotiations should be conducted according to any specified standards, so as to process my claim but I am not sure under what grounds. I am not even sure that wasting a tenant's time and giving him the runaround in this fashion is liable. One would think it is but I am not sure. Someone suggested the simplest course is to just bill them for all the emails I wrote trying to deal with their nonsense, then sue if they refuse to pay.
Is there any advise you can give me?
Thanks, Jay
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Phil Wadsworth wrote this on 2010-03-24 19:25:26
Jay,
My suspicion is that the Agency failed to protect your deposit in a regulated scheme and had just realised so. The penalties for this are VERY significant including awarding tenants multiples of the deposit as compensation/punishment. I would request evidence that your deposit was placed in such a scheme. If it isn't forthcoming you could make life very difficult for the Agency.
My suspicion is that the Agency failed to protect your deposit in a regulated scheme and had just realised so. The penalties for this are VERY significant including awarding tenants multiples of the deposit as compensation/punishment. I would request evidence that your deposit was placed in such a scheme. If it isn't forthcoming you could make life very difficult for the Agency.
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jay huggins wrote this on 2010-03-24 22:09:37
Thanks. I willchase this down but I suspect that the rental agency did ener a regulated scheme - the reason is was they are too big (JD Wood) to screw up like that. The Property Negotiator acted like a weaselly scammer though. Yet, they were not particularly diligent. My impression was they regularly work tenants like they did me and most go along with claims that they don't think are fair.
But what can I sue them for? I mean they really gave me a runaround and I want to nail them for the time they took and aggro they inflicted on me - then, I'll write it up without anyone being able to dilute or water down the copy. But I am really not sure how to go about it. I can do the litigant-in-person shtik but I am not sure of what grounds I cite. The landlord is weathly and has a hotshot property lawyer and the agency is a biggie. What is the best course of action? I have the evidence because the email trail is just a joke. I also sprung a telephone call on the Property Negotiator at the time she thought the game was finished and coughed. As I used to be a journo, I have an excellent record of her gaffs.
Thanks, Jay
But what can I sue them for? I mean they really gave me a runaround and I want to nail them for the time they took and aggro they inflicted on me - then, I'll write it up without anyone being able to dilute or water down the copy. But I am really not sure how to go about it. I can do the litigant-in-person shtik but I am not sure of what grounds I cite. The landlord is weathly and has a hotshot property lawyer and the agency is a biggie. What is the best course of action? I have the evidence because the email trail is just a joke. I also sprung a telephone call on the Property Negotiator at the time she thought the game was finished and coughed. As I used to be a journo, I have an excellent record of her gaffs.
Thanks, Jay
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Musky wrote this on 2010-04-01 09:38:41
Dear The Landlord.
Love your site!
Having a forum set up on my own site at the moment.
When it's live (in about 1 week hopefully) check it out!
Why?
I'm going to log in a a guest and tell people about my hideous experiences as a part-time landlord and the very nasty people who have warned me off.
There will be no holds barred and names could be named!
Respect to you.
Power to decent landlords and decent tenants
Musky
www.niceplacelettings.co.uk
Love your site!
Having a forum set up on my own site at the moment.
When it's live (in about 1 week hopefully) check it out!
Why?
I'm going to log in a a guest and tell people about my hideous experiences as a part-time landlord and the very nasty people who have warned me off.
There will be no holds barred and names could be named!
Respect to you.
Power to decent landlords and decent tenants
Musky
www.niceplacelettings.co.uk
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katybnewbe wrote this on 2010-04-14 16:17:43
Hi, love this site. People talk in real language not jargon. Just started to find my way round the landlord maze and am finding it so helpful. Keep up the good work!
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Alan wrote this on 2010-04-30 10:19:21
Hi
my son and his mate want to move to a flat and have just presented me with a guarantor form, what is the limit of liability to myself if and when i sign this form, it would appear that no party takes any risk in the renting of the property other than the guarantor,
i would have no problem covering his rent but are there
any hidden liabilities.
my son and his mate want to move to a flat and have just presented me with a guarantor form, what is the limit of liability to myself if and when i sign this form, it would appear that no party takes any risk in the renting of the property other than the guarantor,
i would have no problem covering his rent but are there
any hidden liabilities.
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Jools wrote this on 2010-04-30 10:29:48
Thats the thing - you will have to ask the Landlord that!
Could be just the rent - could be uninsured losses should they burn the place down. If you feel benevolent then your Son yes - mate no way! Would you like to be responsible for your Sons friend should he do a bunk or his friends wreck the place after a party?
Being a guarantor is all very nice till things go wrong!
You really need to sit down with them and discuss the situation AND the friend needs to find their own guarantor as it seems they will be jointly and severally liable - ie if one buggers off the other has to find the entire rent or daddykins will have to pony up the dough!
Good luck.
Jools
Could be just the rent - could be uninsured losses should they burn the place down. If you feel benevolent then your Son yes - mate no way! Would you like to be responsible for your Sons friend should he do a bunk or his friends wreck the place after a party?
Being a guarantor is all very nice till things go wrong!
You really need to sit down with them and discuss the situation AND the friend needs to find their own guarantor as it seems they will be jointly and severally liable - ie if one buggers off the other has to find the entire rent or daddykins will have to pony up the dough!
Good luck.
Jools
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Alan wrote this on 2010-04-30 16:25:39
Hi jools
thanks for your reply, sound advice, unlimited liability scares the shit out of me, thought when the kids flew the nest my worries would be over
oh how wrong could i be.
thanks again
Alan
thanks for your reply, sound advice, unlimited liability scares the shit out of me, thought when the kids flew the nest my worries would be over
oh how wrong could i be.
thanks again
Alan
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steve wrote this on 2010-05-08 16:43:13
Landlord,
superb site, i can sit here laughing all night!!
the worrying thing is 90% of what you say is true!!
we deal with landlords and tenants all day every day and i can relate so many of your comments, just wish we could be as honest as you haha
keep up the good work
steve
legal 4 landlords
superb site, i can sit here laughing all night!!
the worrying thing is 90% of what you say is true!!
we deal with landlords and tenants all day every day and i can relate so many of your comments, just wish we could be as honest as you haha
keep up the good work
steve
legal 4 landlords
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Please leave a comment
I initially started this website because I wanted to document my every step from property idiot to property landlord,
in hope that people would find my site and help me along the way. I literally didn't have a clue about being a landlord
when I started this website.
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