Reasons Why I Hate My Tenant
Written by The Landlord on 03 Sep 2007
Before you commence on reading my ungodly rant, I want to clarify a few things. This blog post is written on the back of a gruelling, lengthy and painful eviction battle between me and my former tenant, so my level of frustration was off the chart. Regardless of how my emotions portray my nasty little personality, I am a professional landlord, in the sense that I follow all the rules and regulations. I provide my tenants with a good service, nice and clean properties, and I’m always eager to resolve any maintenance issues immediately. Fact is, there are some tenants that are out there to purely abuse the system, and it doesn’t matter how professional and reasonable the landlord is. I believe my tenant was one of those people; just out to abuse the system. She abused the system and literally sucked the living shit out of it, which is why I compose myself loosely (to say the least). I’m sure many other landlords that have gone through similar trials and tribulations will be able to relate to my emotions (but probably not with my choice in words). You may now commence….
My tenant is finally out of my life after I evicted her incompetent arse. I’m definitely ready to close this chapter in my life right after I’ve documented a list of reasons why I want to skull fuck her with a blunt, rusty axe. I’ve wrote a few blog entries on this issue, and in parts explained my feelings towards her, but here is a neat list. Ahhh to be mature.
This list is in no particular order.
1: Late payments
I don’t think I received one payment in time. Every time rent was due she fed me with an excuse in attempt to justify the delay. Little did she care to realise is that I didn’t give a flying fuck about her stupid excuses. She signed a contract to make payment on a per calendar month basis, and that’s what I expected.
I can live with one or two late payments, but making late payment consistently got tiresome, as did her excuses.
2: Failing to make payments, period.
She failed to make payments 2 months consecutively. That left me out of pocket by about 1.5k. I wonder what I did to deserve such a rewarding experience? Leting a random crack-whore squat in my property was definitely satisfying; knowing that I was helping the genuinely poor and needy. No, really!!
At this point I started the eviction process.
3: Benefit Abuse
My tenant was receiving cheques from the social benefit to contribute towards her living expenses. However, as mentioned in my previous point, she failed to pay the last 2 months of her rent. Where did her allowance go? A few people have their own theories in regards to where the money went; and I have a few theories of my own. Of course, my theories are all drug related.
4: Liar
She’s a compulsive liar. She lied about pretty much everything. For example, she would tell me that she was going to deposit money into my account on various occasions, but surprise, surprise, the money never turned up. She would even say, “I’m on my way to the bank now”, I guess all she was really saying was:
I’ve got your fucking money, punk, and now i’m going to get high as a motherfucker
5: Attitude
She consistently gave me attitude for chasing her for late payments. She was acting like I was an arsehole for wanting rent. I don’t think it entered her mind that she was in the wrong for making late payments and completely avoiding payments. I just assumed she was constantly high and oblivious to reality. I’m no expert in the field of drug trading, but I’m confident her social benefit cheques gave her more than enough capacity to fuel a regular cocaine addiction. Lucy girl.
The joke is on us tax payers, because it’s our treat.
6: Avoiding the situation
Ignoring my phone calls and text messages was her method of choice to solve the situation. Not the best method, may I add, but I expected nothing less. Once again, I just assumed the drug abuse distorted her perception of reality.
7: Unable to take blame
Even a 2yr child has the ability to know that shitting on the carpet is wrong. If a child knows wrong from wrong, I wonder why my 28yr old tenant struggled so much. Every time I spoke to her, she put blame onto something or someone else. For example, “I haven’t been able to make payment because my mum is ill” or “I haven’t been able to make payment because the council have messed up my payments”
The fact that her personal life and her arrangement with the council had NOTHING to do with me didn’t seem to enter her peanut sized brain. I felt like screaming at her,
SHUT UP, BITCH!!! None of that has anything to do with me. There is no clause in the contract that says your personal problems reflects on your payments. You agreed to make monthly payments, so fucking pay, you dumb crack-whore
8: Incapable of apologising
Since she wasn’t able to take blame, she naturally put herself into a situation where she didn’t see the need to apologise for the situation she put me in. By the end of the drama, I was not only out of pocket due to her lack of rent, but I also had to dig further into my pockets to cover the letting agent fees to find me a new tenant.
Throughout the entire ordeal, I didn’t receive one single apology.
Final thoughts…
I don’t think I need anymore reasons to justify why I think she was a stupid, crack-whore, shit-for-brains! Just to clarify, while dealing with the situation, I didn’t express myself in the nature I have expressed myself in this blog entry. I like to think I came across as way more professional and calm. I’m just allowing my inner voice to stretch its legs on here.
Have you had a bad tenant? If so, express yourself. I’d like to hear your story.
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108 Comments - join the conversation...
Showing 59 - 108 comments (out of 108)
someguy2010-11-29 18:13:50
I'm have a shorthold tenancy agreement and am currently on housing benefit and income support while I try to find adequate full time employment. oh and I live in london.
my problem Is that I get help with my rent via housing benefit which is £420 pcm and I get £50 a week to live on and I get my council tax paid for me.
I've never missed a payment on my rent because well..I get given it? and I'm by no means work shy, I've been in full time employment my whole life until 2 months ago when I found myself the only member of staff working at a very busy bar on a friday. no manager, no door staff just me- not at £6 an hour my friends haha.
I've unfortunately landed in the position that for me to be in an equal position working as I am currently on benefits(...ooh I hate saying that) I'd need to make roughly £1300 a month before tax which equates to about 50-55 hours a week- which I simply cannot find.
If my landlord knew I was on benefits he'd go fucking ape but I'm pretty sure aslong as I don't miss any payments on rent/ bills theres nothing he can do.
Living is very hard, especially without some kind of studied skill so I can sympathize with people who struggle to make it by. But I also can't quite get how people can not pay there rent and then expect to not have any repercussions.
I also like to think I'm not wasting tax payer's money and get really frustrated at people who asume I'm a lazy meth addict who sits around playing xbox all day just because I'm using the system the way it's intended, to help out those in the short term who are looking for work and would otherwise be on the streets. Also,I am desperately searching for a job that would be suitable and My income tax contributions over the years must more than equate to what I could use in benefits in several years!.
If you can't afford it or find a way to, don't sign the contract.
anyway, /rant.
my problem Is that I get help with my rent via housing benefit which is £420 pcm and I get £50 a week to live on and I get my council tax paid for me.
I've never missed a payment on my rent because well..I get given it? and I'm by no means work shy, I've been in full time employment my whole life until 2 months ago when I found myself the only member of staff working at a very busy bar on a friday. no manager, no door staff just me- not at £6 an hour my friends haha.
I've unfortunately landed in the position that for me to be in an equal position working as I am currently on benefits(...ooh I hate saying that) I'd need to make roughly £1300 a month before tax which equates to about 50-55 hours a week- which I simply cannot find.
If my landlord knew I was on benefits he'd go fucking ape but I'm pretty sure aslong as I don't miss any payments on rent/ bills theres nothing he can do.
Living is very hard, especially without some kind of studied skill so I can sympathize with people who struggle to make it by. But I also can't quite get how people can not pay there rent and then expect to not have any repercussions.
I also like to think I'm not wasting tax payer's money and get really frustrated at people who asume I'm a lazy meth addict who sits around playing xbox all day just because I'm using the system the way it's intended, to help out those in the short term who are looking for work and would otherwise be on the streets. Also,I am desperately searching for a job that would be suitable and My income tax contributions over the years must more than equate to what I could use in benefits in several years!.
If you can't afford it or find a way to, don't sign the contract.
anyway, /rant.
59
kelvin2010-12-18 19:06:41
You are an absolute prat, why did you send that POS tenant to me. Now I have to evict the concubine and born again jesus lover who have forgotten to pay their rent yet again for the third month in a row.
Every sunday they go to church and they are so good christians but for some reason its ok to steal from the landlord.
Every sunday they go to church and they are so good christians but for some reason its ok to steal from the landlord.
60
Kelly2011-01-18 21:19:17
Sounds like your ex tenant was not great!
People like this give us a bad name.
I am finding it particularly hard to find a home to live in when my tenancy runs out. The landlord is not renewing as he's selling up to move somewhere warm!!
I am on housing benefit (been out of work for blooming 9 months bah!!) but have been renting different properties for 14 years. Not once have I lost any deposit as all the properties have been looked after and rent has never been late!! I even replaced the kitchen floor as it had a small scratch made by the washing machine being taken out when I moved.
Those that are on housing benefit are not all bad. You've just got to find the good ones.
People like this give us a bad name.
I am finding it particularly hard to find a home to live in when my tenancy runs out. The landlord is not renewing as he's selling up to move somewhere warm!!
I am on housing benefit (been out of work for blooming 9 months bah!!) but have been renting different properties for 14 years. Not once have I lost any deposit as all the properties have been looked after and rent has never been late!! I even replaced the kitchen floor as it had a small scratch made by the washing machine being taken out when I moved.
Those that are on housing benefit are not all bad. You've just got to find the good ones.
61
COCO2011-02-14 21:33:25
Yes!!! They are out!!!! They broke up and moved out!!! In the week they broke up, they produced 23 empty wine bottles, 1 vokka bottle, and 1 dozen beer bottle... What a liver!!!!
62
kim2011-03-24 09:34:10
The trouble is landlords buy a property to let and haven't the first idea what that involves. Yes, you are starting a business and offering a service so you've got to be professional and find out how to do it before you start.
If you were opening a supermarket you would need an infra structure incl. installing security to ensure scum bags didn't run off with your merchandise etc. Also you need to treat your customers with respect and provide a good service.
The same is true of letting property. You are an idiot if you dont take out rental guarantee insurance and legal insurance. Dont whinge its too expensive, I offer a good quality rental and the tenants pay that bit extra to cover my costs and their still getting a good deal. Letting out your property in an inferior condition at a cheaper rent is a big,big mistake. If your accomodation is a toilet expect it to be filled with turds.
Always get previous landlord references and do a credit check.And more importantly ring the previous landlord to check ref. is genuine and that he didn't just give a good ref. to get tenant out. I ask specific questions and can usually tell if he is telling the truth and whether he is a good landlord.For student lets always get a guarantor which covers the rent and responsibility for behaviour and damage, check that the guarantor is genuine (I have had cases where students fake their parents signature on the guarantor form) and do a credit check on the guarantor
Dont take DSS. Its not the tenants fault but if the council insists on paying benefits to the tenant and not the landlord its just not a sound move for landlords. If all landlords boycotted dss then the local councils would have to do something about it.
Remember you are running a business, not a charity so dont get sentimental over this. Thats not saying all dss tenants are bad-im just saying its a matter of risk and you probably wont get rental guarantee or pay a huge premium for it.
Always have a legal adviser on hand, most agencies have one and dont do anything without his advise,but always jump on any transgression immediately. In most cases the tenant will realise your no pushover and you will have a lot less problems. I run my own properties but then I have 40yrs experience but unless you know what you're doing always have your property managed by a professional- You will save money doing it yourself in the short term but sooner or later you will get a big problem that will leave you out of pocket and knock years off your life. And if the agents no good -find another. Generally the agent can get a better rent than you as a beginner can get, fees are tax deductable and he can advise you on all sorts of things that you probably didn't realise were tax deductable.
So remember you need to be a professional to succeed in this business like any other. And the business needs to be built up-if youre in it for a quick buck forget it! Professionalism and Respect those are the keys to success and a long life.
If you were opening a supermarket you would need an infra structure incl. installing security to ensure scum bags didn't run off with your merchandise etc. Also you need to treat your customers with respect and provide a good service.
The same is true of letting property. You are an idiot if you dont take out rental guarantee insurance and legal insurance. Dont whinge its too expensive, I offer a good quality rental and the tenants pay that bit extra to cover my costs and their still getting a good deal. Letting out your property in an inferior condition at a cheaper rent is a big,big mistake. If your accomodation is a toilet expect it to be filled with turds.
Always get previous landlord references and do a credit check.And more importantly ring the previous landlord to check ref. is genuine and that he didn't just give a good ref. to get tenant out. I ask specific questions and can usually tell if he is telling the truth and whether he is a good landlord.For student lets always get a guarantor which covers the rent and responsibility for behaviour and damage, check that the guarantor is genuine (I have had cases where students fake their parents signature on the guarantor form) and do a credit check on the guarantor
Dont take DSS. Its not the tenants fault but if the council insists on paying benefits to the tenant and not the landlord its just not a sound move for landlords. If all landlords boycotted dss then the local councils would have to do something about it.
Remember you are running a business, not a charity so dont get sentimental over this. Thats not saying all dss tenants are bad-im just saying its a matter of risk and you probably wont get rental guarantee or pay a huge premium for it.
Always have a legal adviser on hand, most agencies have one and dont do anything without his advise,but always jump on any transgression immediately. In most cases the tenant will realise your no pushover and you will have a lot less problems. I run my own properties but then I have 40yrs experience but unless you know what you're doing always have your property managed by a professional- You will save money doing it yourself in the short term but sooner or later you will get a big problem that will leave you out of pocket and knock years off your life. And if the agents no good -find another. Generally the agent can get a better rent than you as a beginner can get, fees are tax deductable and he can advise you on all sorts of things that you probably didn't realise were tax deductable.
So remember you need to be a professional to succeed in this business like any other. And the business needs to be built up-if youre in it for a quick buck forget it! Professionalism and Respect those are the keys to success and a long life.
63
Andy2011-04-07 18:00:49
I fucking hate PRIVATE LANDLORDS,been renting through SCUM letting agent twats,gave them loads of false references for nigh on 20 years LOL..
Ive ran up LOADS of debts on catologues,loans,not paid water,electric.gas,the only thing i pay is the arrestable ones like speeding ticket,council tax,Tv license.
I hate credit agencies they are SCUM,always have false info even if you know its correct,i move around every 6-12 months after lease is up,when my tribe move out,ill live in a caravan fuck it,,,the gippos get away wiv it,FUCK EM ALL!!!!!!!!!
SUCKER LANDLORDS,watch to much homes under the hammer and think they are better than us poor tenants...
Ive ran up LOADS of debts on catologues,loans,not paid water,electric.gas,the only thing i pay is the arrestable ones like speeding ticket,council tax,Tv license.
I hate credit agencies they are SCUM,always have false info even if you know its correct,i move around every 6-12 months after lease is up,when my tribe move out,ill live in a caravan fuck it,,,the gippos get away wiv it,FUCK EM ALL!!!!!!!!!
SUCKER LANDLORDS,watch to much homes under the hammer and think they are better than us poor tenants...
64
sweeny-todd2011-07-31 09:22:27
i read a few and i was gripped - ! By reaching the end of the comments i then felt it was so very necessary to just mention that we all like to have a say, but i felt that mostly all of you were just applying a label to all tennants that receive housingg benefit to be drug takers and benefit fraud offenders!!!
I for one have worked for 20 yrs of my life , and i have recently had to take the help available from the council whilst i had a cruiciate ligament replacement.
This has been a long time now and i have loathed nearly every second of it. I also found that the system leaves one totally at the councils mercy with rental payments and the way it is infact run is always going to leave the tennants in a less favorable position as the housing benefit calculations are consistantly made incorrectly even if the tennant has provided ALL paperwork in duplicate and done all that they can to speed up the process, the council will still not get it 100%. Combined with the ammendment of miscalculations and the huge amount of things they will chop/ and change the payments for etc.. can take weeks to iron out the smallest issues, even if tennant is on the ball!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a tall filing cabinet which i can say is 3/4 full of HB paperwork alone for my one time only claim! They take so long and to top this you are always 4 wks in arrears with them regardless on a good day! NOTHING IS EVER STRAIGHTFORWARD!
They leave the tennants to update landlord of ANY hold up , adjustment etc.. and i can say this leaves one frequently making what look like false promises to the landlord!
I do realise that this is not the fault of the landlord or that they care about the details involved in getting the benefit , but to just BLAME THE TENNANTS for the flaws in the council system, is unfair. They do make errors , constantly ! Not many recieving HB would be able to make the payments and get back afterward as if they were able the chances are they would not be in receipt of any benefit at all !!!
I did , at my peril - !! I was then told i had an overpayment , and they just applied a deduction of further 10 a week,causing it to be further short , it then took me 10 months to have the payments re-adjusted and the overpayment as i told them on the 1st week they adjusted it ! WAS INFACT AN UNDERPAYMENT - so i was due the underpayment and the 10 reclaimed each week also in error , which is a lot of money in the end ! I was unable to make up the shortfall for all the 10 months it was not adjusted for and this made a huge amount was owed to the landlord! I was not able to pay it all until they sorted it finally ON THE 11TH MONTH!!!!
BY WHICH TIME MY LANDLORD HAD ASSUMED MY UPDATES TO HIM WERE JUST LIES ! HE HAD ME EVICTED ! NOW I AM HOMELESS AND THEY HAVE PAID THE UNDERPAYMENT DUE FINALLY - BUT IT WAS TOO LATE TO SAVE MY HOME! There is no apology from anyone for this and it was NOT my fault , i now have been made on paperwork to be a non payer as evicted , landlord wont alter now or give fair reference for another house and as if i would get an apology from the council! LOL!
SO PLEASE DO NOT TAG ALL WITH YOUR LABEL - i did not spend the money or obtain it fraudulantly - went by the book , kept on top of it for the 11 months and i still fell victim to the shitty HB system - I am furious , so we are not all piss takers !
As a special extra the landlord had the arse , the boiler was dangerous and exploded , i had no water for 3.5 wks , and as it happens non gas cert either ! The hob on the oven took 18 months to still not fix for me , and still i'm the arse hole ?????????
no body gives a shit i was right and it was wrong - i have no home / i have to pay for being evicted on top and i now have bad refs when I WAS RIGHT . i have to pay storage , i cannot get a rental as he is deliberately BAD mouthing me.
So some may rinse the system but i was rinsed by the system - and then persecuted to date.. for DOING NOTHING BUT HAVING A KNEE OP, NOT GRASSING THE LANDLORD UP FOR GAS CERT , CANT TAKE ACTION ON THE COUNCIL FOR TAKING SO LONG ! I AM 100% FUKED BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS ! You lot that say we claiming so we must do drugs and have spent it ! - thannku - that is a GREAT HELP!!!
(That the attitude that has caused my story to have escalated to this !)
I for one have worked for 20 yrs of my life , and i have recently had to take the help available from the council whilst i had a cruiciate ligament replacement.
This has been a long time now and i have loathed nearly every second of it. I also found that the system leaves one totally at the councils mercy with rental payments and the way it is infact run is always going to leave the tennants in a less favorable position as the housing benefit calculations are consistantly made incorrectly even if the tennant has provided ALL paperwork in duplicate and done all that they can to speed up the process, the council will still not get it 100%. Combined with the ammendment of miscalculations and the huge amount of things they will chop/ and change the payments for etc.. can take weeks to iron out the smallest issues, even if tennant is on the ball!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a tall filing cabinet which i can say is 3/4 full of HB paperwork alone for my one time only claim! They take so long and to top this you are always 4 wks in arrears with them regardless on a good day! NOTHING IS EVER STRAIGHTFORWARD!
They leave the tennants to update landlord of ANY hold up , adjustment etc.. and i can say this leaves one frequently making what look like false promises to the landlord!
I do realise that this is not the fault of the landlord or that they care about the details involved in getting the benefit , but to just BLAME THE TENNANTS for the flaws in the council system, is unfair. They do make errors , constantly ! Not many recieving HB would be able to make the payments and get back afterward as if they were able the chances are they would not be in receipt of any benefit at all !!!
I did , at my peril - !! I was then told i had an overpayment , and they just applied a deduction of further 10 a week,causing it to be further short , it then took me 10 months to have the payments re-adjusted and the overpayment as i told them on the 1st week they adjusted it ! WAS INFACT AN UNDERPAYMENT - so i was due the underpayment and the 10 reclaimed each week also in error , which is a lot of money in the end ! I was unable to make up the shortfall for all the 10 months it was not adjusted for and this made a huge amount was owed to the landlord! I was not able to pay it all until they sorted it finally ON THE 11TH MONTH!!!!
BY WHICH TIME MY LANDLORD HAD ASSUMED MY UPDATES TO HIM WERE JUST LIES ! HE HAD ME EVICTED ! NOW I AM HOMELESS AND THEY HAVE PAID THE UNDERPAYMENT DUE FINALLY - BUT IT WAS TOO LATE TO SAVE MY HOME! There is no apology from anyone for this and it was NOT my fault , i now have been made on paperwork to be a non payer as evicted , landlord wont alter now or give fair reference for another house and as if i would get an apology from the council! LOL!
SO PLEASE DO NOT TAG ALL WITH YOUR LABEL - i did not spend the money or obtain it fraudulantly - went by the book , kept on top of it for the 11 months and i still fell victim to the shitty HB system - I am furious , so we are not all piss takers !
As a special extra the landlord had the arse , the boiler was dangerous and exploded , i had no water for 3.5 wks , and as it happens non gas cert either ! The hob on the oven took 18 months to still not fix for me , and still i'm the arse hole ?????????
no body gives a shit i was right and it was wrong - i have no home / i have to pay for being evicted on top and i now have bad refs when I WAS RIGHT . i have to pay storage , i cannot get a rental as he is deliberately BAD mouthing me.
So some may rinse the system but i was rinsed by the system - and then persecuted to date.. for DOING NOTHING BUT HAVING A KNEE OP, NOT GRASSING THE LANDLORD UP FOR GAS CERT , CANT TAKE ACTION ON THE COUNCIL FOR TAKING SO LONG ! I AM 100% FUKED BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE ARE IDIOTS ! You lot that say we claiming so we must do drugs and have spent it ! - thannku - that is a GREAT HELP!!!
(That the attitude that has caused my story to have escalated to this !)
65
kira2011-10-06 03:58:23
WOW! - Never thought that such powerful emotions existed until reading this article.
I have only rented a few times in my life with private Landlords and have had some pretty awful experiences: inconsistent electricity, no running water, absence of Landlord for long periods with family clan acting as money collection agents, mass over-crowding, non-receipt of rent paid, sudden climb of rent owed without proper explanation, loud and intrusive building work for weeks on end, the list is endless.
My last Landlord was superb and really liked him a lot, but began to like him more than I should and ended up putting myself out for him all the time. Some of the other tenants made my life hell as they were too interested in my life than their own. The real issues began after I left a job that made me really unhappy - my income changed very suddenly and had to claim H/B for a month but wasn't entitled to any other benefits because of my inheritance (frozen at that time) but still considered of having sustainable means of existence.
I literally had nothing cash-wise for a few months, tried to make some earnings through buying and selling goods on eBay - this did nothing for my income and nowhere near what I needed to pay the rent. I felt ashamed and embarrassed of the situation and esp as I genuinely liked my Landlord whom I had known some years, but things were complicated because I also fell for him.
Never taken drugs ever, never committed criminal offences and only ever claimed H/B for a tiny period of time. I just wasn't going to pay for full rent when I had persistently been without hot running water, no use of washing machine or cooking facilities due to over-crowding - list is long, but all of these things and the fact that I needed an urgent exist given just how complicated things had gotten between us.
I have only rented a few times in my life with private Landlords and have had some pretty awful experiences: inconsistent electricity, no running water, absence of Landlord for long periods with family clan acting as money collection agents, mass over-crowding, non-receipt of rent paid, sudden climb of rent owed without proper explanation, loud and intrusive building work for weeks on end, the list is endless.
My last Landlord was superb and really liked him a lot, but began to like him more than I should and ended up putting myself out for him all the time. Some of the other tenants made my life hell as they were too interested in my life than their own. The real issues began after I left a job that made me really unhappy - my income changed very suddenly and had to claim H/B for a month but wasn't entitled to any other benefits because of my inheritance (frozen at that time) but still considered of having sustainable means of existence.
I literally had nothing cash-wise for a few months, tried to make some earnings through buying and selling goods on eBay - this did nothing for my income and nowhere near what I needed to pay the rent. I felt ashamed and embarrassed of the situation and esp as I genuinely liked my Landlord whom I had known some years, but things were complicated because I also fell for him.
Never taken drugs ever, never committed criminal offences and only ever claimed H/B for a tiny period of time. I just wasn't going to pay for full rent when I had persistently been without hot running water, no use of washing machine or cooking facilities due to over-crowding - list is long, but all of these things and the fact that I needed an urgent exist given just how complicated things had gotten between us.
66
zumba 1232011-10-27 16:11:40
To all landlords
why do most of you never do any repairs on there property
i have needed a flue and chimney liner for 2 years and my landlord doesnt give a crap i have spoken to him wrote him a letter and all he says is leave it with me so i have a gas fire on the wall which i can not use if he as said 2 years ago he was not going to fix it i wouldnt mind, but he as told me 10 times i will sort it.
We have no shower just a crap thing over the bath that i can not fit to the wall
the house wall and garden wall need pointing and a tree need cutting back a lot
HE AS MONEY HE BRAGS HE AS INHERETED ££££££ AS A JOB A PENSION AND THE RENT he as no mortgage
taking the rent and sorting it myself
we have no contract
why do most of you never do any repairs on there property
i have needed a flue and chimney liner for 2 years and my landlord doesnt give a crap i have spoken to him wrote him a letter and all he says is leave it with me so i have a gas fire on the wall which i can not use if he as said 2 years ago he was not going to fix it i wouldnt mind, but he as told me 10 times i will sort it.
We have no shower just a crap thing over the bath that i can not fit to the wall
the house wall and garden wall need pointing and a tree need cutting back a lot
HE AS MONEY HE BRAGS HE AS INHERETED ££££££ AS A JOB A PENSION AND THE RENT he as no mortgage
taking the rent and sorting it myself
we have no contract
67
zumba 1232011-10-27 16:12:55
just to add we pay our own rent @£515 per month
68
zumba 1232011-10-28 10:08:30
can the lanlords on this site please tell me why mine thinks it ok to do no repairs in 8 years of living in his house paying rent (we get no help just couldnt get a mortgage)
when i complain he says i thinking of going to a managment company your rent will increase by about £100 as i need the same income, or might sell if it need that much spending needs about £5000 to but it right and the best one get your dad to pay he as a police pension.
I have had 2 shit landlords who regard me and my working husband as nothing more than a tenenat i have known this man all my life (33 years) since i was 5,
is it to much to ask fir a fire i can use that was working when i moved in and a shower over the bath (an electrical one)
thing he said he would do
1 the garden it needed grass after he removed a workshop and garage (needed doing for 8 years)
2 pointing the wall house damp ( says it the holly tree and we should pay £1000 to have it removed)
3 gates a front (said he would do it 8 years ago)
4, insulate the loft ( needed doing 8 years ago when i qualified for it free he refused to let them do the work)
5 lining the chimney and knew gas flue been saying for 2 years he would do this
when we signed he told us every 5 years he would replace floor covering
he as done nothing but increase the rent and say if we complain a managment firm will take over and there will be a bigger increase in rent
and before you say it he worth ££££££ as he as informed me he inhereted £300,000 since we moved in and the son a joint landlord inhereted £500,000
so my repair are nothing more than pocket change to him
he as a large pension still works and as the rent
thinking of getting the jobs done and deducting it from the rent
A VERY VERY PISSED OF TENENAT
when i complain he says i thinking of going to a managment company your rent will increase by about £100 as i need the same income, or might sell if it need that much spending needs about £5000 to but it right and the best one get your dad to pay he as a police pension.
I have had 2 shit landlords who regard me and my working husband as nothing more than a tenenat i have known this man all my life (33 years) since i was 5,
is it to much to ask fir a fire i can use that was working when i moved in and a shower over the bath (an electrical one)
thing he said he would do
1 the garden it needed grass after he removed a workshop and garage (needed doing for 8 years)
2 pointing the wall house damp ( says it the holly tree and we should pay £1000 to have it removed)
3 gates a front (said he would do it 8 years ago)
4, insulate the loft ( needed doing 8 years ago when i qualified for it free he refused to let them do the work)
5 lining the chimney and knew gas flue been saying for 2 years he would do this
when we signed he told us every 5 years he would replace floor covering
he as done nothing but increase the rent and say if we complain a managment firm will take over and there will be a bigger increase in rent
and before you say it he worth ££££££ as he as informed me he inhereted £300,000 since we moved in and the son a joint landlord inhereted £500,000
so my repair are nothing more than pocket change to him
he as a large pension still works and as the rent
thinking of getting the jobs done and deducting it from the rent
A VERY VERY PISSED OF TENENAT
69
Observer2011-10-28 10:55:23
Zumba, first and foremost, a lot of tenants fall foul of their own sense of being a 'victim', purely because they are renting. Whether your landlord has inherited money is absolutely irrelevant, so do try to stop obsessing over others perceived wealth and your apparent misfortune. You have the ability to move. You have had that option for what sounds like 8 years of misery and yet still you remain. Why? If youre not happy, move. Thats it. End of angst. End of misery.
To address the individual issues, you are clearly living in an old property not a new build. You knew that when moving in. From what you ve said, there has never been an electric shower over the bath. Again, you knew that when you moved in. If you wish to stay, and are desperate for a fire in the front room, there are many options you can take to have one fitted (gas with your LLs consent) that do not need the chimney clearing or the old flue repairing. You can go to b&q this very afternoon and pick up a plug in wall hanging fire......
What I am saying is that you must take responsibility for yourselves. You also contradict yourself. In your first post you say you have no contract, and then you say in your later post he agreed to jobs when you "signed". Either way its irrelevant as you have the protection of a rolling AST (which you can find if you google).
It sounds to me that youre in an old property and wanting the benefits of a new build. Quite simply, move to a new build. Problems solved.
Sitting in a pool of urine for 8 years and complaining that no ones come round to pick you up and dry you off, is ridiculous. Get up and walk. No one is forcing you to sit there.
To address the individual issues, you are clearly living in an old property not a new build. You knew that when moving in. From what you ve said, there has never been an electric shower over the bath. Again, you knew that when you moved in. If you wish to stay, and are desperate for a fire in the front room, there are many options you can take to have one fitted (gas with your LLs consent) that do not need the chimney clearing or the old flue repairing. You can go to b&q this very afternoon and pick up a plug in wall hanging fire......
What I am saying is that you must take responsibility for yourselves. You also contradict yourself. In your first post you say you have no contract, and then you say in your later post he agreed to jobs when you "signed". Either way its irrelevant as you have the protection of a rolling AST (which you can find if you google).
It sounds to me that youre in an old property and wanting the benefits of a new build. Quite simply, move to a new build. Problems solved.
Sitting in a pool of urine for 8 years and complaining that no ones come round to pick you up and dry you off, is ridiculous. Get up and walk. No one is forcing you to sit there.
70
zumba 1232011-10-28 14:51:54
observer
so what your saying is do the jobs myself since i pay full rent with no housing benefit were do i get the money
he promised a shower before we moved in we signed and paid deposit and 2 months in advance when i signed in 2003 had no contract since ran out in 2005
the wall needs pointing due to damp patches
the garden wall is falling down
i want to move but need to find over £1300 for a deposit months rent in advance
well i just hope the wall falls down this winter and if someone get hurt its not my fault
when a landlord tells you somebody is coming to sort the flue out and i waited 2 days to be told he wasnt paying after the quoat
and a landlord who is being paid on time each month to do the jobs that need doing
so what your saying is do the jobs myself since i pay full rent with no housing benefit were do i get the money
he promised a shower before we moved in we signed and paid deposit and 2 months in advance when i signed in 2003 had no contract since ran out in 2005
the wall needs pointing due to damp patches
the garden wall is falling down
i want to move but need to find over £1300 for a deposit months rent in advance
well i just hope the wall falls down this winter and if someone get hurt its not my fault
when a landlord tells you somebody is coming to sort the flue out and i waited 2 days to be told he wasnt paying after the quoat
and a landlord who is being paid on time each month to do the jobs that need doing
71
zumba 1232011-10-28 14:59:15
if i had the money i would move, i am disabled and this is the only place with a downstair toilet in the area i need to live due to my care needs, when we signed in 2003 he said he would do the garden point the wall
he said he was fitting a shower we signed and paid deposit 2 months before we moved in
he got a quoat for a fire but said it was to expensive,
and yes i need the extra heat due to my illness
he said he was fitting a shower we signed and paid deposit 2 months before we moved in
he got a quoat for a fire but said it was to expensive,
and yes i need the extra heat due to my illness
72
Muphex2011-10-28 15:02:44
It sounds to me like he hasn't fulfilled any of his obligations as a landlord Zumba. As such he is in breach of the agreement between yourselves, you to pay on time, he to keep the property in reasonable condition. Whether this is written ina contract or not it is implied. If he isn't being reasonable there is no reason you should. Stop payment of your rent, and whilst he is messing around getting eviction orders you will save your £1, 300 deposit for a new place. Job done.
73
Jeff2011-10-28 15:03:00
Either one of two things is true.
You really haven't tried all that hard to get out of a place that you don't like (playing the victim) or...
This is the only place that has everything you need, and you should be thankful that you managed to find it.
You really haven't tried all that hard to get out of a place that you don't like (playing the victim) or...
This is the only place that has everything you need, and you should be thankful that you managed to find it.
74
zumba 1232011-10-28 15:39:42
i have had a lot of personal problems in 2003 my leg broke it took 15months to get the operation i needed i couldnt walk till 2008 when my mum developed leukaemia and died in 2009, since then i have been treated for depresion
i was thankful when i moved in in 2003 but he as done no repairs to date
as soon as i get the money together i am out of here,
i was thankful when i moved in in 2003 but he as done no repairs to date
as soon as i get the money together i am out of here,
75
kira2011-10-28 15:40:52
There appears to be two types of landlords in this thread: Ones that just want their rent no matter what and those that look out for their tenants and properties so that they know that they will get their cash.
The ones that do care, are those that get onto to emergencies and repairs before they manifest, as well as check with tenant that they are doing okay with money in case of rent shortage: these are the best kind of Landlords as they know that they have the interests of the tenant at heart.
The Landlords who don't care, are those that want their money no matter if the roof is being drilled above a tenant's head for six weeks, electricity cut off, leaking showers, faulty washing tubs and over-crowding. They want the tenant to pay for utilities they can't use and survive in inhospitable conditions if necessary: this is not even a business transaction - It it is fraud.
Absolutely, landlords are not support care workers is understood and they are not there to keep check on your welfare. However, it is part and parcel of any business transaction that they do their utmost to ensure the tenant is living in a squalor-free and/or nuisance-free flat/house. If the landlord suddenly disappears every time there is a maintenance issue or avoids the tenants' requests to deal with a series of faults that affect the living conditions of the property rented, then the conditions of that tenancy alter
significantly.
You don't advertise 'bills paid, hot running water, peace and quite and scenic landscape' and expect full rent: You have changed the transactional conditions by not providing these things or allowing issues to escalate.
The business relationship then becomes affected and landlord should not expect tenant to pay for the advertised package deal. Good landlords will deduct rent if there are such issues that affect the quality of a tenant's well-being or at the very least, come to some agreed arrangement that doesn't leave either disenfranchised. Few landlords understand this code of practice and the ones that don't, are purely inept in their professional capacity, assume that they are above the laws that are there to protect tenants.
My last landlord didn't tussle with me as he knew that I was clued up about things, but some of them will take the most vulnerable out there and intimidate them into all sorts. If he had thrown an axe in my direction, he would have ended up crippled for life if my brothers got to him, so never fear the cuff-sleeve threats of any landlord: keep a diary of what doesn't fit with the advertisement of transaction, get in a council official if there is over-crowds and always get receipts for rent paid.
You can build a simple and strong case if he or she makes things difficult, or just get out and pay nothing like I did and stay with friends. A landlord has as much power as a circus clown if he is taking money from you and not providing everything you have agreed to pay for. Clearly, a leaking tap is nothing, but no hot water for days and weeks on end is another matter, so is no electricity and property going to ruin, lack of privacy and or over-crowding.
but expects timely and exact rent, then he or she is also taking money that they are not entitled because a condition of that transaction is to
The ones that do care, are those that get onto to emergencies and repairs before they manifest, as well as check with tenant that they are doing okay with money in case of rent shortage: these are the best kind of Landlords as they know that they have the interests of the tenant at heart.
The Landlords who don't care, are those that want their money no matter if the roof is being drilled above a tenant's head for six weeks, electricity cut off, leaking showers, faulty washing tubs and over-crowding. They want the tenant to pay for utilities they can't use and survive in inhospitable conditions if necessary: this is not even a business transaction - It it is fraud.
Absolutely, landlords are not support care workers is understood and they are not there to keep check on your welfare. However, it is part and parcel of any business transaction that they do their utmost to ensure the tenant is living in a squalor-free and/or nuisance-free flat/house. If the landlord suddenly disappears every time there is a maintenance issue or avoids the tenants' requests to deal with a series of faults that affect the living conditions of the property rented, then the conditions of that tenancy alter
significantly.
You don't advertise 'bills paid, hot running water, peace and quite and scenic landscape' and expect full rent: You have changed the transactional conditions by not providing these things or allowing issues to escalate.
The business relationship then becomes affected and landlord should not expect tenant to pay for the advertised package deal. Good landlords will deduct rent if there are such issues that affect the quality of a tenant's well-being or at the very least, come to some agreed arrangement that doesn't leave either disenfranchised. Few landlords understand this code of practice and the ones that don't, are purely inept in their professional capacity, assume that they are above the laws that are there to protect tenants.
My last landlord didn't tussle with me as he knew that I was clued up about things, but some of them will take the most vulnerable out there and intimidate them into all sorts. If he had thrown an axe in my direction, he would have ended up crippled for life if my brothers got to him, so never fear the cuff-sleeve threats of any landlord: keep a diary of what doesn't fit with the advertisement of transaction, get in a council official if there is over-crowds and always get receipts for rent paid.
You can build a simple and strong case if he or she makes things difficult, or just get out and pay nothing like I did and stay with friends. A landlord has as much power as a circus clown if he is taking money from you and not providing everything you have agreed to pay for. Clearly, a leaking tap is nothing, but no hot water for days and weeks on end is another matter, so is no electricity and property going to ruin, lack of privacy and or over-crowding.
but expects timely and exact rent, then he or she is also taking money that they are not entitled because a condition of that transaction is to
76
Observer2011-10-31 10:28:44
Good plan zumba. Move.
Kira, there is only one kind of landlord. The one who needs his rent paid on time and in full as per the agreement made with a willing tenant. Thats it. This whole attitude that landlords are charities set up to provide some sort of welfare service is ridiculous. That includes, private, council, and housing association landlords. Everyone of those can only provide housing, to those who need housing, by collecting rent to pay for it.
I have never known one single tenant, who prior to taking on a property, approached a potential landlord and said;
"I may not pay on time. I have a sick cat who may need vets fees paying, and if so, I wont pay your rent that month. I will make it difficult for you to access your property and for you to contact me. I will expect you to respond to my texts within a couple of hours, but I reserve the right to ignore yours until a court tells me otherwise. In the case of severe hardship (mine, not yours of course) I will cease all payments and will refuse to vacate the property unless you go to great lengths and costs to obtain an eviction notice from a court. I will have no concience whatsoever that the rent you require from me, enables you to house your family. Youre a lanlord, and as such, are on an equal footing to estate agents as 'most hated' by tenants. It is our job as tenants to ensure the housing stock currently owned privately, is trashed, and uninhabitable for the next tenant, is not paid for, and in fact our ultimate goal is to force either a mortgage default or deny you any benefit whatsoever from the 30 years you have spent purchasing this property (at mortgage rates averaging 10%/year). We are the next generation and we are entitled to everything .. for nothing in return"
Sadly the laws of this land allow this to happen on a daily basis. Tenants have never in the history of tenant law, had more rights as they do now. So my advice to landlords is this;
If a tenant is refusing access to maintain gas/utility services, have the services cut off in the road. Transco will do this FOC as tenants tampering with utilities is a life threatening situation, and youd be surprised at how many attempt to circumvent the meters.
At the first sign of late or no payment, instigate a section 21 immediately. There is no need whatsoever to accrue months and months of outstanding rent, when you have the right to terminate the tenancy on a 2 month notice.
Chasing tenants round for payments, and believing false promises of future payments will drive you to an early grave, and risk continual damage to your property. It is also not neccesary.
Wishing to evict for non-payment of rent, may indeed give you the correct outcome in priciple, and a court order against that individual as a default payer, but the time taken and the personal cost to you will never recoup what youve lost.
Simply evict on a 2 month 'no fault' section 21, as you are entitled to do at any point.
There are plenty of good tenants out there, looking for affordable housing (Zumbas £500/month! Wow, wouldnt get you a rabbit hutch where I am) who will pay on time come hell or high water, and appreciate what they have. There are also plenty of tenants out there who are happy to invest some effort into keeping a property nice, as of course they are the ones living there and its their quality of life they are improving.
Landlords, you do not have to put up with the 'takers' of this world. Especially those with chips on their shoulders a mile wide. 2 months notice, thats it. Use it.
Kira, there is only one kind of landlord. The one who needs his rent paid on time and in full as per the agreement made with a willing tenant. Thats it. This whole attitude that landlords are charities set up to provide some sort of welfare service is ridiculous. That includes, private, council, and housing association landlords. Everyone of those can only provide housing, to those who need housing, by collecting rent to pay for it.
I have never known one single tenant, who prior to taking on a property, approached a potential landlord and said;
"I may not pay on time. I have a sick cat who may need vets fees paying, and if so, I wont pay your rent that month. I will make it difficult for you to access your property and for you to contact me. I will expect you to respond to my texts within a couple of hours, but I reserve the right to ignore yours until a court tells me otherwise. In the case of severe hardship (mine, not yours of course) I will cease all payments and will refuse to vacate the property unless you go to great lengths and costs to obtain an eviction notice from a court. I will have no concience whatsoever that the rent you require from me, enables you to house your family. Youre a lanlord, and as such, are on an equal footing to estate agents as 'most hated' by tenants. It is our job as tenants to ensure the housing stock currently owned privately, is trashed, and uninhabitable for the next tenant, is not paid for, and in fact our ultimate goal is to force either a mortgage default or deny you any benefit whatsoever from the 30 years you have spent purchasing this property (at mortgage rates averaging 10%/year). We are the next generation and we are entitled to everything .. for nothing in return"
Sadly the laws of this land allow this to happen on a daily basis. Tenants have never in the history of tenant law, had more rights as they do now. So my advice to landlords is this;
If a tenant is refusing access to maintain gas/utility services, have the services cut off in the road. Transco will do this FOC as tenants tampering with utilities is a life threatening situation, and youd be surprised at how many attempt to circumvent the meters.
At the first sign of late or no payment, instigate a section 21 immediately. There is no need whatsoever to accrue months and months of outstanding rent, when you have the right to terminate the tenancy on a 2 month notice.
Chasing tenants round for payments, and believing false promises of future payments will drive you to an early grave, and risk continual damage to your property. It is also not neccesary.
Wishing to evict for non-payment of rent, may indeed give you the correct outcome in priciple, and a court order against that individual as a default payer, but the time taken and the personal cost to you will never recoup what youve lost.
Simply evict on a 2 month 'no fault' section 21, as you are entitled to do at any point.
There are plenty of good tenants out there, looking for affordable housing (Zumbas £500/month! Wow, wouldnt get you a rabbit hutch where I am) who will pay on time come hell or high water, and appreciate what they have. There are also plenty of tenants out there who are happy to invest some effort into keeping a property nice, as of course they are the ones living there and its their quality of life they are improving.
Landlords, you do not have to put up with the 'takers' of this world. Especially those with chips on their shoulders a mile wide. 2 months notice, thats it. Use it.
77
zumba 1232011-10-31 10:57:25
my lanlord was only refused access to check the boiler once the day of my mums funeral (it was the only day he could get someone or so he said) have had plumbers turn up with no notice and let them in in the past, we have 2 bedrooms no garden no garage no shower no loft insulation.
he as phoned today and ask was there a problem why the rent was late
he said he wanted to get the chimney flue sorted but at £500 for a gorgi registared plumber was to high he wanted his mate to do the job for £250 a builder none gorgi registatred and didnt know the regulatultion had changed.
he know says he will get me an elecrtric fire with surround on sale for £200 on thursday
i have also told him i need to fit a shower over the bath a mixer tap one as its easier for me he as said i can now do this work, (only need a pole on the wall)
still saving to move but will take a few months to get the money together
he as phoned today and ask was there a problem why the rent was late
he said he wanted to get the chimney flue sorted but at £500 for a gorgi registared plumber was to high he wanted his mate to do the job for £250 a builder none gorgi registatred and didnt know the regulatultion had changed.
he know says he will get me an elecrtric fire with surround on sale for £200 on thursday
i have also told him i need to fit a shower over the bath a mixer tap one as its easier for me he as said i can now do this work, (only need a pole on the wall)
still saving to move but will take a few months to get the money together
78
Observer2011-10-31 12:06:01
You are a very lucky lady Zumba. Late rent? I would have hand delivered your 2 months Notice to Quit this morning.
Your landlord is under no legal obligation whatsoever, to provide a second heat source in your front room, even if there was one there originally. You have central heating, and the law assumes the landlord will maintain that central heating. You are very lucky indeed that he is offering to provide a second heat source at no cost to yourself.
Just one word of warning re the shower. You must ensure that if you indeed fit an over bath mixer tap onto the wall, that you also ensure adequate shower curtains or screens are fitted also, for all 360degrees. The water damage done by inadequately fitted showers runs into thousands, and your bath will not have been fitted originally with the intent of providing a water tight seal to accomodate an overhead shower.
For this reason, I would have refused permission to let you do this. Again, there is no legal obligation on behalf of your landlord to provide you with a shower, and hes taking a huge risk letting you do a DIY job.
What you are about to do, will become next years gripe that your kitchen ceiling is falling in due to water damage from the bathroom, or water is dripping down your light fitting. You'll be back on here, calling your landlord all sorts, for not fixing it............
Personally, I would have issued notice instead, and found a tenant with respect, and happy to take on the property as is. The rent certainly reflects its condition.
Your landlord is under no legal obligation whatsoever, to provide a second heat source in your front room, even if there was one there originally. You have central heating, and the law assumes the landlord will maintain that central heating. You are very lucky indeed that he is offering to provide a second heat source at no cost to yourself.
Just one word of warning re the shower. You must ensure that if you indeed fit an over bath mixer tap onto the wall, that you also ensure adequate shower curtains or screens are fitted also, for all 360degrees. The water damage done by inadequately fitted showers runs into thousands, and your bath will not have been fitted originally with the intent of providing a water tight seal to accomodate an overhead shower.
For this reason, I would have refused permission to let you do this. Again, there is no legal obligation on behalf of your landlord to provide you with a shower, and hes taking a huge risk letting you do a DIY job.
What you are about to do, will become next years gripe that your kitchen ceiling is falling in due to water damage from the bathroom, or water is dripping down your light fitting. You'll be back on here, calling your landlord all sorts, for not fixing it............
Personally, I would have issued notice instead, and found a tenant with respect, and happy to take on the property as is. The rent certainly reflects its condition.
79
zumba 1232011-10-31 13:49:22
i wouldnt have minded if he had said 2 years ago he wouldnt replace the fire disconected the gas and removed the fire, but to be told that he was going to fix it have 3 plumbers round to give quoats and be told it would be fixed by 22 october 2011
we had a leaking radiator that took 6 weeks for him to fix which ruined the carpet which i replaced at a cost of £600
i have always paid rent on time and have lived here for 8 years
our bathroom is over his kitchen due to shared space in the house and the mixer tap/shower that is there already need replacing which we are willing to do, if your are a landlord would you have refused permision for loft insulation when we moved in i had health problems and was on disability benefits and would have recieved free insulation.
i have had complaints about my garden wall which is collapsing a large tree in the garden is causing problems for a neighbour and i can not afford the cost to have it cut back the roots are blocking her drains
we had a leaking radiator that took 6 weeks for him to fix which ruined the carpet which i replaced at a cost of £600
i have always paid rent on time and have lived here for 8 years
our bathroom is over his kitchen due to shared space in the house and the mixer tap/shower that is there already need replacing which we are willing to do, if your are a landlord would you have refused permision for loft insulation when we moved in i had health problems and was on disability benefits and would have recieved free insulation.
i have had complaints about my garden wall which is collapsing a large tree in the garden is causing problems for a neighbour and i can not afford the cost to have it cut back the roots are blocking her drains
80
zumba 1232011-10-31 14:45:04
i was only 2 weeks late with rent but if yoy check with my bank he only ever cashes the cheque 3 weeks after i give it to him i get no reciept no rent book no written contract so no proof when i pay just when it leaves my account (he asked to be paid by cheque)
forgot to mention before there was a mixer tap shower already just wrong fitting on wall and i have been unable to stand in a bath for 8 years due to my disability to use as a shower and i have no realised it had the wrong wall fitting so we have permision to change it
bye the way a leting agent came round a few weeks ago with the intension of taking on the property but said the rent would be £475 as we have no garden no garage and the bathroom was very dated (1950s) so he decided against it leaving the rent at £515 until christmas when it will increase to £550
forgot to mention before there was a mixer tap shower already just wrong fitting on wall and i have been unable to stand in a bath for 8 years due to my disability to use as a shower and i have no realised it had the wrong wall fitting so we have permision to change it
bye the way a leting agent came round a few weeks ago with the intension of taking on the property but said the rent would be £475 as we have no garden no garage and the bathroom was very dated (1950s) so he decided against it leaving the rent at £515 until christmas when it will increase to £550
81
kira2011-10-31 16:41:38
Late reply to Observer.
I believe that my post was interpreted out of the context in which it was written.
The problematic issue that seems to arise out of this letting matter, is that the ethical infrastructure has been demolished in the wake of contemporary values. In simpler terms, what this means is that we live in an ever increasing self - regulating economy: we must be as financially independent as possible if we are to be mobile, successful and possibly wealthy.
This is how it used to be when there was a feudal society in the past, so there is a trend that we are going backwards instead of forwards. The ideal in this money-hungry economy, is that we have humanitarian landlords: They do exist, but few and far between.
When I discussed the issue of 'landlord looking out for tenants well-being' it was meant more in the respect of a business deal, not in a human bonding sort of approach. For instance, the LD may disappear for weeks and not collect his or her rent and send round others acting on his behalf. The tenant naturally has no knowledge of who this person is, whether the money they hand over is going to reach the appropriate person (Landlord).
In this instance, there are communication issues, tenant left not knowing if there is an actual genuine business relationship. The same applies for instance, when the Landlord is informed, made aware of there being extensive building work on property but does nothing to ask if the tenant minds the disturbance? - Many such examples can be given.
All professional and business transactions between clients must be consistent, unless notified otherwise. In the event of relationship and communication breakdown, often found to be at the centre of a business loss, the Landlord will then see the tenant's unwilling nature to stay at their end of the bargain as a direct attack on them.
However, in real hindsight the matter is far more ethical in nature because few tenants will evade rent unless they have a good relationship with landlord. We are not discussing squatters and the homeless - This is a separate debate of its own accord. Tenants are people and need to know the boundaries, where the line of communication is with their landlord because they are not walking cash joints without problems of their own. I would have been more than happy to discuss the financial hardship with my Landlord if I felt him to be trustworthy enough, but I just didn't.
It isn't a matter of being charitable at all. It is just about acknowledging the facts of life: people's circumstances change, their lives altered by financial hardship/once had peace and tranquillity until they had to share with nine others. The same applies to unattended maintenance issues where Landlord does not do repairs that affect quality of tenant's life, abandon projects that cause health and safety issues.
Rarely is there a two-tone colour to this issue and why it is that this discussion can evaporate into next millennia, yet fundamental to this argument is communication, that without an adequate enough resource of it, leaves the doors of trust wide open to both parties that this topic of interest affects.
I believe that my post was interpreted out of the context in which it was written.
The problematic issue that seems to arise out of this letting matter, is that the ethical infrastructure has been demolished in the wake of contemporary values. In simpler terms, what this means is that we live in an ever increasing self - regulating economy: we must be as financially independent as possible if we are to be mobile, successful and possibly wealthy.
This is how it used to be when there was a feudal society in the past, so there is a trend that we are going backwards instead of forwards. The ideal in this money-hungry economy, is that we have humanitarian landlords: They do exist, but few and far between.
When I discussed the issue of 'landlord looking out for tenants well-being' it was meant more in the respect of a business deal, not in a human bonding sort of approach. For instance, the LD may disappear for weeks and not collect his or her rent and send round others acting on his behalf. The tenant naturally has no knowledge of who this person is, whether the money they hand over is going to reach the appropriate person (Landlord).
In this instance, there are communication issues, tenant left not knowing if there is an actual genuine business relationship. The same applies for instance, when the Landlord is informed, made aware of there being extensive building work on property but does nothing to ask if the tenant minds the disturbance? - Many such examples can be given.
All professional and business transactions between clients must be consistent, unless notified otherwise. In the event of relationship and communication breakdown, often found to be at the centre of a business loss, the Landlord will then see the tenant's unwilling nature to stay at their end of the bargain as a direct attack on them.
However, in real hindsight the matter is far more ethical in nature because few tenants will evade rent unless they have a good relationship with landlord. We are not discussing squatters and the homeless - This is a separate debate of its own accord. Tenants are people and need to know the boundaries, where the line of communication is with their landlord because they are not walking cash joints without problems of their own. I would have been more than happy to discuss the financial hardship with my Landlord if I felt him to be trustworthy enough, but I just didn't.
It isn't a matter of being charitable at all. It is just about acknowledging the facts of life: people's circumstances change, their lives altered by financial hardship/once had peace and tranquillity until they had to share with nine others. The same applies to unattended maintenance issues where Landlord does not do repairs that affect quality of tenant's life, abandon projects that cause health and safety issues.
Rarely is there a two-tone colour to this issue and why it is that this discussion can evaporate into next millennia, yet fundamental to this argument is communication, that without an adequate enough resource of it, leaves the doors of trust wide open to both parties that this topic of interest affects.
82
kira2011-10-31 16:57:02
To Conclude, my sister rents out her properties and her individual approach is to be flexible with tenants as well as have the kind of humanitarian approach that is less evident in the British culture: she is Swedish and has never once had to evict one person, even if they have not paid rent on time etc.. The deal works, that she has tenants who do the maintenance for free through contacts, refurbish lettings off their own back to high standards - She gets so much in return in times of monetary loss.
She is not out to make profit of any sort, she has her own home. There is a definite difference in ethical culture between the UK and the rest of Europe I know for certain, I just wish that people were not in this line of business for profit reasons or to live a quality of life that alienates them from the rest of humanity.
She is not out to make profit of any sort, she has her own home. There is a definite difference in ethical culture between the UK and the rest of Europe I know for certain, I just wish that people were not in this line of business for profit reasons or to live a quality of life that alienates them from the rest of humanity.
83
Observer2011-10-31 17:37:27
I was about to respond with a full reply, then realised Im wasting my breath, so will just say, what utter rubbish.
This is naive, ill informed and something out of a student union bar. I suggest you direct your bile to the thousands of council tenants currently occupying social housing and earning in excess of £100,000 per year. Now thats your social model in action for you, and I dont see any of those tenants crying in their beer every night at the current state of homelessness amongst 'their own'.
As to swedish law, whilst you paint a wonderful humanitarian view of your sister, I suggest you read up on swedish tenancy law. Your sister has no choice. Good luck finding an apartment in Stockholm though............. Sweden has no housing stock whatsoever, due to the 'feudal life tenancies' they allowed. Really good example of how theyve crippled social housing in a country.
Making a profit is not a swear word. Its an absolute neccesity to support our welfare state. Just go ask my tax man.
This is naive, ill informed and something out of a student union bar. I suggest you direct your bile to the thousands of council tenants currently occupying social housing and earning in excess of £100,000 per year. Now thats your social model in action for you, and I dont see any of those tenants crying in their beer every night at the current state of homelessness amongst 'their own'.
As to swedish law, whilst you paint a wonderful humanitarian view of your sister, I suggest you read up on swedish tenancy law. Your sister has no choice. Good luck finding an apartment in Stockholm though............. Sweden has no housing stock whatsoever, due to the 'feudal life tenancies' they allowed. Really good example of how theyve crippled social housing in a country.
Making a profit is not a swear word. Its an absolute neccesity to support our welfare state. Just go ask my tax man.
84
zumba 1232011-10-31 17:40:38
observer
i know the landlord as no need to replace the fire but he told me on 3 seperate times he would,3 times the plumber as been to give him a quoat. as for the shower i can not get in or out or a bath and have been using my dads shower for 8 years he is now moving so i have no means of bathing, as i have a bath from 1950s bath lift will not fit in the bath
as i said before i was told to wait in on 20/21 october for the chimney to be fixed so i could use the fire until he found out the builder was not a gorgi gas fitter i cancelled a hospital appointment on 21st october and now can not be seen till next year thank god it a routine check,
i understand landlords are not a charity but i have upheld my side or the contract (verbal) for 8 years done small repairs decoratd laid knew carpets replaced back gate
i know the landlord as no need to replace the fire but he told me on 3 seperate times he would,3 times the plumber as been to give him a quoat. as for the shower i can not get in or out or a bath and have been using my dads shower for 8 years he is now moving so i have no means of bathing, as i have a bath from 1950s bath lift will not fit in the bath
as i said before i was told to wait in on 20/21 october for the chimney to be fixed so i could use the fire until he found out the builder was not a gorgi gas fitter i cancelled a hospital appointment on 21st october and now can not be seen till next year thank god it a routine check,
i understand landlords are not a charity but i have upheld my side or the contract (verbal) for 8 years done small repairs decoratd laid knew carpets replaced back gate
85
helium2011-11-01 00:21:21
Observer I think your comments are pure class..Especially no.77.
Unfortunately for me my tenant started messing me around from month 2 of her tenancy agreement. So I am now into month 4 of no rent payments. The section 21 can only be served in the last 2 months of the tenancy and so it expires after Dec 1st. Then i will have to apply to the court so it looks like i'v got another 3 months of non-payment until the bailifs turn up. My tenant from hell and her 3 kids are not even living there anymore, I am just paying my buy-to let mortgage to store her stuff.
She is a first class bitch, she has damaged the property and left all her trampy stuff lying round the place. She's told me in no uncertain terms that if i try to enter then her friend who lives a few doors away will tell her and she will get me done for stealing things. (even though it will be a bare faced lie) I don't think she'll go back because she probably can't afford to clear her gas and electric emergency credit in the meter. She hasn't paid any other utility bills.
As for nick her stuff LOL I wouldn't even dirty my bin with it!!!!!
The property has been vacant for 32 days now, even though it says on the TA that more than 28 days vacant means the tenancy has been surrendered.
She say's it's her legal rights to keep her stuff in my property and there is nothing I can do about it and i guess she is right. How shit, the laws an ASS.
My pipes are probably going to burst over the winter.
When i told the dss after 2 months of non-payment of rent, they said they would pay me direct. They didn't and guess why? The lazy bitch couldn't be arsed to fill the forms in and send them back to them regarding the matter. So they stopped her claim all together.
But then why would she? Its not her that's losing out, only me.
If u r thinking y didn't I serve a section 8, well i did but then a solicitor said it could get thrown out because the TA doesn't make provisions for the tenancy to be brought to an end early by non-payment of rent. I just can't afford to waste the court fee.
I am only just managing to keep up the BTL payments.
What a nice christmas we are going to have. NOT!
But at least reading your posts put a smile on my face....
Unfortunately for me my tenant started messing me around from month 2 of her tenancy agreement. So I am now into month 4 of no rent payments. The section 21 can only be served in the last 2 months of the tenancy and so it expires after Dec 1st. Then i will have to apply to the court so it looks like i'v got another 3 months of non-payment until the bailifs turn up. My tenant from hell and her 3 kids are not even living there anymore, I am just paying my buy-to let mortgage to store her stuff.
She is a first class bitch, she has damaged the property and left all her trampy stuff lying round the place. She's told me in no uncertain terms that if i try to enter then her friend who lives a few doors away will tell her and she will get me done for stealing things. (even though it will be a bare faced lie) I don't think she'll go back because she probably can't afford to clear her gas and electric emergency credit in the meter. She hasn't paid any other utility bills.
As for nick her stuff LOL I wouldn't even dirty my bin with it!!!!!
The property has been vacant for 32 days now, even though it says on the TA that more than 28 days vacant means the tenancy has been surrendered.
She say's it's her legal rights to keep her stuff in my property and there is nothing I can do about it and i guess she is right. How shit, the laws an ASS.
My pipes are probably going to burst over the winter.
When i told the dss after 2 months of non-payment of rent, they said they would pay me direct. They didn't and guess why? The lazy bitch couldn't be arsed to fill the forms in and send them back to them regarding the matter. So they stopped her claim all together.
But then why would she? Its not her that's losing out, only me.
If u r thinking y didn't I serve a section 8, well i did but then a solicitor said it could get thrown out because the TA doesn't make provisions for the tenancy to be brought to an end early by non-payment of rent. I just can't afford to waste the court fee.
I am only just managing to keep up the BTL payments.
What a nice christmas we are going to have. NOT!
But at least reading your posts put a smile on my face....
86
zumba 1232011-11-01 08:29:10
to all landlords never mentioned in my post my husband and i get no housing benefit and pay our own rent council tax and all utillity bills and my husband works full time
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Observer2011-11-02 10:36:04
Helium, you have the right of entry, just ensure you have a witness with you at all times, as of course shes going to squeal that you stole £1000 cash left on the side............
Hand deliver (with a witness) 48 hours notice that you will be attending the property to enter and inspect. It is absolutely your responsibility to ensure safety and security if theres any hint of abandonment. If the place went up with a gas explosion and your neighbours state that you were aware it was empty, you will be in a sticky place.
What you must not do is 'take possession', and under no circumstances, change the locks. You are not entering to do that, you are also not there to go through her possesions, so please do be witnessed at all times.
You are entering to ensure the place is safe, that there is no ongoing damage via water leaks etc and that it has been left secure. Squatters are a very real threat here.
Your tenant is quite entitled to keep her possesions there and not use the property (paying for it is a different issue), but continual absence is a problem. I would also leave notice within the property that you will be attending weekly to ensure the place is safe and secure, unless she contacts you, to confirm her residency. Be witnessed at all times (any suit will do....)
In the meantime, yes, serve immediate notice, dated correctly for the last day of the 6 month period. Do ensure again the correct dates are used. Once done, the courts are very quick these days at hearing possesion requests, quite often within 14 days especially if you believe the property is abandoned, and you can do it yourself via your local county court, based simply on the statutory notice given.
Recouping lost rent and damages is the minefield, and dont get hung up on the financial side of this which may delay actually regaining your property. You need to get your house back as soon as you possibly can, that should be your top priority.
If you then have fight left in you, I personally would take seperate measures via the small claims court after her eviction. This can be done online and is actually very easy to do. You will need to find where she lives next, so give this some thought as to how you 'follow' her. Get my drift? Keep all your records, ensure you take plenty of photos for damage etc, and again, inspection on the day of repossession with an independant witness.
Keep all receipts for work done, and show that you did indeed gain the best possible quote for work carried out. Your small claims will need your tenancy contract also, that shows clearly her intent to pay rent on the days stated, and your statement of payments received.
Just dont tie your possesion action up with any financial losses. She only needs to walk into court with £100 payment in goodwill and the court will delay possesion (as your complaint is non payment NOT you wanting the house back......)
If you resign yourself up front to getting nothing, you may even enjoy the persuit of this woman over the next year....... They think they cant be found..... but they can :)
Good luck.
Hand deliver (with a witness) 48 hours notice that you will be attending the property to enter and inspect. It is absolutely your responsibility to ensure safety and security if theres any hint of abandonment. If the place went up with a gas explosion and your neighbours state that you were aware it was empty, you will be in a sticky place.
What you must not do is 'take possession', and under no circumstances, change the locks. You are not entering to do that, you are also not there to go through her possesions, so please do be witnessed at all times.
You are entering to ensure the place is safe, that there is no ongoing damage via water leaks etc and that it has been left secure. Squatters are a very real threat here.
Your tenant is quite entitled to keep her possesions there and not use the property (paying for it is a different issue), but continual absence is a problem. I would also leave notice within the property that you will be attending weekly to ensure the place is safe and secure, unless she contacts you, to confirm her residency. Be witnessed at all times (any suit will do....)
In the meantime, yes, serve immediate notice, dated correctly for the last day of the 6 month period. Do ensure again the correct dates are used. Once done, the courts are very quick these days at hearing possesion requests, quite often within 14 days especially if you believe the property is abandoned, and you can do it yourself via your local county court, based simply on the statutory notice given.
Recouping lost rent and damages is the minefield, and dont get hung up on the financial side of this which may delay actually regaining your property. You need to get your house back as soon as you possibly can, that should be your top priority.
If you then have fight left in you, I personally would take seperate measures via the small claims court after her eviction. This can be done online and is actually very easy to do. You will need to find where she lives next, so give this some thought as to how you 'follow' her. Get my drift? Keep all your records, ensure you take plenty of photos for damage etc, and again, inspection on the day of repossession with an independant witness.
Keep all receipts for work done, and show that you did indeed gain the best possible quote for work carried out. Your small claims will need your tenancy contract also, that shows clearly her intent to pay rent on the days stated, and your statement of payments received.
Just dont tie your possesion action up with any financial losses. She only needs to walk into court with £100 payment in goodwill and the court will delay possesion (as your complaint is non payment NOT you wanting the house back......)
If you resign yourself up front to getting nothing, you may even enjoy the persuit of this woman over the next year....... They think they cant be found..... but they can :)
Good luck.
88
Cardifflandlord2011-11-02 18:13:30
@helium: Again excellent advice from Observer.
Only thing I would add is be careful about what you bill the tenant for in the way of repairs. You can only claim what it would take to bring the property upto the standard it was when it was let to them (hence the need for an independent inventory) as if you get everything repaired to as new - you will be liable for the part from the 'as rented' to the'as new'. Legally this is called 'betterment' and you are not allowed to claim for 'betterment'.
If property was brand new when they moved in (ie they were the first people in) the you could throw the entire amount at them. However you have to take into account wear and tear etc. If they damaged a 10 year old central heating boiler you could only claim for essentially the scrap value of the unit and not the entire cost of having a new one installed. Same with a sofa - if it was second hand you could only claim for the cost of replacing the unit with a like for like item and not a brand new unit.
If you go out and spend £5k on getting everything repaired and replaced and then give the bill to the tenant then they will say bollocks to you and when it goes to court the magistrate will then ask you to provide evidence to back up your claim. You may end up ££££'s out of pocket.
You need to ask yourself how likely is it your tenant is going to give you anything even if you do sue them when they have buggered off leaving you out of pocket already? Even if you win you might only get back £2/week.
Good luck
Only thing I would add is be careful about what you bill the tenant for in the way of repairs. You can only claim what it would take to bring the property upto the standard it was when it was let to them (hence the need for an independent inventory) as if you get everything repaired to as new - you will be liable for the part from the 'as rented' to the'as new'. Legally this is called 'betterment' and you are not allowed to claim for 'betterment'.
If property was brand new when they moved in (ie they were the first people in) the you could throw the entire amount at them. However you have to take into account wear and tear etc. If they damaged a 10 year old central heating boiler you could only claim for essentially the scrap value of the unit and not the entire cost of having a new one installed. Same with a sofa - if it was second hand you could only claim for the cost of replacing the unit with a like for like item and not a brand new unit.
If you go out and spend £5k on getting everything repaired and replaced and then give the bill to the tenant then they will say bollocks to you and when it goes to court the magistrate will then ask you to provide evidence to back up your claim. You may end up ££££'s out of pocket.
You need to ask yourself how likely is it your tenant is going to give you anything even if you do sue them when they have buggered off leaving you out of pocket already? Even if you win you might only get back £2/week.
Good luck
89
helium2011-11-02 20:57:07
Thanks for the advice observer. Cardifflandlord stupidly I didn't have an inventory so I wont be claiming for damages.
Observer I think you are right, if i have any fight left in me at the end of this then i will just go about claiming for the lost rent once i find out her new address at the small claims court.
I text her the other day and offered her £200 plus no court action if she removed her stuff and surrendered the tenancy but she has just ignored me.
I spoke to someone at the council today and they are getting a tenancy enforcement officer to ring me back within a couple of days to advise what i can do regarding the abandoment issue.
I'm also going to see the police about the fraudelent reference that she supplied. Written by her mother on stolen headed paper.
I'll keep you's posted.
Thanks again.
Observer I think you are right, if i have any fight left in me at the end of this then i will just go about claiming for the lost rent once i find out her new address at the small claims court.
I text her the other day and offered her £200 plus no court action if she removed her stuff and surrendered the tenancy but she has just ignored me.
I spoke to someone at the council today and they are getting a tenancy enforcement officer to ring me back within a couple of days to advise what i can do regarding the abandoment issue.
I'm also going to see the police about the fraudelent reference that she supplied. Written by her mother on stolen headed paper.
I'll keep you's posted.
Thanks again.
90
Observer2011-11-02 23:04:03
Thanks Cardifflandlord, and same back at ya, you're bob on re betterment.
Helium, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the onus is squarely on you to check references. A quick call to the letterhead and speak in person to the writer of the reference would have blown that one out of the water.
The thing is, references are a dubious area at the best of times. Fred West could have provided a hundred good references. You in fact could have had fabulous genuine references, and this still could have happened (but less likely).
Proof of identity, copies of driving licence / passport, bank statements, utilities etc and validating where they have lived in the last 12 months are absolutely vital. Always get previous landlord references, and always speak to the previous landlord. Dodgy tenants usually mess with dates, so a quick call, will confirm they were where they were, when they said they were. Plus over the phone, you will get far more information than you could ever expect in writing.
Tenants who know you have loads of personal data on them, tend to behave better. Cant understand why..... :) But I can guarantee a tenant whose got away with a dodgy name and dodgy references, will 10 times out of 10, utterly trash your property.
This is indeed a massive learning curve, but a bit of effort up front, will save you loads of hassle down the line, and I do sympathise, but you will recover, and be very much wiser the next time. There are no short cuts in property rental, and the onus is squarely on landlords to find out what they need to know, in advance.
Personally, I dont use agents. Nothing to do with saving a couple of quid, but they dont have a personal interest in the business, and for me, cause more problems than they solve. The front end is bob on. The inventory and photos are accurate. When I serve notice, I know its correct. I ensure decent tradesmen are used, and I have my finger on the pulse when it comes to rent. Plus my tenants have my number 24/7 and Ive never refused to take a call. Sometimes they dont like my response, but they do appreciate knowing I am contactable 24/7.
It benefits both you and your tenants to do things the right way. I hardly dare ask about your deposit scheme? But next time, you'll defo get it right at the front end.
Always always assume the worst, and Im sure you will after all this. But good luck, I do hope you get somewhere with it soon.
Helium, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the onus is squarely on you to check references. A quick call to the letterhead and speak in person to the writer of the reference would have blown that one out of the water.
The thing is, references are a dubious area at the best of times. Fred West could have provided a hundred good references. You in fact could have had fabulous genuine references, and this still could have happened (but less likely).
Proof of identity, copies of driving licence / passport, bank statements, utilities etc and validating where they have lived in the last 12 months are absolutely vital. Always get previous landlord references, and always speak to the previous landlord. Dodgy tenants usually mess with dates, so a quick call, will confirm they were where they were, when they said they were. Plus over the phone, you will get far more information than you could ever expect in writing.
Tenants who know you have loads of personal data on them, tend to behave better. Cant understand why..... :) But I can guarantee a tenant whose got away with a dodgy name and dodgy references, will 10 times out of 10, utterly trash your property.
This is indeed a massive learning curve, but a bit of effort up front, will save you loads of hassle down the line, and I do sympathise, but you will recover, and be very much wiser the next time. There are no short cuts in property rental, and the onus is squarely on landlords to find out what they need to know, in advance.
Personally, I dont use agents. Nothing to do with saving a couple of quid, but they dont have a personal interest in the business, and for me, cause more problems than they solve. The front end is bob on. The inventory and photos are accurate. When I serve notice, I know its correct. I ensure decent tradesmen are used, and I have my finger on the pulse when it comes to rent. Plus my tenants have my number 24/7 and Ive never refused to take a call. Sometimes they dont like my response, but they do appreciate knowing I am contactable 24/7.
It benefits both you and your tenants to do things the right way. I hardly dare ask about your deposit scheme? But next time, you'll defo get it right at the front end.
Always always assume the worst, and Im sure you will after all this. But good luck, I do hope you get somewhere with it soon.
91
I Know My Rights....2011-11-16 20:35:45
I have been in the same position, 3 x times this year and the Law is on THEIR side...hence I know my rights!!!!
So as a landlord who is sick to death of parasites feeding off my family and our income, yes we both work full time and shifts plus extra work to enable us to have properties so our kids can go to university in years to come.....God I could go on, but you get the picture.
So, if your still awake....yawn! I am putting together a website to balance the 'I know my rights brigade' with one for Landlords (about time too, hooray!). Its called RateMyTenant.co.uk and will be used ONLY to rate GOOD tenants, so if your bad tenant complains that they are not on the list...tuff! Moral of the story is, play good and when you want to move and have a good reference then maybe the next landlord will check you out first on my site. If your NOT there, do you really think they will entertain you one bit....NOPE!
The site is under construction at the moment, however you can follow us on Twitter and FaceBook or email us and we will notify you of the launch.....we are here to help landlords and GOOD tenants.
So as a landlord who is sick to death of parasites feeding off my family and our income, yes we both work full time and shifts plus extra work to enable us to have properties so our kids can go to university in years to come.....God I could go on, but you get the picture.
So, if your still awake....yawn! I am putting together a website to balance the 'I know my rights brigade' with one for Landlords (about time too, hooray!). Its called RateMyTenant.co.uk and will be used ONLY to rate GOOD tenants, so if your bad tenant complains that they are not on the list...tuff! Moral of the story is, play good and when you want to move and have a good reference then maybe the next landlord will check you out first on my site. If your NOT there, do you really think they will entertain you one bit....NOPE!
The site is under construction at the moment, however you can follow us on Twitter and FaceBook or email us and we will notify you of the launch.....we are here to help landlords and GOOD tenants.
92
Ann Taylor2011-11-26 18:06:35
My tenant left (and left the country). All seemed well, and i returned the deposit, but now Im getting letters from creditors of his as he had run up over 10K in debt. I know bailiffs etc can be very difficult to deal with, so before contacting the creditor and trying to explain the situation, I am trying to find out if there are any potential hazards in even broaching the subject with them. Any tips or past experience in this area would be gratefully received.
Needless to say, I cant seem to track him down anywhere (changed mobile phone), even on Facebook.
Needless to say, I cant seem to track him down anywhere (changed mobile phone), even on Facebook.
93
zumba 1232011-11-26 18:36:29
I had this problem when i moved into a flat after i married i contacted creditors explained i was a new tennent and once i proved i wasnt the person they wanted it was fine,
contact creditors explain tennent as left with no forwarding address
contact creditors explain tennent as left with no forwarding address
94
Ken2011-12-08 17:35:39
I have two previous tenants who have had creditors chasing them...I just enjoy forwarding their details to those who want to know their new address.
One tenant literally owes hundreds of thousands due to property she owned and a business collapse, this doesn't pay for the flat that I owned and she trashed.... but it puts a smile of my face knowing either the Police (yes they also want to know her location) or the creditors know where she resides ;)
One tenant literally owes hundreds of thousands due to property she owned and a business collapse, this doesn't pay for the flat that I owned and she trashed.... but it puts a smile of my face knowing either the Police (yes they also want to know her location) or the creditors know where she resides ;)
95
nikki2011-12-10 01:08:48
I hate assholes who advise deadbeat tenant "don't pay rent, let him evict you". Some of us landlords are honest and just want to pay our mortgage. It's not our fault that circumstances in your life changed. Why are you living in my house at my expense. Stupid court systems do anything and everything to screw a landlord. while these deadbeats get evicted from one place to another and live in each place for six months or more free. Every article you read advises tenants to "not pay rent" WTF! What about the landlord who now has to cover the rental portion of the income to pay mortgage and he can't even rent it out to another person because these serial deadbeat tenants won't pay rent. Court systems in NY sucK!!!!!!
96
nikki2011-12-10 01:13:12
My deadbeat tenants keep breaking things and then call 311 to complain and when we try to fix it, they won't let anyone in. They keep postponing court dates. This is nonesense. How the hell do you get these assholes out? Only a landlord can sympathise with a landlord.
97
adrian2011-12-20 13:03:57
Wow - I think this is a great example of how not to run your business or manage your investment.
Golden rule is don't get personal. The tenant hasn't paid; so what?
If the interactions with the tenant is a problem then consider having the property managed. Less hassle.
The financials: well if £1,500 is a problem then it would be better to drop out of renting and put your money elsewhere.
As I said, wow.
I've run a business for 10 years and had client dispute / fail to pay invoices running into 6 figures. More often than not, the client business is in trouble (certainly in these times) and believe me, the excuses tend to be a lot more calculated and removed from the truth. Many times I've had to call in the legal experts.
But I know my business, my market and understand and accept the trading risks I have. If something goes wrong then I pull out when I need to and I take a step back and review what I have done wrong to allow the wrong to happen.
Need-less-to-say, my business does make a hell of a lot of money.
So, I personally think your blog is a remarkable show of naivety and I think you have some work to do. I don't think you have any right to talk in such a way about any tenant.
Understand your business and understand your risk - and then concentrate on making money rather than getting personal.
You might not like this comment but then again, with a blog like your one, you deserve an honest reply.
Golden rule is don't get personal. The tenant hasn't paid; so what?
If the interactions with the tenant is a problem then consider having the property managed. Less hassle.
The financials: well if £1,500 is a problem then it would be better to drop out of renting and put your money elsewhere.
As I said, wow.
I've run a business for 10 years and had client dispute / fail to pay invoices running into 6 figures. More often than not, the client business is in trouble (certainly in these times) and believe me, the excuses tend to be a lot more calculated and removed from the truth. Many times I've had to call in the legal experts.
But I know my business, my market and understand and accept the trading risks I have. If something goes wrong then I pull out when I need to and I take a step back and review what I have done wrong to allow the wrong to happen.
Need-less-to-say, my business does make a hell of a lot of money.
So, I personally think your blog is a remarkable show of naivety and I think you have some work to do. I don't think you have any right to talk in such a way about any tenant.
Understand your business and understand your risk - and then concentrate on making money rather than getting personal.
You might not like this comment but then again, with a blog like your one, you deserve an honest reply.
98
The Landlord2011-12-20 16:36:48
@adian,
Amazingly, you've completely misunderstood what's going on here. I know my risks, I know tenants fall in arrears in this game. All I'm doing is venting my frustration.
I've listed a bunch of reasons why I hate(d) my tenant. How is that reflecting the way I run my business/investment? They're my inner thoughts that remain anonymous from my tenants.
Getting frustrated over late payments and/or people is completely different to failing to understand the risks. Have you NEVER been frustrated by late payments? If so, what am I doing that's so different from your amazing business acumen (besides from the fact I wrote it down)? Nothing!
If such a basic situation slipped through your thought process, I dread to think how many other common-sense based factors has slipped through your business (the one you have run for 10 years).
Amazingly, you've completely misunderstood what's going on here. I know my risks, I know tenants fall in arrears in this game. All I'm doing is venting my frustration.
I've listed a bunch of reasons why I hate(d) my tenant. How is that reflecting the way I run my business/investment? They're my inner thoughts that remain anonymous from my tenants.
Getting frustrated over late payments and/or people is completely different to failing to understand the risks. Have you NEVER been frustrated by late payments? If so, what am I doing that's so different from your amazing business acumen (besides from the fact I wrote it down)? Nothing!
If such a basic situation slipped through your thought process, I dread to think how many other common-sense based factors has slipped through your business (the one you have run for 10 years).
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Adrian2011-12-20 22:18:46
You seem to get quite personal and emotional about things - which is absolutely the point I've tried to make to you.
There's a difference also between getting frustrated and to that of being quite unprofessional. I think the comments you've made are quite unprofessional, as well as your approach to the problem.
Accept that it'll not always go your way - that's business.
Re the slipped common sense comment: you signed up the tenant not me. A bit of due diligence goes a long way.
I'll close on this note as I get the impression you a little one sided.
There's a difference also between getting frustrated and to that of being quite unprofessional. I think the comments you've made are quite unprofessional, as well as your approach to the problem.
Accept that it'll not always go your way - that's business.
Re the slipped common sense comment: you signed up the tenant not me. A bit of due diligence goes a long way.
I'll close on this note as I get the impression you a little one sided.
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The Landlord2011-12-20 23:45:49
Yeah, if someone doesn't pay rent, I do take it personally. Because it's ME that's going to suffer because of it. This blog is built on my emotions, and I think that's why people connect with it. If I wrote without emotion, this place would pile up with other "news" websites.
How am I being unprofessional? I'm professional towards my tenants and how I handle the situation, regardless of my frustrations. Like I said, my blog is just where I release my inner thoughts. If I explicitly write that I want to stab my tenant in the eye with a fork, it doesn't mean I'm going to do it.
I accept things won't always go my way, but it doesn't mean I can't bitch about it. I know death is a part of life, but it doesn't mean I won't mourn when someone dies.
I don't really understand any of your points, so we'll just agree to disagree.
How am I being unprofessional? I'm professional towards my tenants and how I handle the situation, regardless of my frustrations. Like I said, my blog is just where I release my inner thoughts. If I explicitly write that I want to stab my tenant in the eye with a fork, it doesn't mean I'm going to do it.
I accept things won't always go my way, but it doesn't mean I can't bitch about it. I know death is a part of life, but it doesn't mean I won't mourn when someone dies.
I don't really understand any of your points, so we'll just agree to disagree.
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Observer2011-12-21 02:51:59
Personally, I think its about time we cut the PC ties that bind, and this is a fab blog that does just that. Maybe naive in parts, but there is nothing to lose by reminding tenants that this is indeed a 'personal' business and individuals are 'personally' impacted.
Ive done both, business owner and landlord, and theres a world of difference between writing off a business bad debt at the end of the year, and having your wallet mugged by an individual you entrusted with your greatest asset.
In the days when we could call fat people fat, we had a nation of slim, fit, productive individuals. Our own PC correctness has created a nation with an excuse for every occasion and every personal failing. Its time to stop the humouring. Am I a 'bring back Capital punishment, bring back debtors prison' commentor?
Probably yes, as as a nation, we desperately need an injection of personal responsibility, not more excuses.
When asking landlords to be grown up and professional, its important to not lose sight that someone else has committed the grievance. Tenants are big enough and grown up enough to sign tenancys and take on rental property, yet we find excuses when they fail to understand those contracts and fail to meet their obligations. Landlords are forced (quite correctly) to abide by their side of the contract, yet rogue tenants are able to run out on them and repeat the cycle elsewhere. The law needs to change to stop this.
Failure to disclose on tenancy applications, must be enforceable with punitive action (no quibble loss of deposit? Black listed from private rentals?). Failure to address arrears and/or make good damages,must be enforceable (again standard no quibble CCJ including a punitive 'fine' for attempting to avoid?) Damage to property and failure to take out adequate contents insurance again, must be met with punitive action. Until Landlords are correctly compensated for their losses on a punitive level, tenants will keep doing what theyre doing.
So, in a long winded way, what I think Im saying is, with the law as it stands, and Landlords only ever being able to pursue the actual current value of items, the loss of rent etc with no additional compensation for having been subjected to this bad behaviour, this is a fab blog for landlords to let off steam!
This is a 'personal' business, and theres no harm whatsoever, if finally, someone points out how bad behaviour has personally affected them. Yes a reader may feel its a naive reaction, but hey, the point is, at least there is a reaction. Dont lose sight of the original grievance, and what this blog has addressed is the top ten most common bad behaviours in the letting business. At no point has anyone been personally identified.
Keep blogging Landlord, and yep, fat people are fat. Happy Christmas All.
Ive done both, business owner and landlord, and theres a world of difference between writing off a business bad debt at the end of the year, and having your wallet mugged by an individual you entrusted with your greatest asset.
In the days when we could call fat people fat, we had a nation of slim, fit, productive individuals. Our own PC correctness has created a nation with an excuse for every occasion and every personal failing. Its time to stop the humouring. Am I a 'bring back Capital punishment, bring back debtors prison' commentor?
Probably yes, as as a nation, we desperately need an injection of personal responsibility, not more excuses.
When asking landlords to be grown up and professional, its important to not lose sight that someone else has committed the grievance. Tenants are big enough and grown up enough to sign tenancys and take on rental property, yet we find excuses when they fail to understand those contracts and fail to meet their obligations. Landlords are forced (quite correctly) to abide by their side of the contract, yet rogue tenants are able to run out on them and repeat the cycle elsewhere. The law needs to change to stop this.
Failure to disclose on tenancy applications, must be enforceable with punitive action (no quibble loss of deposit? Black listed from private rentals?). Failure to address arrears and/or make good damages,must be enforceable (again standard no quibble CCJ including a punitive 'fine' for attempting to avoid?) Damage to property and failure to take out adequate contents insurance again, must be met with punitive action. Until Landlords are correctly compensated for their losses on a punitive level, tenants will keep doing what theyre doing.
So, in a long winded way, what I think Im saying is, with the law as it stands, and Landlords only ever being able to pursue the actual current value of items, the loss of rent etc with no additional compensation for having been subjected to this bad behaviour, this is a fab blog for landlords to let off steam!
This is a 'personal' business, and theres no harm whatsoever, if finally, someone points out how bad behaviour has personally affected them. Yes a reader may feel its a naive reaction, but hey, the point is, at least there is a reaction. Dont lose sight of the original grievance, and what this blog has addressed is the top ten most common bad behaviours in the letting business. At no point has anyone been personally identified.
Keep blogging Landlord, and yep, fat people are fat. Happy Christmas All.
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Cardifflandlord2011-12-21 10:18:14
Well said Observer.
Merry Christmas to you and The Landlord and to all who stop by this blog (except those that have really pissed me off this year - you know who you are)
love and peace in 2012!
Merry Christmas to you and The Landlord and to all who stop by this blog (except those that have really pissed me off this year - you know who you are)
love and peace in 2012!
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Adrian2011-12-21 22:17:40
Observer makes some excellent points - I can't fault them.
I am not meaning to be mean but it seems this site has a cluster of landlords that desperately do need to be regulated.
The comments by the original blogger are appalling - it's something that needs sight and I'll ensure it does get that.
You simply can't get away with these can of comments in this society.
Personally - I am willing to take to absolutely on. And I am no crack head or failure.
I am not meaning to be mean but it seems this site has a cluster of landlords that desperately do need to be regulated.
The comments by the original blogger are appalling - it's something that needs sight and I'll ensure it does get that.
You simply can't get away with these can of comments in this society.
Personally - I am willing to take to absolutely on. And I am no crack head or failure.
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Observer2011-12-22 09:44:25
Adrian, landlords are regulated. It's by tenancy law that can see landlords acting outside of that 'regulation', jailed. It's pretty clear cut and far from toothless.
There's no such equality on the tenant 'regulation' front. The worst that can happen to tenants is eviction, via a time consuming possession order and/or a CCJ regards damage or rent arrears. That's it and as it stands, all a rogue tenant need do is lie on his next application, and he's free to repeat the cycle again.
It's ridiculous when compared to say laws against uninsured car drivers. You can subject a community to persistant rogue tenants, making lives miserable on a daily basis, demanding the innocent neighbours having to put up with it whilst having to collect their own evidence to go through the aggro of pursuing asbo's. Landlords are utterly powerless to take action direct. And yet you're 1000 times more likely to live next door to anti social rogue tenants, than be hit by an uninsured car driver.
My Christmas message is for tenants to be regulated by a system with teeth. An open easily accessible register is urgently needed of eviction actions taken. Points stay on driving licenses for 4 years, tenant possession orders should be the same. Councils should provide the ' social' housing for the rogue problem tenancies and those with good clean records should enjoy the benefit of good private rentals.
The standard of private rentals will improve dramatically overnight. Private landlords will return to invest in their housing stock without fear of annual trashing, and communities will enjoy pleasant neighbours to live with. It's a win all round whilst putting the onus on councils and governments to address the rogues. If they were paying the bill, (which is costing the private sector millions each year) we'd have enforceable regulation in days. Surely it's the least we can do for all those decent hard working tenants out there who are equally blighted by the bad apples?
Happy Christmas all, Cardiff landlord and all, hope you have a lovely quiet one! xx
There's no such equality on the tenant 'regulation' front. The worst that can happen to tenants is eviction, via a time consuming possession order and/or a CCJ regards damage or rent arrears. That's it and as it stands, all a rogue tenant need do is lie on his next application, and he's free to repeat the cycle again.
It's ridiculous when compared to say laws against uninsured car drivers. You can subject a community to persistant rogue tenants, making lives miserable on a daily basis, demanding the innocent neighbours having to put up with it whilst having to collect their own evidence to go through the aggro of pursuing asbo's. Landlords are utterly powerless to take action direct. And yet you're 1000 times more likely to live next door to anti social rogue tenants, than be hit by an uninsured car driver.
My Christmas message is for tenants to be regulated by a system with teeth. An open easily accessible register is urgently needed of eviction actions taken. Points stay on driving licenses for 4 years, tenant possession orders should be the same. Councils should provide the ' social' housing for the rogue problem tenancies and those with good clean records should enjoy the benefit of good private rentals.
The standard of private rentals will improve dramatically overnight. Private landlords will return to invest in their housing stock without fear of annual trashing, and communities will enjoy pleasant neighbours to live with. It's a win all round whilst putting the onus on councils and governments to address the rogues. If they were paying the bill, (which is costing the private sector millions each year) we'd have enforceable regulation in days. Surely it's the least we can do for all those decent hard working tenants out there who are equally blighted by the bad apples?
Happy Christmas all, Cardiff landlord and all, hope you have a lovely quiet one! xx
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helium2011-12-24 01:10:41
Once again the Observer is absolutely right... I love reading your posts. Thanks to the Landlord as well as it is this site that has kept me sane, it makes you realise that you are not the only one that this is happening to. There are indeed others in the same boat and that is a comfort when you think everything that has happened must be your own fault.
I hope you all have a lovely christmas and a great new year. x
I hope you all have a lovely christmas and a great new year. x
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cardifflandlord2011-12-24 11:06:38
@Adrian - sorry, no idea what you are babbling on about - Merry Christmas anyway.
Observer, Merry Christmas to you too - thanks for your posts and heres hoping for more lunatics in 2012!
Be safe everyone
CL
Observer, Merry Christmas to you too - thanks for your posts and heres hoping for more lunatics in 2012!
Be safe everyone
CL
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dave2011-12-30 22:59:43
Found this website by chance, what a bunch of crazy arseholes.
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