Refusing DSS Tenants Is Discrimination
Written by The Landlord on 13 Feb 2012Joke. Obviously.
During the weekend there’s been fireworks over on the other side of my blog. Whenever my blog gets an erratic surge of activity, it’s usually over a DWP / DSS Tenants related topic. It’s good to know that some things never change. Head over to the Reasons Why Landlords Shouldn’t Accept DSS Tenants blog post to catch up on the drama.
I didn’t participate in the discussion because the conversation seemed to be going around in circles, and more importantly, it was the bloody weekend. I religiously reserve the weekend to get my freak on!
Even though I didn’t partake in the discussion, I truly made the best of a bad situation. I was receiving an email each time someone contributed a new comment, consequently my phone was vibrating like crazy. Needless to say, I slipped my phone into my boxer-shorts and enjoyed the repercussions of my blog post in my own beautiful way.
I’ve only just got around to reading the comments. It consisted of the general bullshit I expect from people that are too ignorant to understand anything beyond their own reality. Nothing new there. But I want to address one specific statement made by a few people. I’m told, “Refusing DSS Tenants Is Discrimination”, and it’s similar to refusing “Blacks”, “Irish” and “Asians”
Amusing.
That particular Red Herring has been flapping around for a while, and I want to kill it. With a sledge hammer.
Anyone that carries that kind of mindset clearly doesn’t understand the dynamics of being a landlord or what being a landlord is all about. The irony is, anyone that believes refusing DSS tenants is a form of discrimination is a self-righteous ignorant bell-end. Yeah, I said it.
My list of reasons why refusing DSS tenants is NOT discrimination
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Being a landlord is NOT a charity based organisation, it’s a business based on profit. I think that’s what most
peopleDSS tenants fail to appreciate. Our job is to secure suitable tenants to ensure our profits don’t fall. A major aspect of running a successful business is “risk-assessment” Some tenants have higher risk than others, and landlords just want to minimize their risk. For example, a bank is unlikely to authorise a loan to someone receiving benefits. Is that discrimination, or is it a decision based on risk-assessment?Yes, even the lower-risk tenants can cause problems. And yes, the higher-risk (DSS tenants) can be the best tenants in the world. But this is about risk-assessment, and the odds are stacked against the DSS tenants. This type of risk-assessment is practised by almost every business in some shape or form, but more relevantly, businesses that deal in loans and insurance.
Landlords don’t refuse DSS tenants because they have something “personal” against the individual as a human being. They generally refuse DSS tenants based on their undeniable financial circumstance. No one is ASSUMING DSS tenants have financial difficulties.
The fact is, ANYONE running a business (regardless of whether they’re receiving Housing Benefits or not) will try to minimize their risks, so it alludes me that people fail to understand that concept when it’s regarding Landlords and DSS tenants.
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The whole argument that refusing DSS tenants is on the same par as discriminating against a race is laughable; it’s almost not worth defending. But I will, because the statement is silly, and I’m in a silly mood (I suspect that comment will come back to haunt me if/when the protesters attack).
The financial circumstance of a tenant has a direct impact of how they may affect MY business of being a landlord; someone’s race DOES NOT. So no, those analogies are nothing alike in the current context; so you can stick the “race card” up your anal-passage and choke on it.
Find me a family with an employed Asian wife, and an employed black husband, with a mixed race baby, and I’ll happily give them tenancy. Find me a family with the same racial statuses that are unemployed, and I won’t be so willing.
- Most Landlord Insurance companies refuse to insure landlords with DSS tenants. The very few that do cover DSS tenants have a high premium. Why? Because at some point or another, statistics signified that a high portion of landlord claimants had DSS tenants. So the root of the problem is far deeper than landlords simply refusing refusing DSS tenants; it’s also based on the fact we can’t get the proper protection policies in place to secure our investments when giving tenancies to DSS tenants.
- Landlords want to keep their risk at a minimum (going back to risk-management), just like any business. That is why I would rather give tenancy to a family that consists of 2 employed individuals as opposed to a family that receives Housing Benefit. How is protecting my investment by obtaining the most “secure” tenants an act of discrimination? If you were a landlord that had the choice between a) a family that consisted of two doctors or b) a single unemployed individual receiving Housing benefits, which would you give tenancy to? It’s a no-brainer, as is this argument.
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Common misconception- all landlords are rich. That’s seriously bullshit. Most landlords struggle to make any profit, especially in this climate. All it takes is ONE tenant to fall into arrears for a landlord to go under. Then, the landlord would only add to the list of people in receivership of Housing Benefit. What good would that do anyone?
Point being, some times the whole risk-management aspect is crucial to the landlord’s livelihood.
- I personally refuse DSS tenants because of my past experience with the “system”, and not the individuals themselves. The protection for landlords when DSS tenants fall into arrears is scandalous.
I’ve housed a DSS tenant that intentionally fell into arrears so she could get moved up the “Council Housing” priority list. I’m not saying all DSS tenants would do that. However, The question needs to be asked, why would the council move someone up the priority list AFTER they fall into arrears? Who knows, but it’s actually common practise.
Actions like that are awful for the landlord because they’re left out of pocket and equally as awful for the genuine DSS tenants struggling to find a tenancy. Why would I want to support a system like that?
To reiterate, this isn’t a gripe I have with the claimants, it’s a gripe I have with the system. I have made that clear on several occasions.
I’ve said the following a million times on almost every single one of my DSS related blog posts, but only a handful seems to pay any attention, while the others get filled with rage and ignorance. But here it is again:
- I appreciate, understand and even sympathise with misfortune. I know not all DSS tenants are the same; I know there are good and bad DSS tenants; I’m aware that many DSS tenants genuinely don’t deserve to be in the position they’re in; I’m aware that there are genuinely good DSS tenants out there that are struggling because others have given them a bad reputation. I get it. It sucks, and I mean it. It’s truly a shitty deal. However, DSS tenants are still high-risk in-comparison to professional-working families, so that is why I would rather give tenancy to the latter. I’m not saying that the working-professionals won’t or can’t fall into arrears, but I am saying it is less likely, hence the risk-management.
- I’m not saying landlords should or shouldn’t accept DSS tenants, I’m just saying landlords have a legitimate reason for not accepting them, and DSS tenants should understand it’s not about discrimination.
The root of the problem is deeper than simply, “landlords refusing DSS tenants” – so much deeper. Getting ALL landlords to accept DSS tenants won’t resolve the underlying issues of a broken system.
By all means, be annoyed that some landlords refuse to house DSS tenants, but don’t call it discrimination, because it really isn’t.
Either way, I don’t really expect to have changed minds. I just wanted to make my justifications clear.
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83 Comments - join the conversation...
Showing 34 - 83 comments (out of 83)
Hester2012-03-01 11:33:42
"Nationwide are doing 90% mortgages for FTB, anyone can get on the housing ladder if they try hard. You have to start somewhere and "CANNOT EVER AFFORD to get on the housing ladder" is so defeatist."
You are actually telling a tenant that if they don't like the way the rental sector does things, go buy a house instead rather than rectify the problems that there are.
I dont think there are any other type of business men that would do that. You would be at an advantage if MORE people started renting you idiot. What kind of way to run business is that? THAT is where the bad reputation comes from. Its exactly the same when a L.L. wont do repairs and basically says 'if you dont like it live elsewhere' and serves a notice to evict. Exactly the same principle, its bad for business and it gives the whole sector a bad name.
More people are starting to rent, because they CANNOT afford to get a mortgage. In the current economic climate people are struggling for money to buy fuel and food for gods sake. How can they save a deposit? Are you saying that all the people choosing to rent are just lazy and cant be bothered to save? You have no clue.
You have just proved, in the last few comments, everything I said in the first place.
You are actually telling a tenant that if they don't like the way the rental sector does things, go buy a house instead rather than rectify the problems that there are.
I dont think there are any other type of business men that would do that. You would be at an advantage if MORE people started renting you idiot. What kind of way to run business is that? THAT is where the bad reputation comes from. Its exactly the same when a L.L. wont do repairs and basically says 'if you dont like it live elsewhere' and serves a notice to evict. Exactly the same principle, its bad for business and it gives the whole sector a bad name.
More people are starting to rent, because they CANNOT afford to get a mortgage. In the current economic climate people are struggling for money to buy fuel and food for gods sake. How can they save a deposit? Are you saying that all the people choosing to rent are just lazy and cant be bothered to save? You have no clue.
You have just proved, in the last few comments, everything I said in the first place.
34
Hester2012-03-01 11:37:07
WHY DOES THE RENTAL SECTOR EXIST?
Please answer me that. Why. Is it because EVERYONE can afford to buy a house?
Please answer me that. Why. Is it because EVERYONE can afford to buy a house?
35
YesAdam2012-03-01 11:49:46
Hester, im telling you that you are hostile to landlords in a allusion that all landlords are cunts. I've proven to you why this stereotype exists but theirs no convincing you that most landlords are fine business men.
You are at odds with rental sector, so should look elsewhere or try and change it. Since you slag off good landlords and don't believe they exist - good luck with that.
You said that "CANNOT EVER AFFORD to get on the housing ladder" which i completely disagree with, im a glass half full kind of guy. Anyone can change their life with determination.
As for "You would be at an advantage if MORE people started renting you idiot" - I own two companies one is lettings and one is mortgages... So you idiot, your stereotyping again.
You are at odds with rental sector, so should look elsewhere or try and change it. Since you slag off good landlords and don't believe they exist - good luck with that.
You said that "CANNOT EVER AFFORD to get on the housing ladder" which i completely disagree with, im a glass half full kind of guy. Anyone can change their life with determination.
As for "You would be at an advantage if MORE people started renting you idiot" - I own two companies one is lettings and one is mortgages... So you idiot, your stereotyping again.
36
emma2012-03-01 11:57:21
Copying and pasting everyone's comments is becoming boring Hester.
As for my "disgusting attitude" - I fail to see the disgusting element to it!! You are moaning left right and center about landlords being "cunts" as you so disgustingly put it - and yet you haven't got the savvy to get up of your arse and do something to make all these landlord "cunts" go away.
What is there to fix about the sector?? Its a supply and demand business. You don't have to rent a house, no one forces you to! Or are you the type to think it is your right that us landlords put a roof over your head. You moan about us yet you are homesless without us??????
Cannot afford to get on the housing ladder - Cannot be bothered unless its given to them you mean. 10% desposit is all that's required. The same desposit I put down on my first house - its really not that complicated unless you make it.
I like your inclusion of the word rich. So all landlords are rich are they? Is that why you didn't pay your rent for 3 months as you thought "fuck them, they're rich". Probably why the landlord didn't have legal representation in court - tossers like you who don't pay their rent mean that he's having to support a second house.
And I'm a twat am I. I'm not the left winged do gooder, sponging, low life, leach, sitting in a rented house, seething with envy at those, who like me, have done well for themselves and invested their hard earned cash into something thats a worthwhile investment for their future.
Good luck with yours because you are certainly going to need it
As for my "disgusting attitude" - I fail to see the disgusting element to it!! You are moaning left right and center about landlords being "cunts" as you so disgustingly put it - and yet you haven't got the savvy to get up of your arse and do something to make all these landlord "cunts" go away.
What is there to fix about the sector?? Its a supply and demand business. You don't have to rent a house, no one forces you to! Or are you the type to think it is your right that us landlords put a roof over your head. You moan about us yet you are homesless without us??????
Cannot afford to get on the housing ladder - Cannot be bothered unless its given to them you mean. 10% desposit is all that's required. The same desposit I put down on my first house - its really not that complicated unless you make it.
I like your inclusion of the word rich. So all landlords are rich are they? Is that why you didn't pay your rent for 3 months as you thought "fuck them, they're rich". Probably why the landlord didn't have legal representation in court - tossers like you who don't pay their rent mean that he's having to support a second house.
And I'm a twat am I. I'm not the left winged do gooder, sponging, low life, leach, sitting in a rented house, seething with envy at those, who like me, have done well for themselves and invested their hard earned cash into something thats a worthwhile investment for their future.
Good luck with yours because you are certainly going to need it
37
Benji2012-03-01 14:04:19
Hester,
Cut out the beer and fags and save up a deposit.
At £600 a month you can buy a £100000 house.
You could buy half of Mansfield for that.
Any chance of another rant?
Cut out the beer and fags and save up a deposit.
At £600 a month you can buy a £100000 house.
You could buy half of Mansfield for that.
Any chance of another rant?
38
twattybollocks2012-03-01 15:40:39
Blimey, I'm really enjoying this and I can't even say I started it!
Nice one Emma and Benji.
Hester - you are going to blow your aorta in a minute whilst venting your spleen. You actually have some interesting things to say in there amongst the bollocks. If you are that wound up by it all why not run as a candidate on your local council so you can actually start to do something instead of just mouthing off about how bad your lot is and how bad landlords are. Those who can do - those who can't sit and moan about it.
Give me a few minutes to make a cuppa so i can sit back and enjoy the next installment!
Nice one Emma and Benji.
Hester - you are going to blow your aorta in a minute whilst venting your spleen. You actually have some interesting things to say in there amongst the bollocks. If you are that wound up by it all why not run as a candidate on your local council so you can actually start to do something instead of just mouthing off about how bad your lot is and how bad landlords are. Those who can do - those who can't sit and moan about it.
Give me a few minutes to make a cuppa so i can sit back and enjoy the next installment!
39
Tomski2012-03-01 20:01:17
LOL @ Hester - people like you make ma laugh... You complain about landlords, but as someone said before: no-one is putting a gun to your head! If you don't like landlords, don't rent! Move in with your parents or save for a deposit and buy your own place. Do you expect private people who invested their own hard earned money into their own properties to support you? Is there anything else general public should do? Should we buy you a car? Should we you some pocket money every month? I second what Emma said above:
"And I'm a twat am I. I'm not the left winged do gooder, sponging, low life, leach, sitting in a rented house, seething with envy at those, who like me, have done well for themselves and invested their hard earned cash into something thats a worthwhile investment for their future."
I am a twat, too, and a cunt. I have just bought my first buy to let flat in London, having moved to UK only 5 years ago from - attention - Poland! I came here with a couple grand to start, I got a job, saved for a residential mortgage deposit, bought my own flat in London and now saved for a BTL deposit and bought another flat. Of course, being an "Eastern European migrant" I probably stole your job, too. Don't say it can't be done - I came to UK in 2006 and I did it. If you were born here and can't afford a flat, you have taken a few wrong turns in your life, mate. And it is not society's fault, your landlord's fault, your dad's fault or my fault - you can only blame yourself. You should hang your head in shame and stop blaming people who are successful!
"And I'm a twat am I. I'm not the left winged do gooder, sponging, low life, leach, sitting in a rented house, seething with envy at those, who like me, have done well for themselves and invested their hard earned cash into something thats a worthwhile investment for their future."
I am a twat, too, and a cunt. I have just bought my first buy to let flat in London, having moved to UK only 5 years ago from - attention - Poland! I came here with a couple grand to start, I got a job, saved for a residential mortgage deposit, bought my own flat in London and now saved for a BTL deposit and bought another flat. Of course, being an "Eastern European migrant" I probably stole your job, too. Don't say it can't be done - I came to UK in 2006 and I did it. If you were born here and can't afford a flat, you have taken a few wrong turns in your life, mate. And it is not society's fault, your landlord's fault, your dad's fault or my fault - you can only blame yourself. You should hang your head in shame and stop blaming people who are successful!
40
Jeremy2012-03-01 23:07:08
Hello Hester,
You don't say but I get the impression you're funded by DSS. Am I right? I wonder if part of your problem is that you are lumped in the collection of DSS people who many landlords will not consider renting to.
Then, unfortunately, despite being a tenant that a good landlord would want you find they're too risk adverse to rent to you, because they can't tell if you're quality or not. So unfortunately you end up gravitating towards those landlords who will look after DSS. And some of those will be people who understand you don't have a strong barganing position and take unfair advantage.
So it is perfectly reasonable that your view from your friends and family and my view based on the (yes, all employed) people I know are both correct.
It's because the view has been taken from two different sub-sets of the rental market.
And hence we go back to what everyone else has been saying: It is a minority of landlords who are nasty people.
As far as the survey goes, this is very comprehensive. If every landlord is as awful as you say then what possibility of an inspection of 6,600 houses finding only a few problems? None.
Can I suggest: Next time go round a house with a mate who's a builder. Or even pay a builder to go round with you on a viewing. They'll know the signs of a bodge like you and I can't spot. And hopefully, your next house / landlord will actually do the right thing by you.
You don't say but I get the impression you're funded by DSS. Am I right? I wonder if part of your problem is that you are lumped in the collection of DSS people who many landlords will not consider renting to.
Then, unfortunately, despite being a tenant that a good landlord would want you find they're too risk adverse to rent to you, because they can't tell if you're quality or not. So unfortunately you end up gravitating towards those landlords who will look after DSS. And some of those will be people who understand you don't have a strong barganing position and take unfair advantage.
So it is perfectly reasonable that your view from your friends and family and my view based on the (yes, all employed) people I know are both correct.
It's because the view has been taken from two different sub-sets of the rental market.
And hence we go back to what everyone else has been saying: It is a minority of landlords who are nasty people.
As far as the survey goes, this is very comprehensive. If every landlord is as awful as you say then what possibility of an inspection of 6,600 houses finding only a few problems? None.
Can I suggest: Next time go round a house with a mate who's a builder. Or even pay a builder to go round with you on a viewing. They'll know the signs of a bodge like you and I can't spot. And hopefully, your next house / landlord will actually do the right thing by you.
41
Jeremy2012-03-01 23:18:37
@ Everyone who's replied to Hester
Yes, he's onbjectionably foul-mouthed. And his head is in the wrong place because he thinks what he has suffered is what every renter goes through.
But if you were a renter and had to put up with what he says he's gone through, how would you feel?
If landlords are to make renting an attractive proposition then telling someone to stop renting because a landlord has treated them badly, is fankly pathetic. It really is not a possibility for some people. DSS benefit is aid to a much wider range of reciepents than the work-shy. Just show how sensible you are by rising above the abuse.
Yes, he's onbjectionably foul-mouthed. And his head is in the wrong place because he thinks what he has suffered is what every renter goes through.
But if you were a renter and had to put up with what he says he's gone through, how would you feel?
If landlords are to make renting an attractive proposition then telling someone to stop renting because a landlord has treated them badly, is fankly pathetic. It really is not a possibility for some people. DSS benefit is aid to a much wider range of reciepents than the work-shy. Just show how sensible you are by rising above the abuse.
42
Benji2012-03-02 09:05:19
Steady with the insults Jeremy! You've just called her an objectionably foul mouthed bloke on DSS benefits with their head in the wrong place.
Quote post 26- -"I've not been on DSS since I moved from the council house."
& Hester is a 'she'.
Quote post 26- -"I've not been on DSS since I moved from the council house."
& Hester is a 'she'.
43
Hester2012-03-02 10:55:27
Yeah get the popcorn out. Because I really would love some answers from a group of (I'm assuming here) decent landlords who actually know the laws surrounding renting. I only assume that because you all obviously take some sort of interest in your responsibilities by coming to this site. Although some of the posts by 'THE LANDLORD' are fucking disgusting. 'I don't accept sex as rent' - errr, well that goes without saying, so why ARE you saying? Shrink the size of your head. Anyway, I notice that 'the landlord' is strangely silent on this topic....I note his pathetic plea for someone to stick up for him if it gets heated. It got heated. Its your blog, you posted the controversial matter, don't you have some input?
Actually, I don't care what you think about DSS tenants. A lot of them are crap and give the rest a bad name by abusing the system etc. I used to be one for a short while until I got on my feet and lived in a council estate full of them. The people around there were one of the main reasons I moved. Noisy and messy.
Anyway hopefully this could turn into an interesting discussion.
I apologise for my language, I am foul mouthed. I wasn't angry, that's just how I talk and I don't really care if you are going to judge me badly for that. That just makes you judgemental and I'd rather be foul mouthed than a judgemental cunt. I'll stop if you would prefer though.
Obviously most of you didn't read what I wrote -
I am female - fuck knows why my mum called me Hester - she's mental.
I am NOT on DSS - I could pay up to £800 a month in rent if I so desired. I don't. I'm currently being ass raped for 600 pcm.
I don't smoke and only drink occasionally.
I could easily save for a mortgage if I wanted - I don't. Not sure if it occurred to any of you, but not everyone WANTS a mortgage. Some people would be happy to just get on with their lives quietly and get what they pay for when they rent.
I don't want to 'do well for myself' as Emma said. She has obviously 'done well for herself' in her own eyes - to me health, relationships and happiness are more important than money. I have no desire to invest my money in property although I could easily do so if I chose. So keep your definitions of 'doing well' to your self Emma. Not everyone wants the same as you from life and I don't define success as being well off financially.
When I said landlords are rich - they pretty much all own more than one property. Which makes them better off than the tenant. None of them are exactly in the lowest band financially are they.
Actually, I don't care what you think about DSS tenants. A lot of them are crap and give the rest a bad name by abusing the system etc. I used to be one for a short while until I got on my feet and lived in a council estate full of them. The people around there were one of the main reasons I moved. Noisy and messy.
Anyway hopefully this could turn into an interesting discussion.
I apologise for my language, I am foul mouthed. I wasn't angry, that's just how I talk and I don't really care if you are going to judge me badly for that. That just makes you judgemental and I'd rather be foul mouthed than a judgemental cunt. I'll stop if you would prefer though.
Obviously most of you didn't read what I wrote -
I am female - fuck knows why my mum called me Hester - she's mental.
I am NOT on DSS - I could pay up to £800 a month in rent if I so desired. I don't. I'm currently being ass raped for 600 pcm.
I don't smoke and only drink occasionally.
I could easily save for a mortgage if I wanted - I don't. Not sure if it occurred to any of you, but not everyone WANTS a mortgage. Some people would be happy to just get on with their lives quietly and get what they pay for when they rent.
I don't want to 'do well for myself' as Emma said. She has obviously 'done well for herself' in her own eyes - to me health, relationships and happiness are more important than money. I have no desire to invest my money in property although I could easily do so if I chose. So keep your definitions of 'doing well' to your self Emma. Not everyone wants the same as you from life and I don't define success as being well off financially.
When I said landlords are rich - they pretty much all own more than one property. Which makes them better off than the tenant. None of them are exactly in the lowest band financially are they.
44
Hester2012-03-02 11:24:03
"Copying and pasting everyone's comments is becoming boring Hester."
Stop reading it then. Thought you were really busy at work?
"As for my "disgusting attitude" - I fail to see the disgusting element to it!! You are moaning left right and center about landlords being "cunts" as you so disgustingly put it - and yet you haven't got the savvy to get up of your arse and do something to make all these landlord "cunts" go away."
Why should people put up with bad housing? If you paid for something and didn't get it would you complain? Like Jeremy said -
"If landlords are to make renting an attractive proposition then telling someone to stop renting because a landlord has treated them badly, is fankly pathetic."
"What is there to fix about the sector?? Its a supply and demand business. You don't have to rent a house, no one forces you to! Or are you the type to think it is your right that us landlords put a roof over your head. You moan about us yet you are homesless without us??????"
YES, THAT'S RIGHT ITS A SUPPLY AND DEMAND BUSINESS. WHERE DO YOU THINK THAT DEMAND COMES FROM? That's exactly my point. Some people NEED to rent because they CANNOT buy. That's a fact whether you accept it or not. You wouldn't have 'done well for yourself' if it weren't for the demand.
As for what is to fix about it - do you really want me to list the reasons? YOU SHOULD KNOW. Its YOUR job. Maybe thats why its in such a shit state, because L.L.'s like you haven't got a fucking CLUE what people are going through because of criminal landlords. I wonder how that phrase 'criminal landlords' was coined.....
"Cannot afford to get on the housing ladder - Cannot be bothered unless its given to them you mean. 10% desposit is all that's required. The same desposit I put down on my first house - its really not that complicated unless you make it."
I understand how purchasing property works thanks, you condescending judgemental viper. Some people CANNOT AFFORD to get on the property ladder. Some people don't want to. And if that wasn't the case you wouldn't have a job/second income. So why are you moaning about it? This whole blog is centred around moaning about tenants and the responsibilities of being a L.L. but no one else can moan?
"I like your inclusion of the word rich. So all landlords are rich are they? Is that why you didn't pay your rent for 3 months as you thought "fuck them, they're rich". Probably why the landlord didn't have legal representation in court - tossers like you who don't pay their rent mean that he's having to support a second house."
You're richer than your tenants and obviously have no clue what it's like to be in their position.
"And I'm a twat am I."
Yes you are.
"I'm not the left winged do gooder,"
I'm actually apolitical. Anyone who still believes that politics and 'democracy' works needs their head looking at.
"sponging, low life, leach, sitting in a rented house, seething with envy at those, who like me, have done well for themselves and invested their hard earned cash into something thats a worthwhile investment for their future."
I can assure you I am not 'sponging' from anyone. Nor am I 'leaching' or a 'lowlife'. And I am most definitely not seething with envy at the likes of you. Like I already said, your definition of success is not the same as everyone else's.
"Good luck with yours because you are certainly going to need it"
For what? I need luck to be able to get a decent rented property? Because that's all I want. Everything else in my life is fine, because I made it that way. Unfortunately, I have no control over my L.L. and the rental sector so I can't change that part.
But you're right. I probably do need a hell of a lot of luck to get a decent house because the rental sector is SHIT and I do not want a mortgage.
Stop reading it then. Thought you were really busy at work?
"As for my "disgusting attitude" - I fail to see the disgusting element to it!! You are moaning left right and center about landlords being "cunts" as you so disgustingly put it - and yet you haven't got the savvy to get up of your arse and do something to make all these landlord "cunts" go away."
Why should people put up with bad housing? If you paid for something and didn't get it would you complain? Like Jeremy said -
"If landlords are to make renting an attractive proposition then telling someone to stop renting because a landlord has treated them badly, is fankly pathetic."
"What is there to fix about the sector?? Its a supply and demand business. You don't have to rent a house, no one forces you to! Or are you the type to think it is your right that us landlords put a roof over your head. You moan about us yet you are homesless without us??????"
YES, THAT'S RIGHT ITS A SUPPLY AND DEMAND BUSINESS. WHERE DO YOU THINK THAT DEMAND COMES FROM? That's exactly my point. Some people NEED to rent because they CANNOT buy. That's a fact whether you accept it or not. You wouldn't have 'done well for yourself' if it weren't for the demand.
As for what is to fix about it - do you really want me to list the reasons? YOU SHOULD KNOW. Its YOUR job. Maybe thats why its in such a shit state, because L.L.'s like you haven't got a fucking CLUE what people are going through because of criminal landlords. I wonder how that phrase 'criminal landlords' was coined.....
"Cannot afford to get on the housing ladder - Cannot be bothered unless its given to them you mean. 10% desposit is all that's required. The same desposit I put down on my first house - its really not that complicated unless you make it."
I understand how purchasing property works thanks, you condescending judgemental viper. Some people CANNOT AFFORD to get on the property ladder. Some people don't want to. And if that wasn't the case you wouldn't have a job/second income. So why are you moaning about it? This whole blog is centred around moaning about tenants and the responsibilities of being a L.L. but no one else can moan?
"I like your inclusion of the word rich. So all landlords are rich are they? Is that why you didn't pay your rent for 3 months as you thought "fuck them, they're rich". Probably why the landlord didn't have legal representation in court - tossers like you who don't pay their rent mean that he's having to support a second house."
You're richer than your tenants and obviously have no clue what it's like to be in their position.
"And I'm a twat am I."
Yes you are.
"I'm not the left winged do gooder,"
I'm actually apolitical. Anyone who still believes that politics and 'democracy' works needs their head looking at.
"sponging, low life, leach, sitting in a rented house, seething with envy at those, who like me, have done well for themselves and invested their hard earned cash into something thats a worthwhile investment for their future."
I can assure you I am not 'sponging' from anyone. Nor am I 'leaching' or a 'lowlife'. And I am most definitely not seething with envy at the likes of you. Like I already said, your definition of success is not the same as everyone else's.
"Good luck with yours because you are certainly going to need it"
For what? I need luck to be able to get a decent rented property? Because that's all I want. Everything else in my life is fine, because I made it that way. Unfortunately, I have no control over my L.L. and the rental sector so I can't change that part.
But you're right. I probably do need a hell of a lot of luck to get a decent house because the rental sector is SHIT and I do not want a mortgage.
45
Hester2012-03-02 11:30:34
"Hester,
Cut out the beer and fags and save up a deposit.
At £600 a month you can buy a £100000 house.
You could buy half of Mansfield for that.
Any chance of another rant?"
Benji - yes plenty more ranting where that came from.
I don't want a £100000 house, and I definitely don't want half of Mansfield, its a shit hole.
And I don't drink and smoke so stop being a judgemental cunt.
Cut out the beer and fags and save up a deposit.
At £600 a month you can buy a £100000 house.
You could buy half of Mansfield for that.
Any chance of another rant?"
Benji - yes plenty more ranting where that came from.
I don't want a £100000 house, and I definitely don't want half of Mansfield, its a shit hole.
And I don't drink and smoke so stop being a judgemental cunt.
46
The Landlord2012-03-02 11:32:38
@Hester
"strangely silent"? Nothing strange about it. I've said my piece, and going around in circles with you doesn't seem fun at all.
I'm not out to change the world or your mind, so what's the point of sparring with you? Moreover, on a regular basis, people come on here and get on their little soapbox. If I addressed every mental masturbation squirted over my blog, I'd have very little time to do anything else.
I'd rather exhaust my energy on someone that actually wants genuine advice, or someone that says something so mind numbingly stupid that I can't stop myself from commenting. You, and your rant, on the other hand... dime a dozen.
So let me reconfirm, nothing strange about my silence. It boils down to time-management, and escapism from involving myself from the same dry argument.
I'm pretty sure everyone managed to grasp my facetiousness when I told Benji to stick up for me.
Either way, glad to hear you turned your life around.
"strangely silent"? Nothing strange about it. I've said my piece, and going around in circles with you doesn't seem fun at all.
I'm not out to change the world or your mind, so what's the point of sparring with you? Moreover, on a regular basis, people come on here and get on their little soapbox. If I addressed every mental masturbation squirted over my blog, I'd have very little time to do anything else.
I'd rather exhaust my energy on someone that actually wants genuine advice, or someone that says something so mind numbingly stupid that I can't stop myself from commenting. You, and your rant, on the other hand... dime a dozen.
So let me reconfirm, nothing strange about my silence. It boils down to time-management, and escapism from involving myself from the same dry argument.
I'm pretty sure everyone managed to grasp my facetiousness when I told Benji to stick up for me.
Either way, glad to hear you turned your life around.
47
twattybollocks2012-03-02 11:39:01
Bugger me - Cup of tea isn't going to cut it is it? More like a 10 course banquet to get through all that!
Hester, The Landlords blogs are very tongue in cheek although I suspect that he really is a randy little bugger in reality. Not had the pleasure of meeting him as yet but given his propensity for finding sex toys and goosing anything in a skirt I might have to carry a tub of hand cleanser with me! (Only joking)!
I don't understand where all this vitriol comes from? Some of your writing is intelligent but I am getting really confused with the copy and pasting you are doing and your ranting is turning into a rambling mess. I can't work out whether you are for or against decent private landlords or just hate the scum sucking , pond dwelling low life slum landlords who enjoy ripping off their 'tenants'
Seriously, The Landlord isn't the bad guy here.
Hester, The Landlords blogs are very tongue in cheek although I suspect that he really is a randy little bugger in reality. Not had the pleasure of meeting him as yet but given his propensity for finding sex toys and goosing anything in a skirt I might have to carry a tub of hand cleanser with me! (Only joking)!
I don't understand where all this vitriol comes from? Some of your writing is intelligent but I am getting really confused with the copy and pasting you are doing and your ranting is turning into a rambling mess. I can't work out whether you are for or against decent private landlords or just hate the scum sucking , pond dwelling low life slum landlords who enjoy ripping off their 'tenants'
Seriously, The Landlord isn't the bad guy here.
48
Hester2012-03-02 11:39:16
Blimey, I'm really enjoying this and I can't even say I started it!
Nice one Emma and Benji.
"Hester - you are going to blow your aorta in a minute whilst venting your spleen. You actually have some interesting things to say in there amongst the bollocks. If you are that wound up by it all why not run as a candidate on your local council so you can actually start to do something instead of just mouthing off about how bad your lot is and how bad landlords are. Those who can do - those who can't sit and moan about it.
Give me a few minutes to make a cuppa so i can sit back and enjoy the next installment!"
Twattybollocks - yes I do have some interesting things to say. Which part did you find interesting and what do you think is bollocks?
No I am not going to run as a candidate in the absolute chaotic mess that people call politics these days - what the fuck difference would that make? People have been trying to change the rental sector for the better for at least the last hundred years if not more. There are whole charities and organisations devoted to it.
"Those who can do, and those who can't moan about it"
This whole blog is centred around moaning about tenants and L.L. responsibilities. So either do - or shut up moaning.
Fact is I have paid my rent and not got what I paid for and what was advertised/sold to me in the beginning. And all I was offered for the money was a sound secure home, but I can't even have that. Why is that proving to be such a hard standard for L.L.'s uphold? Its very basic stuff.
Nice one Emma and Benji.
"Hester - you are going to blow your aorta in a minute whilst venting your spleen. You actually have some interesting things to say in there amongst the bollocks. If you are that wound up by it all why not run as a candidate on your local council so you can actually start to do something instead of just mouthing off about how bad your lot is and how bad landlords are. Those who can do - those who can't sit and moan about it.
Give me a few minutes to make a cuppa so i can sit back and enjoy the next installment!"
Twattybollocks - yes I do have some interesting things to say. Which part did you find interesting and what do you think is bollocks?
No I am not going to run as a candidate in the absolute chaotic mess that people call politics these days - what the fuck difference would that make? People have been trying to change the rental sector for the better for at least the last hundred years if not more. There are whole charities and organisations devoted to it.
"Those who can do, and those who can't moan about it"
This whole blog is centred around moaning about tenants and L.L. responsibilities. So either do - or shut up moaning.
Fact is I have paid my rent and not got what I paid for and what was advertised/sold to me in the beginning. And all I was offered for the money was a sound secure home, but I can't even have that. Why is that proving to be such a hard standard for L.L.'s uphold? Its very basic stuff.
49
Hester2012-03-02 12:58:23
"@Hester
"strangely silent"? Nothing strange about it. I've said my piece, and going around in circles with you doesn't seem fun at all.
I'm not out to change the world or your mind, so what's the point of sparring with you? Moreover, on a regular basis, people come on here and get on their little soapbox. If I addressed every mental masturbation squirted over my blog, I'd have very little time to do anything else."
That's what your blog is all about isn't it? You getting on your little soapbox? If you are going to get on your little soapbox and whinge about tenants and post controversial material, expect some back. Your blog is a festering mental masturbation that has unfortunately been squirted liberally all over the internet. I keep coming across it when I am searching for information on renting etc. You come across as a big headed arrogant prick - not the best representation for landlords everywhere. In fact its an absolutely shocking representation, and it confirms many of the things I have said on this comments page.
"I'd rather exhaust my energy on someone that actually wants genuine advice, or someone that says something so mind numbingly stupid that I can't stop myself from commenting. You, and your rant, on the other hand... dime a dozen."
Firstly - I want the point of view of some landlords who at least know their own job, as I assume the ones posting here do, or at least some grasp of it. Even though it turns out that most of them have the exact same attitude I thought they would have. Same as every landlord I've ever spoken to.
Secondly - I wonder why the rants might be so common? Maybe its because so many tenants are getting totally fucking ass screwed like me, are searching online for advice and end up coming across your fucking stupid blog posts, which serve no good purpose other than to inflate your already massive ego, give all your little landlord blog following bitches a giggle, and PISS MISTREATED TENANTS OFF EVEN MORE, while the landlords posting on your blog sit frigging themselves off about how well they have done for themselves whilst simultaneously slagging off DSS tenants and in fact anyone who doesn't own property for being lazy and good for nothing, thereby making themselves feel even better because others are less fortunate than themselves.
Obviously lots of people are pissed off about the rental sector and are ranting about it everywhere online. So there ARE problems that need addressing and I'm afraid 'if you don't like it fuck off and buy a house oh wait you can't because your a lazy good for nothing' is not quite an adequate answer. I'm sorry, but I fail to think of any other customer service situation where any customer complaining about the service received would be given that kind of answer.
You should be very proud of your blog as it is a shining example of landlords everywhere.
Its exactly what I would expect from a blog full of landlords to be honest, it just confirms everything I already thought about the subject.
"So let me reconfirm, nothing strange about my silence. It boils down to time-management, and escapism from involving myself from the same dry argument."
Erm.....but YOU started the same 'dry' argument because you knew full well that what you had posted about DSS tenants was controversial to say the least. Then chose not to participate.
"I'm pretty sure everyone managed to grasp my facetiousness when I told Benji to stick up for me."
Yes obviously, but you clearly didn't grasp that I was only using the point to get you to reply. Thanks for finally participating in the discussion you started with a big 'PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT' box underneath it.
"Either way, glad to hear you turned your life around."
Thank you very much for (sort of) acknowledging that all happiness and success does not rest on and amount to owning property.
"strangely silent"? Nothing strange about it. I've said my piece, and going around in circles with you doesn't seem fun at all.
I'm not out to change the world or your mind, so what's the point of sparring with you? Moreover, on a regular basis, people come on here and get on their little soapbox. If I addressed every mental masturbation squirted over my blog, I'd have very little time to do anything else."
That's what your blog is all about isn't it? You getting on your little soapbox? If you are going to get on your little soapbox and whinge about tenants and post controversial material, expect some back. Your blog is a festering mental masturbation that has unfortunately been squirted liberally all over the internet. I keep coming across it when I am searching for information on renting etc. You come across as a big headed arrogant prick - not the best representation for landlords everywhere. In fact its an absolutely shocking representation, and it confirms many of the things I have said on this comments page.
"I'd rather exhaust my energy on someone that actually wants genuine advice, or someone that says something so mind numbingly stupid that I can't stop myself from commenting. You, and your rant, on the other hand... dime a dozen."
Firstly - I want the point of view of some landlords who at least know their own job, as I assume the ones posting here do, or at least some grasp of it. Even though it turns out that most of them have the exact same attitude I thought they would have. Same as every landlord I've ever spoken to.
Secondly - I wonder why the rants might be so common? Maybe its because so many tenants are getting totally fucking ass screwed like me, are searching online for advice and end up coming across your fucking stupid blog posts, which serve no good purpose other than to inflate your already massive ego, give all your little landlord blog following bitches a giggle, and PISS MISTREATED TENANTS OFF EVEN MORE, while the landlords posting on your blog sit frigging themselves off about how well they have done for themselves whilst simultaneously slagging off DSS tenants and in fact anyone who doesn't own property for being lazy and good for nothing, thereby making themselves feel even better because others are less fortunate than themselves.
Obviously lots of people are pissed off about the rental sector and are ranting about it everywhere online. So there ARE problems that need addressing and I'm afraid 'if you don't like it fuck off and buy a house oh wait you can't because your a lazy good for nothing' is not quite an adequate answer. I'm sorry, but I fail to think of any other customer service situation where any customer complaining about the service received would be given that kind of answer.
You should be very proud of your blog as it is a shining example of landlords everywhere.
Its exactly what I would expect from a blog full of landlords to be honest, it just confirms everything I already thought about the subject.
"So let me reconfirm, nothing strange about my silence. It boils down to time-management, and escapism from involving myself from the same dry argument."
Erm.....but YOU started the same 'dry' argument because you knew full well that what you had posted about DSS tenants was controversial to say the least. Then chose not to participate.
"I'm pretty sure everyone managed to grasp my facetiousness when I told Benji to stick up for me."
Yes obviously, but you clearly didn't grasp that I was only using the point to get you to reply. Thanks for finally participating in the discussion you started with a big 'PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT' box underneath it.
"Either way, glad to hear you turned your life around."
Thank you very much for (sort of) acknowledging that all happiness and success does not rest on and amount to owning property.
50
Benji2012-03-02 13:20:31
Hester,
If you dont want to buy a house, you dont want a council house and you cant find a rented house good enough, why not:-
Cut out the 'occasional' drinking; eat less pies and lose a bit of weight; smarten yourself up a bit; get some anger management; get help with the foul mouth; stop wasting your time on tosspot sites like this and get a job.
Then beg your ex to take you back and live at his gaff.
Hope this helps.
If you dont want to buy a house, you dont want a council house and you cant find a rented house good enough, why not:-
Cut out the 'occasional' drinking; eat less pies and lose a bit of weight; smarten yourself up a bit; get some anger management; get help with the foul mouth; stop wasting your time on tosspot sites like this and get a job.
Then beg your ex to take you back and live at his gaff.
Hope this helps.
51
Hester2012-03-02 13:21:30
@ Twattybollocks
There's just a part of me that is deeply angry, bitter and cynical towards not only L.L's but the whole system in general. Believe me or not I don't care but I have been through some bad shit in my life and not just with housing. My problems with housing have been small in comparison to some of the other things. I have come through it in one piece. There is only one major issue left in my life to sort out now and that is housing. And no matter what I do, no matter how much more I decide to pay in hopes of actually getting something for my money, no matter how many times I move it just isn't happening for me. Its very frustrating. I'm absolutely sick of moving house because of crappy landlords. And then I come to this website and read the blogs. I totally get the funny side of them and that it is just entertainment. If I weren't so pissed off with the rental sector and had so many bad experiences with it I might even have laughed when I read it. In fact, I even feel the same way about DSS tenants. I agree that many of them abuse the system and give others a bad name although there are also many who are disabled/genuinely can't find employment etc that simply cannot help the situation that they are in and that needs to be recognised. But its bound to rub people up the wrong way and that's obviously why he posted it. Its just not very helpful and it doesn't make landlords look very good. If decent landlords want people to stop thinking that all landlords are cunts, then this blog really isn't helping.
There's just a part of me that is deeply angry, bitter and cynical towards not only L.L's but the whole system in general. Believe me or not I don't care but I have been through some bad shit in my life and not just with housing. My problems with housing have been small in comparison to some of the other things. I have come through it in one piece. There is only one major issue left in my life to sort out now and that is housing. And no matter what I do, no matter how much more I decide to pay in hopes of actually getting something for my money, no matter how many times I move it just isn't happening for me. Its very frustrating. I'm absolutely sick of moving house because of crappy landlords. And then I come to this website and read the blogs. I totally get the funny side of them and that it is just entertainment. If I weren't so pissed off with the rental sector and had so many bad experiences with it I might even have laughed when I read it. In fact, I even feel the same way about DSS tenants. I agree that many of them abuse the system and give others a bad name although there are also many who are disabled/genuinely can't find employment etc that simply cannot help the situation that they are in and that needs to be recognised. But its bound to rub people up the wrong way and that's obviously why he posted it. Its just not very helpful and it doesn't make landlords look very good. If decent landlords want people to stop thinking that all landlords are cunts, then this blog really isn't helping.
52
Hester2012-03-02 13:24:00
Benji - my ex is dead. Thats the only reason he is my ex. He died in Afghanistan defending this supposedly great country.
53
Benji2012-03-02 13:33:32
Hester,
All the more reason to get on with your life.
I've been in similar circumstances and thats what I'd want.
Your not going to change the mindset of landlords.
All the more reason to get on with your life.
I've been in similar circumstances and thats what I'd want.
Your not going to change the mindset of landlords.
54
The Landlord2012-03-02 13:47:26
@Hester,
Your inability to comprehend is wasting a lot of time. It's unfortunate. You write a lot, but you don't really say anything at all.
I'm not complaining about people getting on their soapbox, all I said was that I don't respond every time because I don't have the time.
My blog hasn't confirmed your initial and current thoughts. I'm a good landlord to my tenants. I use my blog to vent frustrations, nothing else. That said, I'm sure you're charming, beautiful and really sexy in real life, too.
I have a lot of pages dedicated to helping tenants prosecute their landlords when they fail to comply with their legal obligations. It might be worth familiarising yourself with those pages next time you get screwed by a landlord x
Your inability to comprehend is wasting a lot of time. It's unfortunate. You write a lot, but you don't really say anything at all.
I'm not complaining about people getting on their soapbox, all I said was that I don't respond every time because I don't have the time.
My blog hasn't confirmed your initial and current thoughts. I'm a good landlord to my tenants. I use my blog to vent frustrations, nothing else. That said, I'm sure you're charming, beautiful and really sexy in real life, too.
I have a lot of pages dedicated to helping tenants prosecute their landlords when they fail to comply with their legal obligations. It might be worth familiarising yourself with those pages next time you get screwed by a landlord x
55
Hester2012-03-02 13:53:15
Benji - I'm a size ten and I don't eat pie because I don't eat wheat. Or sugar or dairy for that matter.
I do voluntary work sometimes and other than that I'm a full time mum. I have no desire to slave away 9-5 in some dead end mind numbingly boring job for fuck all when I have plenty of money already and want for nothing (except to get what I pay for from my landlord).
I'm not trying to change the mindset of landlords. Its blatantly obvious that the mindset is exactly as I thought it would be. I came here originally to get the point's of view of some half decent landlords who at least are aware of the laws and their obligations but then read some of the blog posts.
Getting on with my life is EXACTLY what I am doing. I'm very happy with everything in my life, its as good as I can make it, The ONLY problem I have left is that every fucking landlord I try renting from is A CUNT.
I do voluntary work sometimes and other than that I'm a full time mum. I have no desire to slave away 9-5 in some dead end mind numbingly boring job for fuck all when I have plenty of money already and want for nothing (except to get what I pay for from my landlord).
I'm not trying to change the mindset of landlords. Its blatantly obvious that the mindset is exactly as I thought it would be. I came here originally to get the point's of view of some half decent landlords who at least are aware of the laws and their obligations but then read some of the blog posts.
Getting on with my life is EXACTLY what I am doing. I'm very happy with everything in my life, its as good as I can make it, The ONLY problem I have left is that every fucking landlord I try renting from is A CUNT.
56
Hester2012-03-02 14:16:11
Would you like to be a little more specific about what exactly anyone has been trying to put across for me to comprehend? Other than 'fuck off and buy a house if you don't like the shitty rental ones'
Whose time is it supposedly wasting? Only those who are CHOOSING to read and reply.
Your blog has not only confirmed my original thoughts. It has far exceeded and surpassed my expectations of the arrogance and the condescending attitude of landlords in general.
I don't deny that you are a good landlord. I don't deny that given the regulations and laws and shitty tenants, being a landlord must sometimes be frustrating. But venting in such a manner is bound to bring angry tenants to your blog, and if you can't be bothered to deal with it, then stop doing it.
And since I did not come here trying to be charming or beautiful or sexy, and since that is not what any of this is about, your comment on that matter falls a little 'short' if you'll forgive the analogy.
Whose time is it supposedly wasting? Only those who are CHOOSING to read and reply.
Your blog has not only confirmed my original thoughts. It has far exceeded and surpassed my expectations of the arrogance and the condescending attitude of landlords in general.
I don't deny that you are a good landlord. I don't deny that given the regulations and laws and shitty tenants, being a landlord must sometimes be frustrating. But venting in such a manner is bound to bring angry tenants to your blog, and if you can't be bothered to deal with it, then stop doing it.
And since I did not come here trying to be charming or beautiful or sexy, and since that is not what any of this is about, your comment on that matter falls a little 'short' if you'll forgive the analogy.
57
emma2012-03-02 14:23:13
Some very good comments on here. Its nice to know I'm not alone in this tough world some us call "being a landlord"!!
58
Benji2012-03-02 14:45:32
"Benji - I'm a size ten and I don't eat pies"
In that case youve got big feet and if you dont eat pies you arent a proper northener.
"I came here originally to get the point's of view of some half decent landlords"
Probably not the best way, putting this in your first post;
"Most landlords are complete c**ts."
But I see your point of view.
I'm off for a pie and a pint now like a true northener.
Good luck finding a decent landlord.
In that case youve got big feet and if you dont eat pies you arent a proper northener.
"I came here originally to get the point's of view of some half decent landlords"
Probably not the best way, putting this in your first post;
"Most landlords are complete c**ts."
But I see your point of view.
I'm off for a pie and a pint now like a true northener.
Good luck finding a decent landlord.
59
twattybollocks2012-03-02 15:53:22
Bloody hell Hester - I mean this with heaps of respect and in the utmost seriousness (which anyone who knows me from past postings will be gobsmacked about because I like to have a right old go) but have you taken bereavement counceling after losing your partner?
You really have some serious issues, which in a way this is helping to vent, with anger and you really need to talk to someone who is not going to offer advice or opinion. You seem to be trying to turn everything around but whilst you have these really deep rooted feelings your not going to get anywhere. If you don't mind me asking how long has it been since you lost your partner in Afganistan?
I'm not a bereavement councilor but I have had bereavement councelling in the past and it really does work and if the MOD are anything to go by they won't have helped you at all.
TB
You really have some serious issues, which in a way this is helping to vent, with anger and you really need to talk to someone who is not going to offer advice or opinion. You seem to be trying to turn everything around but whilst you have these really deep rooted feelings your not going to get anywhere. If you don't mind me asking how long has it been since you lost your partner in Afganistan?
I'm not a bereavement councilor but I have had bereavement councelling in the past and it really does work and if the MOD are anything to go by they won't have helped you at all.
TB
60
emma2012-03-02 16:52:14
twattybollocks - Hester is a fake who obviously has too much time on it's hand and just want to sit and rant all day.
61
twattybollocks2012-03-02 17:12:07
Your probably right Emma - just seems a bit more than 'normal ranting' I've seen on here!
62
Hester2012-03-03 09:58:59
@'The Landlord' - thanks for re directing my I.P. address or whatever you did, it was hilarious.
I'm not a fake. I was on a British Legion poppy appeal poster a few years ago because I'm the youngest war widow in the UK.
And what has made me angry is living in shitty housing and the general shittyness of the whole system. I'm sick of paying to live in crap housing that is classed as unfit for human habitation. Nothing else. My husband died in '07 so I'm kind of over it by now as much anyone could be. Me and my son had counselling not long after.
Yes it still makes me angry sometimes that he only died for the oil in a pointless war. But no amount of counselling is going to make that fact go away.
I've saved up to move to Cornwall and I'm going in August. It's where I always wanted to live. I just hope I can find a decent landlord. I have tried a couple of times to contact the Cornwall Residential Landlords Association but received no reply. So I suppose I'll end up in a crappy house yet again but at least I'll be in a nicer area.
Never mind. I suppose I'll just have to deal with it because no one seems to give a fuck and the only way to get justice is to take the landlord to court AFTER they have fucked you over by not doing repairs, and that's ONLY if the tenant can afford to do so.
I still cannot see how, when I fly to Cornwall for the viewing, I'm going to be able to foresee problems like leaking pipes causing damp that has been painted over etc.
I'm not a fake. I was on a British Legion poppy appeal poster a few years ago because I'm the youngest war widow in the UK.
And what has made me angry is living in shitty housing and the general shittyness of the whole system. I'm sick of paying to live in crap housing that is classed as unfit for human habitation. Nothing else. My husband died in '07 so I'm kind of over it by now as much anyone could be. Me and my son had counselling not long after.
Yes it still makes me angry sometimes that he only died for the oil in a pointless war. But no amount of counselling is going to make that fact go away.
I've saved up to move to Cornwall and I'm going in August. It's where I always wanted to live. I just hope I can find a decent landlord. I have tried a couple of times to contact the Cornwall Residential Landlords Association but received no reply. So I suppose I'll end up in a crappy house yet again but at least I'll be in a nicer area.
Never mind. I suppose I'll just have to deal with it because no one seems to give a fuck and the only way to get justice is to take the landlord to court AFTER they have fucked you over by not doing repairs, and that's ONLY if the tenant can afford to do so.
I still cannot see how, when I fly to Cornwall for the viewing, I'm going to be able to foresee problems like leaking pipes causing damp that has been painted over etc.
63
Benji2012-03-03 12:17:53
Hester,
I know the rental market up where you are (you mentioned martin & co & Notts) thats where I'm originally from and also Cornwall (I used to have a ex MOD house there).
Its a lot harder to find a rental property in Cornwall although the quality is a bit better. I think its to do with tourism and holiday lets. I love it down there, different pace of life, if I could afford it I'd go.
Maybe with your past problems of renting youd be better looking for something new(ish) build.
I take it all back about northeners eating too many pies, I remember the poster, you were stunning.
Good luck.
I know the rental market up where you are (you mentioned martin & co & Notts) thats where I'm originally from and also Cornwall (I used to have a ex MOD house there).
Its a lot harder to find a rental property in Cornwall although the quality is a bit better. I think its to do with tourism and holiday lets. I love it down there, different pace of life, if I could afford it I'd go.
Maybe with your past problems of renting youd be better looking for something new(ish) build.
I take it all back about northeners eating too many pies, I remember the poster, you were stunning.
Good luck.
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Hester2012-03-03 12:33:46
Thank you Benji, you have somewhat restored a little of my faith in humanity (or at least landlords) and made me smile. And I do really like pie, but I'm intolerant of wheat and dairy.
Cornwall is amazing and I can't wait. Hope I get a decent landlord.
Cornwall is amazing and I can't wait. Hope I get a decent landlord.
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Cardifflandlord2012-03-03 14:12:42
Hester - see if there is a landlord accreditation scheme run by Cornwall. I am a landlord member of the Landlord Accreditation Scheme Wales and I know that there are similar schemes throughout the UK. good luck with your search.
By being a member of the scheme I as a landlord am trying to make a statement and distance myself from the landlords who think they can get away treating people in such a crass way.
Wont always work but at least if there is an issue you can complain to the relevent schemes council administration team.
By being a member of the scheme I as a landlord am trying to make a statement and distance myself from the landlords who think they can get away treating people in such a crass way.
Wont always work but at least if there is an issue you can complain to the relevent schemes council administration team.
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twattybollocks2012-03-03 14:37:20
Hey Hester, Badabing - finally the penny drops for me. I am sorry for your loss. There are some decent landlords out there and I agree that it can be soul destroying trying to find them. I really do hope that you find something in Cornwall so you and your lad can get some closure. Our servicemen do such an outstanding job for our country and we don't recognise their sacrifice nor their families enough irrespective of whether the conflict is justified or not.
This country is great - it's just lost it's way.
Apologies if I wound you up even further. There are landlords out there who do give a fuck and just use your experience from the crap you have had in the past to check for problems. You seem an intelligent person - ask questions, if the answer sounds dodgy then it probably is! All properties be they old or new will have issues at some time - that's the way of property.
Contact the National Landlords Association and speak to someone in their accreditation unit - they may be able to put you in contact with an accredited landlord or office in Cornwall.
let us know how you get on!
This country is great - it's just lost it's way.
Apologies if I wound you up even further. There are landlords out there who do give a fuck and just use your experience from the crap you have had in the past to check for problems. You seem an intelligent person - ask questions, if the answer sounds dodgy then it probably is! All properties be they old or new will have issues at some time - that's the way of property.
Contact the National Landlords Association and speak to someone in their accreditation unit - they may be able to put you in contact with an accredited landlord or office in Cornwall.
let us know how you get on!
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Jeremy2012-03-04 16:00:20
Hello Hester,
Regarding your post no. 63. I think you are talking yourself into finding another rubbish house. You say things like: "So I suppose I'll end up in a crappy house yet again" and "I still cannot see how ... I'm going to be able to foresee problems..."
You are adopting a fatalistic attitude, a typical behaviour of someone with a victim mentality.
If the horrible thing you've had to face in your life are not going to turn you into a victim, then there is only one thing you can do. Change your current plan and do your next house search completely differently to how you've done them before. If you do things the same way as before, you'll get the same result!
Hope this helps and best wishes.
Regarding your post no. 63. I think you are talking yourself into finding another rubbish house. You say things like: "So I suppose I'll end up in a crappy house yet again" and "I still cannot see how ... I'm going to be able to foresee problems..."
You are adopting a fatalistic attitude, a typical behaviour of someone with a victim mentality.
If the horrible thing you've had to face in your life are not going to turn you into a victim, then there is only one thing you can do. Change your current plan and do your next house search completely differently to how you've done them before. If you do things the same way as before, you'll get the same result!
Hope this helps and best wishes.
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Jeremy2012-03-04 16:15:35
Hello Benji,
Good to hear from you again. Following your post 43...
No insults given! Foul-mouthed is just a fact.
Getting gender wrong is just bad assumption. Can't be an insult, otherwise that impleis one sex is better than the other, which would be sexism.
As for DSS, it was just trying to estabish fact to understand how Haster had got such a pants experience out of various landlords.
Have I got out of that one? ;-)
Good to hear from you again. Following your post 43...
No insults given! Foul-mouthed is just a fact.
Getting gender wrong is just bad assumption. Can't be an insult, otherwise that impleis one sex is better than the other, which would be sexism.
As for DSS, it was just trying to estabish fact to understand how Haster had got such a pants experience out of various landlords.
Have I got out of that one? ;-)
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EMMA2012-03-04 17:01:33
Seriously you lot. From reading all the landlord blogs on here, we all seem pretty decent landlords. I come on this site to get advice on how I can do things right or better and also to read others stories - its nice to know I'm not the only one having problems with tenents and this site makes me believe that I am not alone.
People like Hester come on here slagging off landlords, calling us cunts, twats etc when in fact they choose us as much as we choose them.
People are not forced to rent a particular house in the same way that poeple aren't forced to buy a house. Any idiot can walk into a place and make a decision on whether they want to live there based on the condition of the place. If you notice maintenance issues, don't sign the ASP, it really is as simple as. Look at the pipes and look at the electrics as much as you would the carpets and walls. Ask questions and raise issues - ALL BEFORE YOU TAKE UP RESIDENCE!!! Paint looks pretty but doesn't hide maintenance problems if you look close enough.
I am sick and tired of landlords being attacked, insulted and ripped off by bad tenents. Once they are in they are fuckers to get out unless you go through the courts. Tenents can just up and leave when they feel like it.
This "shitty system" Hester, is what puts a roof over your head. Without us private landlords you'd end up in a hostel waiting for the council to house you, as and when social housing becomes available. You seem to go looking for trouble. Unless you are forced by a landlord to rent a house, you choose to live there. You made the decision to sign that tenency. Therefore you, and only you , are to blame for your housing situation.
People like Hester come on here slagging off landlords, calling us cunts, twats etc when in fact they choose us as much as we choose them.
People are not forced to rent a particular house in the same way that poeple aren't forced to buy a house. Any idiot can walk into a place and make a decision on whether they want to live there based on the condition of the place. If you notice maintenance issues, don't sign the ASP, it really is as simple as. Look at the pipes and look at the electrics as much as you would the carpets and walls. Ask questions and raise issues - ALL BEFORE YOU TAKE UP RESIDENCE!!! Paint looks pretty but doesn't hide maintenance problems if you look close enough.
I am sick and tired of landlords being attacked, insulted and ripped off by bad tenents. Once they are in they are fuckers to get out unless you go through the courts. Tenents can just up and leave when they feel like it.
This "shitty system" Hester, is what puts a roof over your head. Without us private landlords you'd end up in a hostel waiting for the council to house you, as and when social housing becomes available. You seem to go looking for trouble. Unless you are forced by a landlord to rent a house, you choose to live there. You made the decision to sign that tenency. Therefore you, and only you , are to blame for your housing situation.
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Jeremy2012-03-04 19:57:18
Hello Emma,
Sorry to point this out, but you've seriously changed your tune. In post 31 you're saying: "The way I see it Hester, if all landlords are cunts, then don't rent!! Instead save a desposit and buy a property and then all your problems are solved."
Now you're offering much more constructive advice. Thansk for changing your tune!
Sorry to point this out, but you've seriously changed your tune. In post 31 you're saying: "The way I see it Hester, if all landlords are cunts, then don't rent!! Instead save a desposit and buy a property and then all your problems are solved."
Now you're offering much more constructive advice. Thansk for changing your tune!
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Hester2012-03-04 21:02:58
Emma.
In the property I rent currently I have had a problem with the plumbing under the sink. My washing machine is plumbed in under the kitchen sink. Every so often, when my washing machine drains, the water comes up the sink through the plug hole, and out through the u-bend under the sink in a cupboard and floods the kitchen floor.
This problem was recently (FINALLY!!!) properly fixed. It turned out that the drain pipe for the kitchen sink and washing machine waste was completely and utterly plumbed in wrong. The only reason the fault was discovered and solved is because the WHOLE of the drain system (from the undersink cupboard, all the way along the wall and then out through a couple of walls) was taken out. The plumber that did the work was totally bemused and couldn't find the root cause of the issue without doing that. He also laughed at how the pipes had been plumbed in when he found the problem and said that someone unqualified must have done it. There was virtually no space for the water to get through, a few mm. at most. Now I'm not a plumber, but it seems to me that leaving such a small gap for the water to get through, when waste pipes are a certain diameter for a reason, would be a fairly obvious mistake to make.
Do you suggest I did this at the viewing, just to check? Took all the drains apart? How could I possibly know that was going to happen?
How can I see though paint to see damp under it? Should all prospective tenants take a course in property surveyance and management before renting and take the whole house to bits and put it back together?
I moved into the property in spring and the damp problems didn't start until the autumn/winter.
I need a crystal ball.
In the property I rent currently I have had a problem with the plumbing under the sink. My washing machine is plumbed in under the kitchen sink. Every so often, when my washing machine drains, the water comes up the sink through the plug hole, and out through the u-bend under the sink in a cupboard and floods the kitchen floor.
This problem was recently (FINALLY!!!) properly fixed. It turned out that the drain pipe for the kitchen sink and washing machine waste was completely and utterly plumbed in wrong. The only reason the fault was discovered and solved is because the WHOLE of the drain system (from the undersink cupboard, all the way along the wall and then out through a couple of walls) was taken out. The plumber that did the work was totally bemused and couldn't find the root cause of the issue without doing that. He also laughed at how the pipes had been plumbed in when he found the problem and said that someone unqualified must have done it. There was virtually no space for the water to get through, a few mm. at most. Now I'm not a plumber, but it seems to me that leaving such a small gap for the water to get through, when waste pipes are a certain diameter for a reason, would be a fairly obvious mistake to make.
Do you suggest I did this at the viewing, just to check? Took all the drains apart? How could I possibly know that was going to happen?
How can I see though paint to see damp under it? Should all prospective tenants take a course in property surveyance and management before renting and take the whole house to bits and put it back together?
I moved into the property in spring and the damp problems didn't start until the autumn/winter.
I need a crystal ball.
72
Hester2012-03-04 21:24:03
I have to be credit checked and provide references to a prospective L.L.
I want references from my L.L.s previous tenants! I want to be able to check that the person I am about the rent my HOME from is responsible with their money too. After all, they will be holding my bond money and may have to pay for repairs.
I have been left without a boiler for 7 weeks in the dead of winter when it was freezing and snowing because the landlord couldn't afford (or didn't want to afford) to repair/replace it.
How can I have known he couldn't afford it without being able to check? In the same way, a Landlord cannot properly judge whether the tenant can afford the rent without proper checks.
I'm going to hone my psychic skills now in preparation for moving to Cornwall. Hopefully, if I get really good, I'll be able to view the house remotely from long distance too, saving myself money on the flight/hotel.
I want references from my L.L.s previous tenants! I want to be able to check that the person I am about the rent my HOME from is responsible with their money too. After all, they will be holding my bond money and may have to pay for repairs.
I have been left without a boiler for 7 weeks in the dead of winter when it was freezing and snowing because the landlord couldn't afford (or didn't want to afford) to repair/replace it.
How can I have known he couldn't afford it without being able to check? In the same way, a Landlord cannot properly judge whether the tenant can afford the rent without proper checks.
I'm going to hone my psychic skills now in preparation for moving to Cornwall. Hopefully, if I get really good, I'll be able to view the house remotely from long distance too, saving myself money on the flight/hotel.
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Nick2012-03-04 23:12:18
Nothing stopping you.
1. Ask for them
2. Pay a credit rating agency for a report.
Just the same as with a landlord checking a tenant out, you can check your landlord out.
1. Ask for them
2. Pay a credit rating agency for a report.
Just the same as with a landlord checking a tenant out, you can check your landlord out.
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Nick2012-03-04 23:13:58
Of course, you won't complain if your landlord hands your details over to all their next tenants because they demand it.
What the heck, you won't demand that your information will be kept private.
What the heck, you won't demand that your information will be kept private.
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Nick2012-03-04 23:15:48
In the same way, a Landlord cannot properly judge whether the tenant can afford the rent without proper checks.
=========
They can. They can ask how they will be paying for it, and on the basis of that answer, plus credit checks they can make a risk assessment.
So if its a 70 year old woman on housing benefit, and its not at the top end of the range in Westminster, its a safe bet.
If its otherwise, such as someone who is always changing houses, on housing benefit, and complaining about landlords, the risk is high.
=========
They can. They can ask how they will be paying for it, and on the basis of that answer, plus credit checks they can make a risk assessment.
So if its a 70 year old woman on housing benefit, and its not at the top end of the range in Westminster, its a safe bet.
If its otherwise, such as someone who is always changing houses, on housing benefit, and complaining about landlords, the risk is high.
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Cardifflandlord2012-03-05 07:30:09
Only problem Nick is that you have to have the pesrons permission to conduct a credit search. To do so without such permission is breaking the law. Experian and equifax state that permission must be obtained. By stating that it has when it hasn't is of course fraud.
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Hester2012-03-05 09:00:53
It just surprises me that some things are so closely regulated when other possibly more important issues aren't. To get a car, you have to be trained to drive and then there are numerous regulations in place such as tax and MOT the log book etc etc. Why is driving/owning a car so tightly regulated when housing isn't?
If every landlord had to be trained, if every rented property had to have a 'log book' detailing ALL repair and maintenance issues, if houses had to undergo an 'MOT' each year (not just gas safety checks but the whole property) then things would be a lot different.
I know that at present it wouldn't really be practical to regulate housing in this manner, it would be expensive and time consuming. And I bet L.L.'s would hate it.
I hate the government and their rules and regulations as much as the next person, but if they're going to regulate things then they should do it properly. To most people, their house is more important that their car so if they're going to regulate cars/driving so closely, then it just seems stupid that something even more important like housing isn't regulated very closely at all.
If someone crashes into my car, I can claim on insurance. I wish I could take out insurance to cover me against my L.L. being a cunt and not being able to afford repairs that are the result of shoddy workmanship in the first place.
If every landlord had to be trained, if every rented property had to have a 'log book' detailing ALL repair and maintenance issues, if houses had to undergo an 'MOT' each year (not just gas safety checks but the whole property) then things would be a lot different.
I know that at present it wouldn't really be practical to regulate housing in this manner, it would be expensive and time consuming. And I bet L.L.'s would hate it.
I hate the government and their rules and regulations as much as the next person, but if they're going to regulate things then they should do it properly. To most people, their house is more important that their car so if they're going to regulate cars/driving so closely, then it just seems stupid that something even more important like housing isn't regulated very closely at all.
If someone crashes into my car, I can claim on insurance. I wish I could take out insurance to cover me against my L.L. being a cunt and not being able to afford repairs that are the result of shoddy workmanship in the first place.
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emma2012-03-05 11:12:11
Sorry, what's stopping you from carry out checks on a landlord??? A land registry search is only £2. This will tell you most importantly if the person actually owns the property and what charges are against them. You can speak to neighbours, to the local housing associations, previous tenents if they are still at the property and if you are still not 100% sure then ask the landlord if you can carry out a search on them. If they refuse then don't touch them with a barge pole. If someone wanted to do all this on me I'd be pleased that they were taking the rental seriously. I wouldn't buy a house without carry out all the necessary searches - why should renting be any different?
As for your plumber. I've not met a tradesman yet who hasn't slagged off the previous persons work. A few MM piping??? What was it a straw??? Rubbish, you pipes were obviously blocked. He just gave it the typical bulls*it so that he could charge more.
As for regulations - Do they do things differently down my way or something???? The amount of red tape involved with being a landlord is ridiculous. But then a non-landlord wouldn't know that.
And I haven't changed my tune at all Jeremy - If people don't like renting and all landlords are cunts - Then save a deposit and buy a place so that you don't have to deal with "landlord cunts" - stop moaning.
Its not advice - I'm just stating the bloody obvious!!
As for your plumber. I've not met a tradesman yet who hasn't slagged off the previous persons work. A few MM piping??? What was it a straw??? Rubbish, you pipes were obviously blocked. He just gave it the typical bulls*it so that he could charge more.
As for regulations - Do they do things differently down my way or something???? The amount of red tape involved with being a landlord is ridiculous. But then a non-landlord wouldn't know that.
And I haven't changed my tune at all Jeremy - If people don't like renting and all landlords are cunts - Then save a deposit and buy a place so that you don't have to deal with "landlord cunts" - stop moaning.
Its not advice - I'm just stating the bloody obvious!!
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Nick2012-03-05 20:39:44
One for Hester
===============
I think I'm going to lose my deposit as my landlord insists that the flat I rent from him must be in the same condition that I found it in.
Where am I supposed to get 10,000 cockroaches?
===============
I think I'm going to lose my deposit as my landlord insists that the flat I rent from him must be in the same condition that I found it in.
Where am I supposed to get 10,000 cockroaches?
80
Cardifflandlord2012-03-06 08:55:26
Problem is Hester that it's not only Landlords that need to be regulated but the letting agent industry too. Letting agents are more likely to screw you for arrangement/rearrangement fees and if the letting agents goes bust the landlord is left liable for the deposits of his tenants when he or she did not take them in the first place.
Good advice Emma.
Good advice Emma.
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lisa2012-03-16 15:36:56
I though i understand that some landlords don't want to rent out to people on DSS because they are concerned that they won't receive their money every month, from my experience and having spoke to estate agents ,the fact in the matter is the majority of the reason is to do with the stereotype and experience they have had with the way DSS tenants have left the house .
Now if thats not discrimination then i don't know what is . If most of the black people you had let out to left your house in a bad condition or didn't pay the rent so you decide to no longer let out to black people then that would be discrimination and not to mention racist.
I have recently become unemployed having previously worked full time as a professional and although i have done freelance work since i left my job 2 months ago , i am not always guaranteed work so i have to receive housing benefit to pay some of my rent. I am by no means lazy , i look for a job every day and have been going to interviews almost every other week but there is a lot of competition out there.
Although i sympathise with the frustration of what experience landlords have had with DSS tentant's , i think they should keep an open mind and at least meet the tenants first , ask for references and even a guarantor before they diss mis a person receiving housing benefits.You never know , these people could be your future employers one day if you happen to end up in the same position as me and believe me it can happen!
Now if thats not discrimination then i don't know what is . If most of the black people you had let out to left your house in a bad condition or didn't pay the rent so you decide to no longer let out to black people then that would be discrimination and not to mention racist.
I have recently become unemployed having previously worked full time as a professional and although i have done freelance work since i left my job 2 months ago , i am not always guaranteed work so i have to receive housing benefit to pay some of my rent. I am by no means lazy , i look for a job every day and have been going to interviews almost every other week but there is a lot of competition out there.
Although i sympathise with the frustration of what experience landlords have had with DSS tentant's , i think they should keep an open mind and at least meet the tenants first , ask for references and even a guarantor before they diss mis a person receiving housing benefits.You never know , these people could be your future employers one day if you happen to end up in the same position as me and believe me it can happen!
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laughing my ass off2012-05-10 23:39:50
from landlord to landlord .. your a small minded stuck up fool .. your more likley to get your rent off a dss tennat ..And i was a dss tennant before i got my job and decided to go into property developing and letting .. and now my freind ive proberly got more properties then you.. all i can say is you have to give a little to receive .. see where im going with this
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