Does landlord pay tax on rent?

mlz1413

macawslave wrote: »

Thanks again to everyone's input.
I hear what you are all saying and have taken it all onboard, but for a number of reasons, including the fact that I suffer with M.E. and need to be near my sister for help and support, Im going to have to stay put for a little while at least. However, I will be finding out my rights etc via the links you have given me.
For my own peace of mind Ive bought a carbon monoxide detector;

.- yes Ive already considered talking to LA for advice.

Cheers all

Macawslave - are you saying there are no other properties for rent in this village or just that you like the location enough to put up with a LL actively trying to break the law and include you in those illegal activities?

IMO my health would come first ME or no ME, second I want a correct tenant / LL relationship that ensures I get peace of mind for the rent I pay, third if I knew I was being asked to 'cover' for the LL with issues like no gas safety, no deposit scheme and not involving HMRC which are 3 things that each break the law I would not accept the location of the house as good enough grounds for staying put.

If you do decide you will put up with these things then I doubt you can get the LL to help you at all. So good luck with what ever you decide

macawslave

In answer to your questions -
The rent is £550 pcm, its a 3 bed, semi, which is about average for the area.
Sorry I should have said it is a bottle-gas fire, I would say its only a couple of years old, would that make a difference to charges? There is no gas supply in the area.
Cooking is by electric.
Carolt - I also echo your sentiments - I want a roof over my head especially since Ive been without one for 18 months (a long story, basically due to the credit crunch and house sales).
So far I do get on fine with LL and will gradually point all these things out to him - I feel its a learning curve for both of us.

Premier_2

macawslave wrote: »

...Sorry I should have said it is a bottle-gas fire, I would say its only a couple of years old, would that make a difference to charges? ...

A Landlord's gas safety certificate is still required if the LL has supplied the appliance.
I doubt such an appliance would affect the cost of the certificate.

However, it would be easy for the LL to just take the appliance (or even just the gas bottle) away if it is all self contained.

macawslave

mlz1413 - it is a very small village in rural west wales, so properties for rent rarely come up. I DO need to be near my sister FOR health reasons, M.E. is a very lonely , isolating condition which has brought me close to suicide already.
Im not covering for anyone, I really do believe my LL is rather naive, like alot of the lovely locals - yes I may have to eat those words!
I didnt come on here for people to have a go at me, I just wanted a bit of advice which most of you have kindly given and I am now alot wiser.

silvercar

As for the 'decorative' fireplace, it must be either gas safety checked, or have the gas disconnected....there is no middle ground.

I understood it could remain if it has a red "do not use" corgi- issued sticker on it.

Premier_2

silvercar wrote: »

I understood it could remain if it has a red "do not use" corgi- issued sticker on it.

Any decent CORGI engineer would not just place a sticker on any unsafe appliance, but would also take steps to ensure it poses no further threat to safety ... usually by disconnecting the appliance.

silvercar

If property is in short supply and the only issue is the fire (that you are not going to use) then I would be happy.

If the landlord is going to be slow with repairs, then I would be worried.

The landlord's tax position is his department. Provided you have been issued with an AST contract, you can claim HB.

mlz1413

macawslave wrote: »

mlz1413 - it is a very small village in rural west wales, so properties for rent rarely come up. I DO need to be near my sister FOR health reasons, M.E. is a very lonely , isolating condition which has brought me close to suicide already.
Im not covering for anyone, I really do believe my LL is rather naive, like alot of the lovely locals - yes I may have to eat those words!
I didnt come on here for people to have a go at me, I just wanted a bit of advice which most of you have kindly given and I am now alot wiser.

I have seen 2 people close to me suffer with ME so I do know the issues involved.

I realise you are seeing the best in a man who has rented you a house in a place you want to be, but please ensure if you are staying there that you keep to a tenant/LL relationship and do not get involved with things he is responsible for (ie the tax). Please ensure you get a signed Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, a signed Inventory and your deposit put in a scheme (BTW you cannot use the deposit as the last months rent).

Millburn_farm

macawslave

I am a Landlord, and I have ME

bottled gas or town, it needs to be checked, and can be set against his tax, and oh yes, he has to do a tax return, I do and I don't get near the level on which you pay tax, and if I can do the short form with housebound ME he can manage it

As far as I'm aware you knowing he isn't declaring is almost as bad as his not declaring his income

My last yrs bill for my Landlords certificate and an overhaul of a 9 yr old fire & back boiler was £118; if your landlord can't afford that what happens if you get a leak or a burst pipe

macawslave

Ive advised my LL today of the answer to my original question and
I will get a 'responsibilities of a LL' leaflet to give to him.
Thank you - there were some useful answers