As a tenant would you like this?

MissMoneypenny

ginvzt wrote: »

Also, we need to quote the specific sections of the law to get the things (like landlord's address) which they admit in the end that they know of (the answer to the quote was 'Yes, I know that, but why would you need it?' - well, it is my right, and I asked you, so be so kind and give it to me!!!!).

It's part of the Prescribed Information that the landlord was required to provide within 14 days of you giving your deposit

"2.—(1) The following is prescribed information for the purposes of section 213(5) of the Housing Act 2004 (“the Act”)—
<snip>

(g) the following information in connection with the tenancy in respect of which the deposit has been paid—
<snip>
(iii) the name, address, telephone number, and any e-mail address or fax number of the landlord;

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/uksi_20070797_en_1

The following is from Shelter's website:-

"Giving the tenant certain information

All landlords have to give their tenants their name and a UK contact address. If the property is managed by a letting or property agent, they must also provide you with the landlord's full name and address.

Any requests should be made in writing, you should also keep a copy of the letter and send it by recorded delivery, if you want proof of postage. If you don't get a reply in writing within 21 days of them receiving your letter, the landlord is committing a criminal offence.

Your next step could be to report your landlord to your local council's tenancy relations officer (TRO). TROs can get involved in disputes between landlord and tenants and can even prosecute the person who does not provide this information. You should also be able to get your landlord's details from the Land Registry. You can do this online by filling in a form and paying a small fee."

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/advice_topics/renting_and_leasehold/rights_and_responsibilities/landlords_responsibilities

Just be aware that some landlords don't ask their mortgage lenders permission to let the property, so the lender will have the lls address down as the same place you are renting! Not a good position for the tenant to be in if the LL hasn't received permission to let.

pickles110564

MissMoneypenny wrote: »

(iii) the name, address, telephone number, and any e-mail address or fax number of the landlord;

Good job we dont have to give our MSE usernames, whoops name:rolleyes:

MissMoneypenny

pickles110564 wrote: »

Good job we dont have to give our MSE usernames, whoops name:rolleyes:

Some people put so much information on MSE, that it is easy to work out their name and address.

airhostess

I think it's a great idea to write a letter asking for the tenant's view on the letting agency. As a tenant, I would be open to this. If you hear nothing you can assume the letting agency is doing a good job, however if the letting agents are awful then you can be sure to hear from the tenant, and get a chance to rectify any problems yourself before switching agents.

Good idea imho!

jockster211

zaphod_beeblebrox wrote: »

When using an agent, the tenant should have no communication whatsoever with the landlord

What absolute tosh!

I find myself in rented accomodation as I sold my home in 2007 (luckily at the height). I had to pay 6 months rent up front & for reasons known to me I doubt the landlord got it. All of the issues I've reported are just ignored, including a roof leak in the front porch. Maybe the LL doesn't want the repair done, maybe the agents are just pants, who knows . I think I'd like to see my asset maintained, were it mine.

My experience of private renting has been terrible, mostly down to the letting agent. I can't wait to buy the right place. I'd welcome an opportunity to let the LL know how I've been treated.

Jockster

Airwolf1

Danjames90 wrote: »

I own a small property in a different city and have no idea who is living there, i also have no idea how effective my letting agent is, I mean in terms of customer service etc

As a tenant would you respond to a letter from your landlord asking for your comments tec about the letting agent.

I have no idea if they are doing a good job, yes the rent is being paid every month but the contract is up in a few months. If they are doing a bad job it maybe the difference between the tenant resigning and leaving.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks.

I'd say go for it, it seems a good idea. Also give them your contact number just in case they do come across a problem which the letting agent can't or won't deal with.

Alleycat

As a tenant of various properties I would really appreciate the direct contact with the landlord as opposed to the managing agents. I guess its that personal touch and the fact that the landlord (whether that be a sole person or company) have a vested interest in maintaining the property that means that things are sorted out far quicker (not just repairs but other issues such as renewal of tenancy etc).

It is helpful to have a decent agency acting if you aren't too hot on your responsibilities as a landlord but still nice to be able to communicate directly with the landlord if there are ever any issues with the agency.

Personally I would be a bit hesitant in responding to a letter without ever having clapped eyes on or spoken to the landlord as if there were issues, I wouldn't want to sour any relationship with the agency. As tenants we have so little protection that we need to be careful or we will end up with an S.21 landing on our doormat two months before renewal time.

carolt

Sounds like a great idea - the letter, NOT an unnounced visit, which would be very unpopular!

If all's going well, you've lost nothing; if it's not, you'll have a chance to fix it.

By doing this you kill 2 birds with 1 stone: (a) you make your tenants feel valued, respected and cared for, thereby increasing the chance they will stay on AND look after your property better while they're there, and (b) you get the chance to make sure your property is being adequately maintained by the agents, thus not losing value.

A win-win situation (except possibly for the lettng agents, if they're not what you hoped).

olly300

zaphod_beeblebrox wrote: »

When using an agent, the tenant should have no communication whatsoever with the landlord

Are you a letting agent or an estate agent?

Landlords use agents in different ways so what you have posted is a load of tosh. For example some landlords only use LA/EA to advertise the property and then end up sorting things out with the tenants themselves.

Personally having rented and been involved in renting out properties the best relationships between landlord and tenant are when there isn't a middle man in between.

However if a middle man is there than the tenant should know who the actual owner is and how to contact them if there is a problem that the middle man refuses to resolve that could cause long term damage to the property.

As while the tenant and the property owner are interested in the up keep of the property the middle man , LA/EA, is only interested in lining their pocket while doing the least amount of work to achieve this.

Danjames90

zaphod_beeblebrox wrote: »

If you’re suspicious of the agent or the tenant then get rid of them

Either way, you do not bypass the agent of whom you have assigned on your behalf and contact the tenant

Are you sure your cut-out to be a landlord?

When MY money is involved I have learnt it pays to be suspicious of everyone, remember no one puts money in your till like you do. Its my house, my investment and my future and I want to make sure the people I have assigned are doing a good job, if they are then they have nothing to worry about.

I was thinking of just a quick letter through the door with my number on asking them to give me a call, no way I would just turn up. I understand it is the tenants home.

As for not being cut out to be a landlord why do you think that? I am just trying to make sure my investment is being managed properly, what kind of landlord would I be if they have children and a problem with the house that should have been fixed by my LA wasnt, the child was injured because of this problem.

I live in a different city and while I have inspected this property a number of times over the years I still have no idea what my LA is up to, at the end of the day there has to be a level of customer service involved. I want them to stay for a long time and they maybe be sat there thinking I am moving out because of x y or z, all of which I know nothing about. I dont think its a questions of just getting my rent at the end of the month and that is that, there are people involved.

My mind is made up I am sending a letter asap, I will keep everyone updated.

Thanks.