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Please help - potential harrassment by landlord
help_a_tennant_in_need
Posts: 5 Forumite
Hi everyone - I'd really appreciate some help!
Since I moved into my current property late last year I have received over 60 letters from the landlord posted through the letterbox about various trivial things. Recently these have been getting more serious, for example: saying that I could be sued for a substancial sum if we do not regularly clean condensation off the windows as they could warp & sticking notes on our front door.
Most recently - he has demanded an increase in the rental payments for the contribution to gas costs. I currently pay a fixed sum each month for gas costs (there is only one meter for both properties as our property is a flat split off from the landlord's house), but due to recent large bills the landlord is requesting around an additional £200 contribution based on what he believes to be the fact that I am in my flat more often than he is in the house (obviously my tennancy is not based on how long I occupy the flat each day!).
It is easy for everyone to suggest not to pay, but I've received a lot of harrassing letters already and do not wish to receive more abuse by saying I'm not paying - I'm also worried about getting the deposit back at the end of the tennancy.
Should I just pay to get the landlord off my back? Thanks everyone!!! :rolleyes:
Since I moved into my current property late last year I have received over 60 letters from the landlord posted through the letterbox about various trivial things. Recently these have been getting more serious, for example: saying that I could be sued for a substancial sum if we do not regularly clean condensation off the windows as they could warp & sticking notes on our front door.
Most recently - he has demanded an increase in the rental payments for the contribution to gas costs. I currently pay a fixed sum each month for gas costs (there is only one meter for both properties as our property is a flat split off from the landlord's house), but due to recent large bills the landlord is requesting around an additional £200 contribution based on what he believes to be the fact that I am in my flat more often than he is in the house (obviously my tennancy is not based on how long I occupy the flat each day!).
It is easy for everyone to suggest not to pay, but I've received a lot of harrassing letters already and do not wish to receive more abuse by saying I'm not paying - I'm also worried about getting the deposit back at the end of the tennancy.
Should I just pay to get the landlord off my back? Thanks everyone!!! :rolleyes:
0
Comments
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I would keep all letters and get some legal advice about this. Your landlord sounds an absolute psycho 0 -
wow - your LL sounds quite mad.
Is your flat absolutely seperate from his? Just want to check that you are not a lodger...if you were I'd suggest you leave asap.
Otherwise, call your local council & speak to the tenancy relations officer/private renting officer. Keep all notes the LL leaves for you. Then start looking for somewhere new to live as soon as your contract is up.
your deposit should be protected in a scheme. did you get any information about this?0 -
Think it's the LL that needs the help - some serious professional help! :eek:
Could you clarify on your tenancy agreement...did you sign a contract stating fixed sum for gas costs?
In which case I doubt he can demand an extra £200 ... can LL state a clause such as reasonable usage of gas Find a job you like and you add five days to every week0 -
Not a lot of help really, but have you considered finding somewhere else to live - can only image things getting worse
QT0 -
As indicated above, your LL sounds like a complete nutter. Contact the tenancy relations people at your local authority, also Shelter, who are experts on housing issues. Are you on an AST? What is specified in your tenancy agreement? I would look to move at the end of your tenancy (assuming AST) if I were you. Do you rent directly from the LL, or is there a LA involved?0
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It is an assured shorthold tennancy and my flat is absolutely separate - I am renting a flat and not a room in the tenant's house. I can move out in a few months, but the way things are going it seems very, very far away! It's got to the stage I dread coming home from work everyday because I don't know what's going to be waiting for me. In the tennancy it states that 'gas charges are fixed' - and a friend in the legal department at my work didn't think he could put up the rent based on what it said in the tenancy. Unfortunately I rent directly from the landlord, a letting agent's were only involved at the start to help the landlord let out the property. I did contact them but they said they couldn't help
I can't believe there is people out there that can do this to their tennants and get away with it! thanks for all the helpful messages.0 -
I'd Leave!!
The country!
On a serious note that is actually harassment if he keeps up the nutty behaviour you may be able to get out of your tenancy agreement, you need to get legal advice!0 -
What does everyone think about paying the rent increase to get some peace?!0
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No, don't pay it.
What you need to do is write him a letter and slap it on his door pointing out he's breaking the law and not giving you quiet enjoyment ... and pointing out that the rent includes gas at a fixed price.
Cheeky halfwit.0 -
help_a_tennant_in_need wrote: »What does everyone think about paying the rent increase to get some peace?!
Don't pay - counter logical but don't retaliate and keep a record of this nutty behaviour (use it against him at a later date to your advantage)Find a job you like and you add five days to every week0
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