False advertising

tany_2

Hi

A prospective tenant has said he will be seeking advice for false advertisement against me. I advertised a property to let and he replied and said he has pets. The advertisement did not say no pets but when I was contacted I made it clear and also when he visited. I think he is seeking legal advice on the advert not saying no pets and the time (a day) they spent visting and waiting for an answer. They say they will homeless tomorrow and all my fault

any advice

Colincbayley

tany wrote: »

Hi

A prospective tenant has said he will be seeking advice for false advertisement against me. I advertised a property to let and he replied and said he has pets. The advertisement did not say no pets but when I was contacted I made it clear and also when he visited. I think he is seeking legal advice on the advert not saying no pets and the time (a day) they spent visting and waiting for an answer. They say they will homeless tomorrow and all my fault

any advice

Ignore them!!

Dessy

Call there bluff id say. If they going to be homeless then how they gonna afford to even get it to court.

MunnyBoiler

Don't give this another thought!!!!

It is just a threat to try and harass you into changing your mind on the pet issue. The advert may not have said 'no pets' but it didn't say 'pets allowed' either.....

Viper_7

Counter their made up threat if they keep it up. Harassment, now that would stand.

They could get free legal aid etc if they really wanted to pursue it, but their adviser would just laugh - there is no claim.

The_Unready

Hi,

Presumably your advert didn't specify 'No Terrorists' either, but I bet you didn't get any Al Qaeda operatives applying?

The Unready

Jowo_2

Ignore the pillocks and don't get involved in any debate. If they are that petty and litigious, they will only try and manipulate you into getting you to incriminate yourself on some daft discriminatory ground. Undertaking a viewing doesn't obligate the landlord to then let the property to those viewing it!

You haven't broken any laws, you are not responsible for their homelessness. It is up to them to find a pet friendly landlord and onward accommodation when their previous tenancy expires or contact the local council who have a statutory obligation to assist the homeless.

It's a shame that they haven't spent their time and energy in a more productive manner. Sounds like they are trying to pressure you into giving them the tenancy when its obvious that they aren't suitable as tenants.

Next time, be stricter with your viewings policy and ask more questions upfront to stop tenants from wasting your time and theirs. If you don't want to have pet owners, then don't show the property to those with pets.

tany_2

Thanks for all your replies.

Just got a text from him saying that his solicitor thinks he has a very good case to sue me for homelessness and willful wrong advertising and inviting him to view the property even though i knew he had dogs.

I do feel I am being harassed and threatened by his regular texts. But just trying to ignore him as much as possible. If I receive any more texts I will probably contact my local housing advice office for further advice.

nervousftb_3

tany wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies.

Just got a text from him saying that his solicitor thinks he has a very good case to sue me for homelessness and willful wrong advertising and inviting him to view the property even though i knew he had dogs.

I do feel I am being harassed and threatened by his regular texts. But just trying to ignore him as much as possible. If I receive any more texts I will probably contact my local housing advice office for further advice.

suing you for homelessness?! how is that your fault?! if the texts continue, tell him you are reporting him for harassment, and keep a log of all contact from him. if he is going to be homeless, why is he wasting his time trying to sue you instead of finding a new home? hope he gives up soon, best of luck!

Bufger

The_Unready wrote: »

Hi,

Presumably your advert didn't specify 'No Terrorists' either, but I bet you didn't get any Al Qaeda operatives applying?

The Unready

I LOL'ed.

Bufger

tany wrote: »

Thanks for all your replies.

Just got a text from him saying that his solicitor thinks he has a very good case to sue me for homelessness and willful wrong advertising and inviting him to view the property even though i knew he had dogs.

I do feel I am being harassed and threatened by his regular texts. But just trying to ignore him as much as possible. If I receive any more texts I will probably contact my local housing advice office for further advice.

Keep all of the text messages and record any phonecalls he makes (alot of phones have this feature nowdays). If it continues do him for harrassment.

He hasnt got any kind of case. He's probably hoping you make a mistake and say something you shouldnt in terms of liability. Dont talk to him or answer the texts. if he rings just say 'could you please refrain from contacting me. if it continues i will seek legal advice'.

Then if he continues seek legal advice.

Sounds like a nutter to me. I would wind him up something rotten and wait for him to crack, then i'd get him done for harrassment. :A