How can I stop the LA continually seeking access?

BitterAndTwisted

Eh, just tell the agent that you don't consider re-decorating to be a necessary repair and when or if any re-decorating needs to be done you'll let them know and provide reasonable access then.

He's going to get a nasty shock when his contractors turn up and they can't get in!

westlondonbuyer

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

He's going to get a nasty shock when his contractors turn up and they can't get in!

Yes:p But still, I'd like to avoid unpleasantness. It helps no-one and certainly not the contractor, who's done nothing to deserve the hassle (provided he actually does turn up, which is another issue).

I suspect the LL's response is his standard cut-and-paste reply to "demanding" tenants with a sketchy knowledge of their rights, rather than a deliberate attempt to be uppity with us?

Still, it's infuriating that a member of ARLA who's receiving 15% management commission on a very substantial five figure tenancy is apparently so ignorant of the most basic elements of landlord and tenant law.

BitterAndTwisted

Infuriating, yes. Surprising, alas no.

RAS

westlondonbuyer wrote: »

Still, it's infuriating that a member of ARLA who's receiving 15% management commission on a very substantial five figure tenancy is apparently so ignorant of the most basic elements of landlord and tenant law.

Pretty much normal based on what turns up here day after day.

At least one EA/LL who cannot even issue a correctly dated S21, almost every day.

Tiddlywinks

Creamlampshade wrote: »

Write as well to both parties to describe the damp problem (IN WRITING again) and any other issues as well. Have a look at some of the tips about damp on this forum. There are many.

Who mentioned anything about a damp problem?

Creamlampshade wrote: »

BTW, your deposit is in a scheme right? (if it is an AST after April 2007 and you are in England/Wales). And as your LL lives outside the country you are holding 22% of the rent back and forwarding it directly to the HMRC Inland Revenue, right?

Good grief - are you on some sort of crusade or something? The OP has made it clear that he does NOT want to escalate the situation - why don't you read before posting your stock standard reply (which you seem hell bent on just shoving on any vaguely rent based thread) and then make sure it is relevant. 'Right'?

LandyAndy

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

Who mentioned anything about a damp problem?

Creamlampshade's post opens with 'Just posted this elsewhere on the forum,' so presumably that is where the damp is.:)

bris

I think you need to do something but tread carefully here, for all the correct legal information here most are forgeting one thing, it's your home and how much you love it. The LA will not be redecorating off his own back, the LL will be pulling the strings in the background so they are both to blame for the arrogant way in which you are being treated.
The problem you may have is that if you go in all guns blazing with all the legal info you have received you may find an s21 winging it's way to you very quickly. The LL and LA may not have any problems serving notice to what they see as a problem tenant if they don't get their own way.
If you want to stay in this house long term then you may have to try and negotiate and compromise to suit you both. I always find that a face to face meeting can sort most problems much better than threatening letters. Go and see the LA at his office or invite him to your home to discuss the matter in person, talking to a human face always, for me anyway, brings a compromise that we, or you in this case, can live with.
Goodluck with whatever you decide.

Svenena

It is OT, but isn't the point about the tax valid? I think I've read on here before that if the LL lives abroad (as stated in OP), the tenant is responsible for paying the tax? (Of course the OP is probably already doing so, not implying anything!!)

Tiddlywinks

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/nr_landlords.htm#6

Which tenants have to operate the NRL Scheme?





Tenants of non-resident landlords have to operate the scheme if:

• the rent they pay is over £100 a week

and either:

• they pay the rent direct to a non-resident landlord
• they pay the rent to a person outside the UK
• they pay the rent to a person who is not a letting agent in the UK

HMRC may sometimes instruct tenants to operate the scheme even where the rent paid is less than £100 a week.


Google is your friend!

tbs624

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

......and either:

• they pay the rent direct to a non-resident landlord
• they pay the rent to a person outside the UK
• they pay the rent to a person who is not a letting agent in the UK

As the OP is renting through a London based LA the LL's tax affairs are clearly not relevant, unless s/he *is* paying the LL direct.:)