Need advice, please read

shellstar

Just some thing to consider when you're replacing the blinds for nets and curtains:

The holes for the blinds won'ts always match the holes for the curtain pole - this could cause you problems later as you'd have to make sure any new holes were made good (and repair paint work maybe?).

The other thing to consider for nets is that if you have PVC windows, you can't put holes in them for the hooks - it invalidates any double glazing warranties and guarantees. You can get stick on hooks, but they fall down a lot (I've had to super glue mine).

These may not be problems in the home you are currently renting. The latter in particular may be why the landlord would prefer to be consulted on changes as you will likely not know as much about the house as the owner does.

Just some info intended to be helpful and a thought about the other perspective. I'm not a landlord or a renter (anymore). I hope you are able to resolve things with the agency.

BitterAndTwisted

Soniclord wrote: »

I rang up about this (removing the blinds and replacing them with nets and curtains) and they said I needed permission to do it, but I'm going to do it anyway because I don't believe I need permission to do it as long as like you say they get put back as they were before the tenancy ends.

You do need permission from the landlord and I'd want it in writing, too to protect my deposit at the end of the tenancy. Taking down the dirty blinds is your choice as it won't affect the fabric of the building to do so. Putting up curtain rails which necessitate drilling holes will. You absolutely need to ensure that you can make good at the end of your tenancy so that any unauthorised drilling is completely undetectable. Anything else could incur a hefty charge from the landlord for it to be rectified an could entail a charge for redecorating as well. In my opinion this would be a a risk too far.


True but we are wanting the phone in the living room (like we had in the other house we rented) and that's the place where there isn't a phone line installed, I suppose it's down to personal preference and if we want it in the living room then we should be able to have it in the living room, and if they want it removing when we leave so be it, I'd have no problem with that.

ASK!

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

Never forget that the property belongs to the landlord and they are entitled to make any decision they like where the effect of the tenant's proposed changes impact on their investment.

Changing blinds for curtains doesn't impact on the landlords investment!

Actually, it does. It makes a material change which you seem intent to undertake without prior authorisation. Which is very, very rude for start.

And having a Sky dish installed and a Phone line installed doesn't impact on the landlords investment at all. It should boost it, because potential tenants or buyers can see they don't have to have anything installed what with it already being there would make life a bit easier for them not harder.

Actually, it does. You may not agree and you make not like it but that does not change the facts.

P.S) I suppose I should have found out about all the restrictions about renting through an agency but for gods sake this is a house NOT a prison camp.. I shouldn't have to ask permission for all the things that need doing!! That's what angers me the most because I'm independent and have never liked having to ask for things I shouldn't have to!! I'm not at school anymore I'm a grown man capable of making my own choices.

The restrictions on making changes to someone else's property is nothing to do with renting through an agency. These sorts of conditions generally apply to any rented property, no matter who does the managing. I find your misunderstanding of this quite elementary issue somewhat surprising.

Your combative attitude signifies your complete lack of ability to see this through quite reasonable eyes and speaks volumes, I'm afraid.

I'm not a landlord myself but your posts have all the hallmarks of an unreasonable and utterly intransigent tenant.

I wish you and your deposit well at the end of your tenancy!

Vincenzo

Soniclord wrote: »

You'd evict a tenant would you for changing blinds for curtains? Good luck with that as I'm sure a judge would laugh you out of court, what would you say I'm evicting my tenant because they changed the blinds for curtains!

Evict was perhaps the wrong terminology, certainly you would not be staying beyond the 6 month break I have in my leases.

As for not knowing the state of the property before you moved in, you have only yourself to blame.

Your bit on qualified Virgin engineers not damaging property and installing correctly shows how naive you really are.....

Soniclord

Please delete

Soniclord

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

You do need permission from the landlord and I'd want it in writing, too to protect my deposit at the end of the tenancy. Taking down the dirty blinds is your choice as it won't affect the fabric of the building to do so. Putting up curtain rails which necessitate drilling holes will. You absolutely need to ensure that you can make good at the end of your tenancy so that any unauthorised drilling is completely undetectable. Anything else could incur a hefty charge from the landlord for it to be rectified an could entail a charge for redecorating as well. In my opinion this would be a a risk too far.

Oh I would more than make good! I find it pathetic though that a landlord would charge for having tiny holes (which don't need drilling for the record) to put up a curtain pole. The above is based on fact by the way as I did the same in my old house. The landlord wasn't so pathetic there though and knew people can make their own minds up!

And frankly the landlord either need to re-decorate at his expense, then he can incur his own hefty charge for the bill. Because it needs doing and we will not stay here unless he sorts it out. For the record it's a 12 month contract not 6 with no break clause.

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

Never forget that the property belongs to the landlord and they are entitled to make any decision they like where the effect of the tenant's proposed changes impact on their investment.

Your combative attitude signifies your complete lack of ability to see this through quite reasonable eyes and speaks volumes, I'm afraid.

I'm not a landlord myself but your posts have all the hallmarks of an unreasonable and utterly intransigent tenant.

Unreasonable to want to put my own curtains up! Pull the other one!!

What's reasonable is me being able to do it.

Vincenzo wrote: »

Your bit on qualified Virgin engineers not damaging property and installing correctly shows how naive you really are.....

Well actually I've already had it installed and the Virgin engineer hasn't damaged any part of the property as I've checked, and if they wish to take money out of the deposit then they can attempt it as I've done nothing wrong, regardless what people say.

BitterAndTwisted

I think there's a fairly strong chance that in about 12 month's time there will be a poster starting a new thread about their landlord's unreasonable charges from their deposit for damage. And then we can have this same conversation all over again.

Vincenzo

Soniclord you completely miss the point most people are making here.

Many landlords would not necessarily prevent you installing cable or putting up curtains but to foster a good working relationship between landlord and tenant, these things need to be discussed and agreed. I will always do my best to accommodate requests from my tenants.

In your example I would have come round to agree where the cabling will run (outside as well as in) and would have offered to install the curtain poles and nets myself at no cost if you paid for the materials.

That way you are a happy tenant and I am a happy landlord. Your approach will only lead to problems and further disputes.

Cissi

Yet another thread of someone who has already made up their mind before asking their question, then hammering on and on about why they're right and refusing to listen to the solid advice given... Sigh.

On a complete aside, post #2 really threw me - what's that all about???

jacson wrote: »

You have a better chance of winning the lottery twice before getting in.
I am sorry to say but a ticket to SNL means diddley squat.
You not having any to begin with just pushes you further on the back burner.

Soniclord

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

I think there's a fairly strong chance that in about 12 month's time there will be a poster starting a new thread about their landlord's unreasonable charges from their deposit for damage. And then we can have this same conversation all over again.

I doubt it. If we get nowhere then after the 12 months is up I will simply leave and because I'd know he would attempt to keep the deposit I would withhold the rent for the last 2 months and let him take me to court to get me out the house.

Vincenzo wrote: »

Many landlords would not necessarily prevent you installing cable or putting up curtains but to foster a good working relationship between landlord and tenant, these things need to be discussed and agreed. I will always do my best to accommodate requests from my tenants.

In your example I would have come round to agree where the cabling will run (outside as well as in) and would have offered to install the curtain poles and nets myself at no cost if you paid for the materials.

This is my point, the landlord won't come round and do anything! He's leaving literally everything to the agent. I'm having to contact the agent, they contact him, he then contacts the agent and they contact me! He won't come to the house to check where cabling will run and most certainly wouldn't offer to install the curtain poles or the nets. Which to be honest I would refuse as I can easily hang my own nets and curtains (like I already said I'm independent) now if the landlord wanted to present when I did it then fair enough but he doesn't..

The landlord has also said there is already a cable point in the house which is correct but it's upstairs in our youngest daughters bedroom (read as box room) and with her cot in the room and some of her toys there is literally barely enough room to get round the cot to the window and I will have my computer in the living room so it makes sense to have the cable internet point installed there as I connect to my PC using an ethernet cable as I don't use wireless due to it being unreliable and for obvious security reasons, that way I can't accuse anyone of 'piggy backing' off my connection if it's hard wired, it makes sense.

The most stupid thing is the Landlord is paying the Agent to manage the property but for everything we want to do/or needs doing they go straight back to the Landlord to ask! But it clearly states in the tenancy agreement we can't do redecorate etc without first obtaining permission from the Landlord OR The Agent!! So the Agent could give permission if they wanted to surely?

mlz1413

Soniclord wrote: »

The most stupid thing is the Landlord is paying the Agent to manage the property but for everything we want to do/or needs doing they go straight back to the Landlord to ask! But it clearly states in the tenancy agreement we can't do redecorate etc without first obtaining permission from the Landlord OR The Agent!! So the Agent could give permission if they wanted to surely?[/QUOTE]

The LL wishes to let the daily running of the property be left to a LA, the LL pays the agent out of choice and I really doubt the LL wishes to be called stupid for that decision.

The LA will not give permission directly as they work for the LL and will want ensure they have written answers to questions so that they do not fall out with their client (the LL) and so they get paid, it is all about chain of command.

The LL may be away 6 months of the year, may have had difficult tenants before, may not want direct contact with someone who is also a neighbour (you say the LL lives in the same village), whatever the LLs decision is for using an agent it is their choice.

The LA may not be earning their fee (in your mind or in reality), but that is still the LL choice and NOT yours.

Read your T&C's, Read your Tenancy, Pay your rent, Liase with the LA when needed and ultimatley move out when you are ready. No one here will agree you should or can with hold rent and use it as a ransom demand. But from all your posts will do as you please as your mind is already made up.