Private LL wants to do inventory whilst we're still here

MissMoneypenny

theartfullodger wrote: »

Stone me, one loose knob a year seems fair...

:silenced:

theartfullodger

- except in the divorce courts...

calliopeviolet

Thanks everyone. He lives overseas but is back in the UK just now and has been in touch pretty much constantly for the past few weeks and being an anxious person, I'm finding it all a bit much. It's clear that he is one of those amateur landlords who want their property to look exactly like it would be if they were living in it and hasn't been able to get used to the fact that this is now business.

The deposit IS in a scheme, thank God. And yes, I think the answer might be to let him come and do his check with someone else here, email us his findings and then we can negotiate by email. I really, really, don't want to have to see him; esp. as I think he'll want to go through each item with a fine toothcomb and tell us off if it's not exactly how he would want it.

Also, he said that the place needed cleaning (which it absolutely does not) and that he would charge us for having a professional do it. Surely this is none of his business as long as things weren't so dirty that rodents were living here (for example!)?

It's worth pointing out that if we have caused any damage, then absolutely, we are happy to be billed for it at the end of the tenancy - this is only right and fair. What I am not happy to do is to be told that damage exists when it does not and be intimidated into paying up for fear that notice will be given if we don't comply. We just want to be able to live here in what's the phrase?... 'quiet enjoyment' until such a time as we choose to leave. Just like every other rental place we've lived in.

I've phoned the council and a local housing charity for their advice as well.

As for loose knobs - my word! :cheesy:

RAS

if he is living overseas, do you retain 20 per cent of the rent for HMRC, or has he provide the necessary tax certificate?

And has he provided an address in the UK through which you can contact him?

calliopeviolet

RAS wrote: »

if he is living overseas, do you retain 20 per cent of the rent for HMRC, or has he provide the necessary tax certificate?

And has he provided an address in the UK through which you can contact him?

No, no and no. There's an email adress which we communicate through, but nothing other than that.

theartfullodger

calliopeviolet wrote: »

No, no and no. There's an email adress which we communicate through, but nothing other than that.

Yippee!!! Thus, according to Section 48 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1987 the rent is "not due" until he provides an address in England&Wales (can be a local estate agent, his mistress', anywhere..). Unfortunately as soon as he does give address all the withheld rent becomes due, but it should wipe the smile off 'is face....


Aslo see this on HMRC & non-resident landlords...
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/cnr/nr_landlords.htm

You MUST retain 20%-ish of rent for tax man until Landlord provides paperwork (from HMRC) saying he's OK...


Do you have an up-2-date gas safety certificate??

(As I'm suspicious.,.,.) £5 says he's on the fiddle somewhere (tax declared??)

re..

Also, he said that the place needed cleaning (which it absolutely does not) and that he would charge us for having a professional do it. Surely this is none of his business as long as things weren't so dirty that rodents were living here (for example!)?

OFT have ruled (google OFT356 ) that enforced professional cleaning is unfair & unenforceable - unless he can prove the place needs cleaning... He's a silly boy - if he had any sense he'd simply up the rent by £10/month to cover it..

Cheers!

Artful (Landlord..)

RAS

calliopeviolet wrote: »

No, no and no. There's an email adress which we communicate through, but nothing other than that.

What a twerp. Oh dear he is in for a shock.

Start by reading the link artful gave you and then e-mail him and ask for the form:D including the link in the e-mail.

If your rent is due, deduct 20% until the form is produced.