My landlord is in massive debt, where do I stand?

letitiaannaking

We've never received anything from HMRC.

Out of interest can you explain why it's our money that has to go to the taxman, and they don't ask for it off the landlord? I mean, so long as it allows us a roof over our heads I don't care, but I don't understand that procedure.

theartfullodger

letitiaannaking wrote: »

We've never received anything from HMRC.

Out of interest can you explain why it's our money that has to go to the taxman, and they don't ask for it off the landlord? I mean, so long as it allows us a roof over our heads I don't care, but I don't understand that procedure.

As per my earlier post..

Google HMRC nonresident landlord.

but as I guess you don't have the tools allow me.....
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=hmrc+nonresident+landlord
and from the 1st hit I got...

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.
HMRC has produced a booklet called Non-Resident Landlords-guidance notes for letting agents and tenants that tells people what their responsibilities are under the scheme.
Tell me more about

• Tenants' obligations
• Where tenants can get more help
• How tenants calculate tax

i.e. because the Government says you must...

Cheers!

nikki1520

HMRC have introduced regulations making the tax on the rent the responsibility of the tenant, unless the landlord demonstrates to the tenant that he has taken care of it.

It is easier to pursue the tenant for the tax liability than the landlord, who may never return from abroad.

As artful says, google away!

letitiaannaking

I just needed it in simple language.
Thank you Nikki.

The money is not paid to the landlord, but is paid to his wife, who is apparently in the country, though after ten calls to her, a visit to her mum, and a call from her dad is apparently nowhere to be seen or found, or heard...

theartfullodger

Who is the landlord named on the tenancy?? If him then only pay him unless you have a letter from him authorising payment to wife..

If wife is named then she is the landlord or both are named as landlord then the non-resident thingy is irrelevant..

When you say "paid to" how is it paid (eg standing order, cheque, cash..)??

letitiaannaking

Ahh I see. It's always been said that he is the landlord, but on the contract it says the standing order every 17th of the month is to go to her. That must be to get around the non resident thing as he was the one who we were in touch with before we signed the contract, we only met her by accident when we were in the area with my partner's mum, and she wanted to see our new home and she was there moving the rest of their stuff out.

agrinnall

Just to address a couple of points in your first post.

Essential repairs - I have seen on here that there are ways in which you can have them done yourself and withold the cost from the rent, but you have to be careful to follow the correct procedures. Hopefully someone can post more about it.

Landlord's mail - Three options really: send it on as you are doing now, stick it in the bin (or recycling if you want to be environmentally friendly), or return it marked with 'not at this address'. I would be inclined to the latter, as that may start to bring things to a head when the people writing the letters realise he's not there any more.

letitiaannaking

We've kept the letters in a bag, as we used them as a way to try and meet with the landlord, but she wasn't in. We'll keep this lot, but if/when this gets sorted we'll be sending them right back where they came from. It's ridiculous the amount of post we get for them. I've known us have to sign for post, and there's been important letters from the hospital in regards to their kids.

We're feeling more positive knowing we're safe, but from what we've discovered today it sounds like they're up to some sort of fraudulent activities, and I don't feel comfortable living in a criminal's home, as I'm sure none of you would.

theartfullodger

letitiaannaking wrote: »

Ahh I see. It's always been said that he is the landlord, but on the contract it says the standing order every 17th of the month is to go to her. That must be to get around the non resident thing as he was the one who we were in touch with before we signed the contract, we only met her by accident when we were in the area with my partner's mum, and she wanted to see our new home and she was there moving the rest of their stuff out.

Very interesting about where it says to pay but WHO IS NAMED AS THE LANDLORD, please??

If it is him (alone) then non-resident HMRC issue still exists.. I'm not being difficult, just concerned you'll end up paying his tax bill as well. HMRC are very very good at getting money out of people .. especially if they know where you live but can't get hold of offshore charlie..

Hope it all works out, best wishes... horrible situation.

He sounds like he needs a good kicking...

letitiaannaking

"but on the contract it says the standing order every 17th of the month is to go to her"
her being his wife.
Considering there are only two people in the mix here, and me already saying one is male, and the other is his wife, I thought that was clear. I'm sure you understand my reluctance to give names.

I'm sorry but are you always this sharp with everybody? I get that you're trying to help, but you are very curt. Have I irked you in any way?