Rent arrears and very unhappy landlord

gayleanne

The problem is that the council, may not rehouse you because you have intentionally made yourself homeless, because you have not paid the rent. That will be there get out clause, you also have the problem, that future landlords will ask for references, which I doubt very much that you will get from the landlord you have now.

I honestly can't advise what you can do, as you will obviously not have a bond or advance rent for a new abode.

gayleanne

amberleaf123 wrote: »

Thank you everyone for your input. As mentioned previously, I am very aware of the stress this situation creates for the landlord. I take no joy from this and would much rather be able to pay my way.

We have a 12 month contract which expires mid May.

I did offer our unprotected deposit towards the rent arrears, but this was rejected. I made this offer as I know that he will have to give us it back anyway.

This would have reduced the arrears considerably and eased the pressure for him, but to no avail.

Some may say that we deserve all we get and perhaps we do. But surely we can't be expected to be frightened to leave the house? We are not criminals. We are good, decent people who have had a serious of misfortunate events and find ourselves in a desperate situation.

You will not be getting the deposit back, that is obvious.

Werdnal

Contact the council in the morning and ask to speak to someone about your situation. They should have a "Tenancy Relations Officer" or something similar who can discuss your situation and advise you.

Then speak to the DWP/Benefits office to see how you apply for any financial help and get a claim in asap.

Read the link posted earlier for Shelter. You can also speak to an adviser there who will give you guidance on your situation.

Your landlord can bang on the door, throw stones at the window and shout all he likes, but he has to follow the correct and legal route to evict you. Anything less is illegal eviction - a criminal offense. They must issue you correct and valid notice, which in the event of rent arrears can be an S8 which gives you 14 days notice they will apply to court, so you must act quickly as above to get all the advice you can quickly.

If LL turns up and starts threatening and shouting again, you are quite within your rights to call the police, as they cannot chuck you out with anything less than a court order to end your tenancy!

In the meantime, had you any family you can beg, steal or borrow some money from to get the arrears down. LL cannot apply to evict you on rent arrears unless you owe 2 months rent, so if you can pay off some asap, this will buy you a little time.

amberleaf123

gayleanne wrote: »

You will not be getting the deposit back, that is obvious.

I don't think this is correct regardless of the rent arrears.

oohes

amberleaf123 wrote: »

The main problem is we currently have no money at all. No benefits, no income, nothing.

Why......?

amberleaf123

Werdnal wrote: »

Contact the council in the morning and ask to speak to someone about your situation. They should have a "Tenancy Relations Officer" or something similar who can discuss your situation and advise you.

Then speak to the DWP/Benefits office to see how you apply for any financial help and get a claim in asap.

Read the link posted earlier for Shelter. You can also speak to an adviser there who will give you guidance on your situation.

Your landlord can bang on the door, throw stones at the window and shout all he likes, but he has to follow the correct and legal route to evict you. Anything less is illegal eviction - a criminal offense. They must issue you correct and valid notice, which in the event of rent arrears can be an S8 which gives you 14 days notice they will apply to court, so you must act quickly as above to get all the advice you can quickly.

If LL turns up and starts threatening and shouting again, you are quite within your rights to call the police, as they cannot chuck you out with anything less than a court order to end your tenancy!

Thank you. I will contact the council tomorrow.

I know this is only going to add more fuel to the fire, but as the deposit wasn't protected, am I entitled to it back despite the arrears?

The deposit would be enough to secure a new place.

kazwookie

if you have no money etc, what are you using to buy food with?

I suggest you see what benefits you can claim / get temp jobs etc to help you out for now

amberleaf123

kazwookie wrote: »

if you have no money etc, what are you using to buy food with?

I suggest you see what benefits you can claim / get temp jobs etc to help you out for now

We are selling our stuff on ebay to keep food on the table.

botchjob

amberleaf123 wrote: »

I don't think this is correct regardless of the rent arrears.

I'm afraid you are deluded.

As for your course of action you wait for the course of the law to take its action and you eventually get evicted.

Probably wiser to go and see citizens advice bureau than ask randoms for advice on the internet...

oohes

amberleaf123 wrote: »

We are selling our stuff on ebay to keep food on the table.

Surely you're entitled to some benefits?