Lazy Landlord - how do I cover my bottom?

Pandilex

Basically the landlord of this property doesn't care. He didn't care about the previous tenant, he does absolutely nothing.

This is fine, because nothing has gone wrong. However I signed a 6 month contract. The contract did not state what happens after 6 months, and the 6th month is the end of this month.

I contacted him to ask what would happen and he said it would go onto a 1 month rolling contract. This is fine, but I want to protect myself against the unexpected. I have discovered repeatedly that in the world of renting, world+dog is out to get you.

Do you have any advice as to what I should do in this case? I doubt he will do anything further or care as long as the money keeps coming in. I also wonder what will happen to my deposit.

AndyT678

Assuming that it's a assured shorthold tenancy it just changes from fixed term to periodic.

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/private_renting/private_renting_agreements/assured_shorthold_tenancies

If you're planning to stay put and you want a bit more security you could always ask to sign another fixed term contract for 6 or 12 months. Might be some cost in doing that though.

Your deposit just stays where it is.

pcgtron

Pandilex wrote: »

Basically the landlord of this property doesn't care. He didn't care about the previous tenant, he does absolutely nothing.

This is fine, because nothing has gone wrong. However I signed a 6 month contract. The contract did not state what happens after 6 months, and the 6th month is the end of this month.

So if nothing has gone wrong, how do you know he doesn't care and how can he show you he cares if nothing has gone wrong

theartfullodger

pcgtron wrote: »

So if nothing has gone wrong, how do you know he doesn't care and how can he show you he cares if nothing has gone wrong

Why would you expect a landlord to care about anything but getting his rent & you looking after his lovely investment??

Should he expect you to care about him??

Do you know his real name & real actual address??

Mind_the_Gap

How is a landlord to show he cares?

Bunches of flowers? Crates of beer? Being willing to come in at 3 a.m. to unblock the sink for you?

dancingfairy

It depends on what you want to do. As has been said, if you you do nothing you will go onto a rolling contract anyway. Your other options include leaving at the end of the fixed term, going on to a rolling tenancy and then giving notice and moving out or offering to sign a new contract.
I'm not really sure what you are worried about? Your deposit? Being given notice? A rent increase? Getting repairs done?
If you could explain a little more what is concerning you people could reassure you, but on the face of it there is nothing to worry about, you should just go onto a rolling contract and everything will probably continue as before.
Regards,
df

Audrey_Wright

If nothing goes wrong, why do you even care if he doesn't care. I mean, one of the best relationships you can have with your landlord is mutual lack of interest in each other.
If it's the end of your contract, it only makes it easier - should anything happen, you don't have to put up with crap.
If all is okay with the apartment, if you haven't caused any damage to it and live a normal life inside, don't try to fix what is not broken.

Mind_the_Gap

If by 'the unexpected' you mean can he evict you more easily than when you were on a six month contract), then yes, he can - he must validly serve you 2 months' notice (a section 21) to expire at the end of a period of the tenancy (usually this means a rent due day, but not always). You do not have to leave and if you choose to stay put he will need to get a court order to get you out. Section 21 is a no fault notice, so there's no defence you can put up once it gets to court. You would in practice have another couple of months after the notice expires, but you would have to leave in the end.

It does however sound that as long as you keep paying the rent, he is unlikely to want you out.

If you want more security of tenure, why not ask for another 6 or evn 12 month contract?

G_M

You have an ideal landlord.

The property is fine. You have no complaints. He leaves you in peace.

What more could you want?

Read some of the complaints here by tenants whose landlords insist on 3 monthly inspections (or more), who hassle their tenants, complain about their lifestyles etc.

Be glad.

As for your tenancy, read:

Ending/Renewing an AST (what happens when the Fixed Term ends?)(What is a Periodic Tenancy?)(How can a LL remove a tenant?)(How can a tenant end a tenancy?)

cloo

I'd say not to worry, you've got a contract and the usual protection that affords.

franklee

Mind_the_Gap wrote: »

How is a landlord to show he cares?

Bunches of flowers? Crates of beer? Being willing to come in at 3 a.m. to unblock the sink for you?

:rotfl:I was thinking, going by the title of the thread, he could supply trousers?

Or how about answer the phone and give a sensible answer when the tenant phones up ... oh hang on the landlord already did that.