Moral Query with Rental Purcxhase

[Deleted User]

OK, I live in a rental property with my two kids. Dependant on HA and in my area (more renters than properties) LL's who will accept HA recipients as tenants are like gold dust. Obviously LL is selling property I am in, I am now in rolling tenancy so at risk of losing it. LL seems to be selecting viewers who want tenant in place. I've decorated the place to make it look good, knowing that in the straits I am in, LL is more likely to accept sitting tenant who isn't a problem.

Valuation took place last week. She was definitely impressed by all the work I've done on the place. At the end, the valuer asked 'How are the electrics and boiler'. Long silence ensued. My totally truthful answer would be ' well the electrics are ok in the main as long as you don't mind the fact that you can only use one kitchen plug socket because they've been wired off the light ring circuit and any other plug, even a kettle, sets off the trip switch. The whole place has been done by a ham fisted amateur. The boiler stopped working last year, been promised a replacement for a year, corgi repairman put in the wrong circuit board as a temporary measure, said the boiler needed replacing as another part (expensive) was due to go, and never returned. So I have a boiler that works, but none of the temperature readings show.

Instead of which I just looked at the LL and he said quickly, 'It all works'.

Now the LL has booked a viewing. How on earth do I answer any questions he may have? I know the place well, I know he should get a few thousand knocked off the price at least (there are other problems I have not covered up at all) but if I answer questions totally honestly, I will probably find me and the kids without a home. Desperately need that not to happen. But I'm not a con artist either. Obviously the LL won't deal with the awkward questions. I'm aware that answers I give could easily mislead. But its a very awkward situation.

If we are thrown out, its B&B in another area for god knows how long.

Is there a way to handle awkward questions without increasing the risk of losing the house but not misleading a potential purchaser?

anselld

Stay out of the way and let the LL/ agent conduct the viewings.

Ozzuk

As above, stay away! If you are intending to stay and this comes to light afterwards then the new LL won't be too happy. He has to give you reasonable notice for viewings, take the kids to the park.

Lord_Baltimore

I agree with other posters; you have to make yourself scarce. Your priority is your family and your duty to them (amongst other things!) is the tenancy. Leave the property issues to the owner and his prospective buyer.

Your moral dilemma shows you to be a tenant and person of value and keeping out of the property deal is your best way of distancing yourself from matters that are not part of a tenant's burden.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Any serious buyer will be getting a proper survey which will comment on the wiring and boiler, which will be reflected in the price.

Cautious_Optimist

If you're claiming LHA, maybe the house can be fitted with a new boiler - for free?
Maybe a good reason for new LL to keep you on as tenant...?

Pete9501

Out,_Vile_Jelly wrote: »

Any serious buyer will be getting a proper survey which will comment on the wiring and boiler, which will be reflected in the price.

Are you suggesting a surveyor is going to test electrical sockets or find kitchen sockets wired from the lighting circuit if they are hidden behind kitchen fixtures?

He might put his hand on a radiator to see if its on but no way is he going to check a boiler other than to hint at it being an interesting museum piece.

Mallotum_X

As above, stay away, but I'd also put a letter into the agent about the faulty equipment. Its up to them what they dod about it but you cant them be accused of not reporting it.

Cautious_Optimist

Mallotum_X wrote: »

As above, stay away, but I'd also put a letter into the agent about the faulty equipment. Its up to them what they dod about it but you cant them be accused of not reporting it.

Don't do this.

[Deleted User]

Thank you very much for your answers.

I have already tried to get a new boiler (at the time it wasn't working at all) but as the boiler is logged as being 78% efficient and didn't meet the criteria of being 70% efficient or under, I didn't qualify.

I rent directly from the LL, there isn't an agency around that will take a HA recipient in my area (no guarantor, no ability to pay 6 months upfront), I have tried. (The council also doesn't keep lists of LL's who accept HA recipients).

So only LL to go to for reporting problems. He has a long history of refusing to do repairs (and the boiler does give hot water etc, its just likely to need replacemnt or an expensive repair soon). Obviously I have complained to the LL, but he has a habit of giving me notice if I get too assertive (not rude) about repairs. I have had conversations with the LL about this, can't give too much detail but have gotten no where. Its led to me spending a lot of money I shouldn't really have had to on the property.

Its like walking on a tightrope over a volcano .., not much fun. But its been like that since the first time he gave me notice. However, its better than being on the streets. I should imagine I'm not the only one in this situation.

chewmylegoff

And don't spend any more of your money improving your landlord's property for him either.