Landlord wants to do maintenance

phill99

m0bov wrote: »

Bit of nonsense post that. The op is a tenant and has entered into a contract.

No. The issue is that all too often tenants come on here saying 'I know my rights' or 'what are my rights in this situation' and seeking others to validate their position.

But tenants also have a level of responsibilities that work hand in hand with their rights. Many tenants post on here saying that their landlords wont undertake basic maintenance. Here we have a landlord that wants to undertake maintenance in order to both protect their capital asset and to protect and improve the home of the tenant.

A lot if tenants think that they are owed compensation if things don't go their way. But occupying or owning a home has some inconvenience. And both owner occupiers and tenants need to acknowledge that a level of inconvenience is necessary. Thats just the way life is.

The reason that the landlord wants to do the work sooner rather than yan later is that if the work is delayed the situation is only likely to deteriorate and cost much more and cause more disruption and inconvenience to all concerned.

So it isn't a nonsense post. Its perfectly valid.

kinger101

Let's be honest here. The landlord is just trying to avoid a void period. If I were the landlord, I'd do the same. But I'd offer to put the tenants up in a hotel for a couple of nights while the work is done. It will be horrendous in there while the work is being carried out. Dusty work plastering.

oldbaldman

Lots of assumptions being made here, and no query as to what you wish to achieve or what your situation is. So what is your situation, what do you wish to achieve?

Your AST ends at the end of March. Are you intending moving out at the end of March?

How old is the property? A new build?

The delay in carrying out the remedial works will not likely damage the fabric of the property if it has to be delayed a further 2 months. Are you leaving in March?

Were you given any advance warning that these works may be undertaken?

If you want to remain beyond your FT then negotiate with your LL and try sort out alternative accommodation, but be ready for a s21 letting you know that he wants you to leave.

If you are intending to leave at the end of the FT then tell your LL, in writing, that you will not allow these works until you are gone.

obm

kinger101

Quizzical_Squirrel wrote: »

The landlord doesn't know he's going to get a void period. The tenant could be intending to stay for years for all he knows.

So the landlord either asks if it's convenient or gives the tenant notice to leave. He can't just leave a building to deteriorate for years.

Me, I'd rather be asked if it's convenient so I can make that decision myself.

Good point re the void period. I'd misinterpreted this. Still, with the level of disruption this is likely to cause, I'd expect the LL to stump up for a couple of nights in a hotel. If it was my own home, I'd know I'd be finding somewhere else to sleep for a couple of nights.

Still, it's up to OP to raise this with LL.

G_M

A dely of a couple of months will make very little differene in terms of damage. Marginally more widespread damp perhaps but if the plaster is all going to be stripped off/replaced it makes no difference.

And you do all realise that new plaster will be damp and take some time itself to dry out before redecoration is possible?

The crux of this is how long you think you'll stay. If you are actively looking to move, either at end of March or within a few more months, then the LL can wait. It is disruptive work.

I assume (since you don't mention it) that the damp has not been adversely or obviously affecting you? Of course, if it has, then it's in your interests to get it done asap. But otherwise?

I also assume this is a ground floor flat....?

Summer-Sunshine_2

I would say to him yes you can redecorate but I/we should be put into a b&b or maybe ask him to stop ur rent till it's all done?

Paint smells, dust etc... will make u ill

Wassa123

Hello,

Yes we will be looking for somewhere else soon.

It is a ground floor flat, I had a quick look and haven't seen any signs of damp in our side. I assume it's affecting flat 2.

I'll respond enquiring about the possibilty of postponing the work and see what they say.

ivavoucher

Wassa123 wrote: »

Yes we will be looking for somewhere else soon.
I'll respond enquiring about the possibilty of postponing the work and see what they say.

As the landlord has been OK with you so far I can't see he will have a problem with a short postponement.

Dizzy_Grey

I suspect your landlord - who also sounds very reasonable - is being scammed himself. Asking a company who specialises in selling damp solutions to look for damp is about the same as giving them an open wallet. If you are the ground floor flat and have no damp, I'd bet money there isn't really a problem!
I had this, tenant complained of dampness, agent got a damp company to do a survey, same story, hack the plaster off, replaster etc. Cost would have been 9000 pounds. I saw many inaccuracies in the report, got a building surveyor to visit (250 pounds) she diagnosed I just needed a bit more ventilation and the tenant had to dry his laundry outside rather than on the radiators - not suggesting you do that - but you might ask him if there really is a problem.

G_M

Wassa123 wrote: »

Hello,

Yes we will be looking for somewhere else soon.

It is a ground floor flat, I had a quick look and haven't seen any signs of damp in our side. I assume it's affecting flat 2.

I'll respond enquiring about the possibilty of postponing the work and see what they say.

Then the problem can't be urgent. Indeed, there may not be a problem (see dizzy grey).
I would not 'enquire'/ I should write back politely saying you are unable to accomodate the interruption to your quiet enjoyment and feel the work should be done after the tenancy ends (no need to give a date for hat tenancy end as yet).