What do you perceive makes a good LandLord?

fishpond

As the title says.

Pixie5740

Off the top of my head:

Knows and understands their legal obligations.
Understands it's the tenant's home.
Runs it like a business and doesn't try and be your friend and pop round.
Doesn't treat letting property as a passive investment leaving it in the hands of some incompetent letting agency.
Repairs things within a reasonable timescale. If a LL doesn't care about the property why should the tenant?
A good LL will just leave you alone to get on with your life.

Bubbles23

On top of what Pixie said, a LL shouldn't harrass or be rude to the tenant. Just be as professional as possible.

theEnd

Yep,

- Get the legals right.
- Leave you alone.
- React reasonably quickly when an issue is raised.

I rented for many years and had some really good LLs. With 2 different ones, I've called to report a broken (both old) washing machine and had a new one installed the next day.

My last LL did like to check the flat around once a year and would then suggest lots of smalls things she'd get fixed. Perfect.

fairy_lights

A good landlord gets repairs done in reasonable time and doesn't leave you with a leaking toilet for three months because they claim they can't afford a plumber.
A good landlord doesn't let themselves in when you're not at home "just to check up on the place".
A good landlord doesn't turn up drunk and shout abuse at you after you complain about the above two points.

Pixie5740

I'll also add that a good LL won't treat you like a second class citizen because you rent and act like they're doing you a favour.

Out,_Vile_Jelly

Employs a good agent.

I would bet that the majority of problems tenants have are related to incompetent, lazy, thick, greedy and downright dishonest letting agents who are ripping off the LL as well as the tenant.

cloo

Understands the legals
Fixes urgent problems ASAP, even if it's not convenient to them
Fixes things *properly*
Doesn't turn up more than a handful of times a year
Doesn't interrupt quiet enjoyment with cheeky things like 'Ooh, can I store some of my stuff in the garage for a bit' - understands it is, other than an investment, Not Their House

[Deleted User]

A good landlord is probably either experienced, or well prepared, and must have a good attitude:

- knows legal obligations (deposit protection, gas safety certs etc)
- has handy list of tradespeople to call promptly in the event of a repair
- has insurance or 'boiler bang fund' for emergencies
- keeps up their own mortgage payments or other financial obligations relating to the property (e.g. any included utilities).
- has the right attitude - this is another person's home now, they should expect privacy, safe, functional, comfortable surroundings. Treat them as you would like to be treated yourself!

I'm an inexperienced LL (with a lodger), but am trying my best to be a good one.

Prothet_of_Doom

Just taken on a 6 month let, as I need to be in Derby for work, and it's cheaper (just) than staying in a B&B. After a week, I spoke with the letting agent, about 3 issues I have. The Front door to the block does not seem to be something the other 3 flats (or the people in them) can be arsed to lock. Letting agent covers all 4 flats, and will write to them regarding this.
The switch for the light on the stairs doesn't work at the top, is one of these timer switches, but the timing is not enough time to get up stairs and open door. They will get it fixed next week, and see if they can extend time a bit.
I have no idea how to operate the water heating. They think they have an instruction manual for the flat. They will make a copy.


We shall see.

[Deleted User]

Prothet_of_Doom wrote: »

I have no idea how to operate the water heating. They think they have an instruction manual for the flat. They will make a copy.

Is it from a boiler that you can see somewhere? Try googling the name of the boiler and downloading the manual.