Problems with landlord, help please.

ripplyuk

Sorry to bump this thread but I've found a house and the landlord is happy to accept housing benefit so I'm very happy about that as all the others I approached said no.

I think he is keen for me to move in asap, but I don't know where I stand with regards to giving notice to my landlord. As I said, I've never had any sort of contract or paperwork of any kind. He was paid the deposit in cash, but it was 14 years ago now.

When he got aggressive with me last week, he said "If you want to F*** off tomorrow, go ahead. I'm not going to stand in your way". But obviously this was said in anger, so I'm not sure if it counts. I was also thinking of telling him that he can keep my deposit in lieu of notice but if he starts denying that he ever got a deposit, I'm not sure how that would work out.

It seems impossible to find a landlord that will accept housing benefit and pets so I'm reluctant to let this new house fall through, which I know it will if I can't accept the tenancy for another month or two. I also can't cope with this water leak anymore. Its affecting my health so much that my doctor has had to increase two of my medications and I've developed something called chronic rhinitis which I think is due to the mould and damp.

I'm also scared to stay here once I let the landlord know I'm leaving as I'm sure he'll make my life hell and I've seen how scary he is when angry.

pmlindyloo

ripplyuk wrote: »

Sorry to bump this thread but I've found a house and the landlord is happy to accept housing benefit so I'm very happy about that as all the others I approached said no.

I think he is keen for me to move in asap, but I don't know where I stand with regards to giving notice to my landlord. As I said, I've never had any sort of contract or paperwork of any kind. He was paid the deposit in cash, but it was 14 years ago now.

When he got aggressive with me last week, he said "If you want to F*** off tomorrow, go ahead. I'm not going to stand in your way". But obviously this was said in anger, so I'm not sure if it counts. I was also thinking of telling him that he can keep my deposit in lieu of notice but if he starts denying that he ever got a deposit, I'm not sure how that would work out.

It seems impossible to find a landlord that will accept housing benefit and pets so I'm reluctant to let this new house fall through, which I know it will if I can't accept the tenancy for another month or two. I also can't cope with this water leak anymore. Its affecting my health so much that my doctor has had to increase two of my medications and I've developed something called chronic rhinitis which I think is due to the mould and damp.

I'm also scared to stay here once I let the landlord know I'm leaving as I'm sure he'll make my life hell and I've seen how scary he is when angry.

You need to go to your local council and ask to speak to the private tenancy officer (they may be called something different, just ask to speak to someone who deals with privately rented accommodation.

Explain the situation to them and ask them for help with writing a letter ending your tenancy. (see this link: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=67759913&postcount=4)

In view of the threatening behaviour of the landlord you may wish to consider leaving as soon as the new place is available and not sending the notice letter until you have left.

This may cause some problems with how much you owe so you need to speak to the council officer and ask for advice.

Housing Benefit can be paid on two properties and one of the criteria is that this can be done if there is a threat of violence.

Your alternative is to speak to the landlord with a friend present (would one of your carers so this?) and tell him you want to leave. If he then says you can go whenever you want at least you have a witness to this.

I suspect that he will insist on the proper notice (if not then, afterwards) so do hand in your letter of notice at the same time.

Is there somewhere you could stay after handing in your notice if you are afraid of repercussions?

My suggestion is to be advised by the private tenancy officer.

PS Please take photographs of all the disrepair for possible future negotiations and keep a copy of your letter of notice.

tripled

Personally I'd suggested signing up and moving into the new property asap. I'd then suggest you write to the current LL, stating that further to your recent conversation (date) when he offered you could leave without notice, you have now vacated the property and surrendered it. You should also ask him to confirm how the deposit will be refunded.

In the best case scenario, he'll let you walk away or slip up (a text or letter saying something along the lines of dream on if you want your deposit back). Worst case scenario you could owe him a couple of months rent depending on tenancy periods and the like, but just pay him £10 per month until cleared if you can afford that Various posters on here would be able to steer you through the exact liabilities and what is BS and what isn't, depending on how it pans out.

ripplyuk

Thank you for your responses. I've also just had a call from my local housing rights service. They have said that if he doesn't agree to me leaving without notice, I should tell him that they are going to report him to environmental health on my behalf, regarding the condition of the house, the deposit not being protected, and the way he spoke to me in a threatening manner. They also told me that the things he said to me about my disability, calling me useless and saying I have no rights because the taxpayer has to support me, are not allowed and he could get into trouble for saying that. They told me I should get it in writing to make sure he can't demand money later.

I'm just so scared to approach him but I'll ask someone to be with me in case he gets violent.

[Deleted User]

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