problem with landlord

ulzqm

Hello everyone

first of all I do apologize if I am writing in wrong part of forum...

I am in big stress now and really don't know what to do, please tell me if I'm wright or wrong...

I am looking for a flat for myself and my family and believe me it's a nightmare. My wife and kids are staying abroad where we have our own place, but I came to London few weeks ago to go back to work after Parental Leave and to find decent home. I have decided to rent a room for the time I'm looking for a flat. I never planned to stay in that room for more than 3, maximum 4 weeks. On Wednsday 6th of April, together with my brother, we have moved to house occupied by Polish couple in Wimbledon. We agreed the price for 150 pounds per week. They have seen who is moving in (two people) and even prepared two separated beds. We paid deposit of 300 pounds (two weeks, not refundable - as The Landlady warned, to be taken for last two weeks of renting room). Those people didn't want to sign a contract, just gave me written receipt for deposit. We have moved in, weekend came quick (I worked long hours and also done many flat viewings, don't even remember that I have done one proper meal in kitchen) and I went abroad to celebrate my children first birthday.

When came back found out that by brother had problems with Mr Landlord, who harassed him to "leave if you don't like it" after wanting more money for rent. I came back and we agreed that we don't want to pay more and we are staying for two weeks - which we already paid for (300 deposit). They never wanted to listen and wanted us gone by last friday. My brother went to police station and described whole situation, also tried to arrange an appointment in CAB. What he was told by Police Officer - Landlords cannot throw us away and first agreement should be respected. We have right to stay in this room for two weeks. I am trying to find new place now and my brother booked tickets and is planning to go abroad on Wednesday.

Now again Landlord came to our room and requested to pack up and leave on Tuesday (what he says is the end of two weeks, we have moved in on Wednsday) or today "if you don't like it"....

Don't know what to do. Tired and stressed... In first instance wanted to call Police on 101 because he was shouting and swearing, but I am in the process of Credit and Reference Check with Rentguard company for the property I want to move in next week. I'm affraid of being shortlisted by police and rejected by new Landlord/Estate Agency/Rentguard company in nearest future.... Please help!

pinkshoes

Does the landlord live in the house?

ulzqm

I don't know if i can call them Landlords. When we have moved in they said they don't own this house but manage it on behalf of the owner. They both live here and also renting another room for one more lodger.

But who knows? Maybe they own it? They don't seem to be clear and honest with anything they say...

[Deleted User]

If they are subletting or letting the room to you, they are your landlords. Subletting means they rent the house, and rent out a room or portion of it to someone else. They may or may not have permission from the LL to do this, but this doesn't affect you in the short time you are there.

I'm afraid, if the LL is living in the house and you are supposed to be sharing facilities you have few rights. I'm sorry. They can give you little or no notice to leave, and the only way you can get your deposit back if they don't pay up voluntarily is to take them to court (MCOL), then you'd have to chase them for the money.

If you were a tenant i.e. in a room in a house where you weren't sharing facilities with the LL, you'd have more rights, probably have a fixed term of residence, a tenancy agreement of some form, a right to two month's notice, and your deposit would have to be put in a deposit protection scheme with a prescribed way of return.

Unfortunately it doesn't sound like this is your situation. I'd just get out of there and put it down to experience.

ulzqm

Thank you deannatrois

I didn't plan to stay here anyway but this situation is just awkward.
They change their mind by every occasion. We agreed we are living on Wed, my brother bought tickets for that day, now they say Tuesday, maybe tomorrow they'll say monday... sick of it

[Deleted User]

Its three days away. I'd hope they could see its less hassle to wait til then. If you can, try to stop arguing with them. Just repeat that you'll be out on Wednesday.

ulzqm

I am not arguing, I am really quiet and shy, don't like situations like this one... They keep moaning to leave Tuesday.

In the fact, I don't know what made them so mad, other lodger seems to be ok with them and lives here for long time. It's just the fact they raised rent dramatically just few days after we moved in and maybe that we didn't agree.

theartfullodger

With that many lodgers they'll be getting more than £7,500 pa rent payments in a year so should be declaring that to the tax-man. And any relevant benefits authorities.

Blackmail is a horrible word but...

As he is a resident landlord he can give you notice & evict pretty fast, no court action needed, as you are lodger/"excluded occupier". Nothing to stop you suing him for any losses, - but you'd need evidence of what you paid etc