Rogue landlord

confusedgranma

I moved into this flat 2 months ago and the landlord has given me a bill for building insurance, £126 payable direct to the landlord. I signed up through an agency and the lease has no mention of building insurance. I thought building insurance is the responsibility of the landlord? I have my own tenancy insurance.
Hi is a bit of a rogue and refuses to do some repairs saying that I should put up with minor irritations (one is that to flush loo I have to remove the top and manually push down the ballcock to refill! )

I just need to know that I am right and then try to tell him nicely

Pixie5740

Your LL is responsible for his own buildings insurance. It's an expense he should have factored into the rent not something to try and bill you for separately.

As for repairs, read G_M's Repairing Obligations guide.*


*Assuming you are in England or Wales.

confusedgranma

Thank you Pixie that's what I thought. The last thing I want is to fall out with my landlord but don't want to be paying for what is his responsibility. The flat is above a shop and the only residential property, all the others are shops and offices.

robotrobo

confusedgranma wrote: »

I moved into this flat 2 months ago and the landlord has given me a bill for building insurance, £126 payable direct to the landlord. I signed up through an agency and the lease has no mention of building insurance. I thought building insurance is the responsibility of the landlord? I have my own tenancy insurance.
Hi is a bit of a rogue and refuses to do some repairs saying that I should put up with minor irritations (one is that to flush loo I have to remove the top and manually push down the ballcock to refill! )

I just need to know that I am right and then try to tell him nicely

Tell the tight get nicely or grab his ballcock:eek:

pawlala

confusedgranma wrote: »

Hi is a bit of a rogue and refuses to do some repairs saying that I should put up with minor irritations (one is that to flush loo I have to remove the top and manually push down the ballcock to refill! )

I just need to know that I am right and then try to tell him nicely

Write a letter. Say you won't be paying his building insurance premiums. Also tell him that you will waive the minor irritation this has caused you as long as he fixes your ballcock. After all, its his toilet when you've left and if you can't clean it properly he'll have to do it.

Or something along those lines :)

pmlindyloo

Unless there is a clause in your tenancy agreement about paying the building insurance then this is the landlord's responsibility so read your tenancy agreement carefully.

In view of the probable ineptitude of your landlord I would urge you to check that he has fulfilled his other obligations.

Have a thorough read of this:

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/private_renting/about_private_renting/landlords_responsibilities

Miss_Samantha

On the pro-active side, a flush costs £10-£15 and may be replaced in 10 minutes.

DoaM

Miss_Samantha wrote: »

On the pro-active side, a flush costs £10-£15 and may be replaced in 10 minutes.

Not if you need to remove the cistern to be able to do so.

confusedgranma

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, some raised a smile
:rotfl: My lease is the shortest I have ever seen and even the agent has never seen one as short but assures me I still have the same protection as a multi page one.

Non payment of rent is not acceptable.
No children, pets, parties, drugs or alcohol allowed on the premises at any time.
Any disputes 3 months notice by either party.
They assured me that I would be ok having my grandkids over and a tipple now and again . There had been some young men in here previously who came with glowing references but had loud parties and lots of people in and out who were drunk or high which upset the businesses, 2 salons and a high class wine store.

The place was a mess, and the rent is cheap. Its a good location for me and I could see past the mess. A bit of elbow grease and a lick of paint made a huge difference. I asked if I could replace the carpet and he had one fitted for me. I asked for the bits of old filthy furniture to be removed, along with other stuff left by the last tenant. Told him if it wasn't screwed down I didn't want it because I have 40 years worth of my own junk. He had it all removed. He also had the hedge trimmed outside so isn't all that bad and don't want to antagonise him but not prepared to pay this bill! He is very old and owns all the properties in this little place. Will see how he reacts when I take his bill to give back to him! :eek:

G_M

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/how-to-repair-a-toilet4.htm

pmlindyloo

confusedgranma wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, some raised a smile
:rotfl: My lease is the shortest I have ever seen and even the agent has never seen one as short but assures me I still have the same protection as a multi page one.

Non payment of rent is not acceptable.
No children, pets, parties, drugs or alcohol allowed on the premises at any time.
Any disputes 3 months notice by either party.

The place was a mess, and the rent is cheap. Its a good location for me and I could see past the mess. A bit of elbow grease and a lick of paint made a huge difference. I asked if I could replace the carpet and he had one fitted for me. I asked for the bits of old filthy furniture to be removed, along with other stuff left by the last tenant. Told him if it wasn't screwed down I didn't want it because I have 40 years worth of my own junk. He had it all removed. He also had the hedge trimmed outside so isn't all that bad and don't want to antagonise him but not prepared to pay this bill! He is very old and owns all the properties in this little place. Will see how he reacts when I take his bill to give back to him! :eek:

Blimey, no alcohol allowed on the premises at any time - and you signed this lease?!!!!!

Please check the link I gave you. If he is using a contract like this then it is very likely that he has no clue about his responsibilities.

How was an agent involved? What did they do?