Section 21, landlord references

Lea88

Hi, I have lived in current rented property since April 2015. Landlord has served a section 21 which expires in march. I want to move anyway as this place is a dive but I took it on after I finished uni and wasn't on a good wage.

There has been numerous issues with the property which the landlord isn't interested in, they turn up unannounced and let themselves in etc. It's a nightmare and in December I stupidly lost my keys so paid for an emergeny locksmith to come out and get me in. I went into the agents office the following day and gave them a copy of the keys. Landlord owns the agents and was not at all happy and in front of everyone became quite confrontational.

Anyway section 21 received in january.

I am applying for a new property but wondering if I should declare this landlord? I am worried about his reference given his behaviour, when I emailed him to ask questions about the section 21 he said when he hand delivered the notice he could smell cannabis. Now I have never ever ever smoked and live in a flat block with 8 other tiny studios. I think it's a completely unjustified comment to make.

I have an excellent reference from my previous landlord, and have bank statements to show rent is always paid early here. I have a DBS check to show I am not a criminal as I work with vulnerable children plus employer references.

So my question is: could I declare this address on my application but not state it is rented? Then give previous landlord details as a reference.

I hate the thought of lying but i am sick with worry that I am going to be homeless. Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you

Pixie5740

If your landlord wants you out where is the benefit to him in giving you a bad reference?

The Section 21 on its own does not end the tenancy. That can only be done by you (the tenant) or a court. So if you are unable to secure a new home due to him giving a vindictive reference then he will just cause himself a load of hassle.

If he gives you a decent enough reference abc you are offered the new place then remember to serve your own notice so that the tenancy actually ends. You don't want him claiming you still owe him rent.

Whatever happens you won't be homeless. If the worst comes to the worst and you are made unintentionally homeless the council will find somewhere for you. It might not be great and it might be temporary but you will have a roof over your head.

Lea88

That's what I have been thinking but I'm very worried about it all still. I have proof that I have kept the flat in good condition and paid rent etc. They are charging me £25 just to provide a reference, I've never had to pay before. This is as well as the admin fees for the new letting agent so if I don't get the property I will of wasted quite a lot of money.

Lolly88

I've recently moved and I didn't use my most recent landlord because they charged for references and also they had issued me a section 21 notice becuase I wouldn't sign a fixed term contract and wanted to remain on a periodic tenancy. Like you I was worried about the impact this would have and so just circumvented it by listing a different landlord and no questions were asked.

Lea88

Thanks. So did you just put down old landlord? And with current address said you werent renting? It's so stressful!