Nightmare Landlady Running House From Abroad - Need Advice

kingblah

Hi all,

My housemate and I have moved into a property and the Landlady is showing some very concerning signs. She lives in Canada and rather than appointing an agent to look after the property, she's chosen to do it herself remotely. We're paying £2000 per month to stay in this 2 bedroom property which is a significant proportion of our income. I don't think she's ever worked a day in her life.

The first warning sign was moving into the property and all of her belongings still being there despite us asking for her to remove them. E.g. about 4 heaters, some of her clothes etc which she's asked us to "keep safe" for her. Unacceptable in our view!

Basically, a few weeks ago, the roof began to leak slightly through the chimneys. Both myself and my housemate work full time and can work long hours depending on workload, but the landlady wants to have three quotes to fix the roof. It's taken at least two weeks to organise an appropriate time for the three different builders to come and provide a quote, and also for a fourth to put capping on the chimneys.

I told the landlady it's difficult to allow them access during working hours, as we are out of the house then. After all, one of the pre-requisites for renting the property is that we both had full time jobs!

One builder has already visited twice, she wants a further two builders to make repeated visits for quotes so she can get the cheapest one. However, out of nowhere, the landlady texts myself saying we're being "negligent" by not allowing them to come quicker, and "I remind you that you are jointly and severally responsible", she is very angry that we've not invited them to visit sooner and that it's taken us two weeks. I told her that my work already is getting unhappy that I'm coming into work late.

What are my rights here? I've kept her in the loop all of the way and been more than accommodating, but she just doesn't seem to care and keeps sending threatening texts, it's starting to really get me down. How are we "jointly and severally responsible" for a structural problem to the house?

Would appreciate any help here. Thanks

aneary

Does the tenancy say anything about what happens with repairs?

Is there a UK address where you can serve notice?

Is your deposit protected?

There is something about tax for a non uk resident landlord?

Pixie5740

If the property is in England or Wales your landlord must provide an address for the serving of notices in England or Wales (Scottish or Northern Irish addresses don't count) you can legitimately withhold the rent.

Pixie5740

As joint tenants you have joint and several liability for paying the rent and for any damage either or both of you cause to the property. I suspect your landlord is a clueless fanny who doesn't really know what joint and several liability means.

kingblah

Thanks all, we've only lived there for two months (out of a year tenancy) - she does have a UK address - as for her residency I'm not entirely sure but I'm just getting worried about her threatening behaviours - we've been more than reasonable with trying to let builders in to assess the roof but we're now on the fourth builder and I can't take any more time off work, and she's saying I'm being negligent and that I'll be responsible for the roof repairs as I'm "severally and jointly responsible" as a tenant.

Pixie5740

I will repeat it's not a UK address that's required it's an address in England or Wales.

kingblah

Sorry yes, she does have an address in England. I'm not in the financial or mental position at the moment where I can afford to move again after just doing it two months ago, so I'm not sure if serving notice is the right route to go, I just wanted to get some understanding of whether she has any clue what she's on about, which seems unlikely from your previous comment Pixie5740 (thank you!)

davidmcn

Pixie5740 wrote: »

I suspect your landlord is a clueless fanny.

I would concur with this learned opinion.

aneary

kingblah wrote: »

Thanks all, we've only lived there for two months (out of a year tenancy) - she does have a UK address - as for her residency I'm not entirely sure but I'm just getting worried about her threatening behaviours - we've been more than reasonable with trying to let builders in to assess the roof but we're now on the fourth builder and I can't take any more time off work, and she's saying I'm being negligent and that I'll be responsible for the roof repairs as I'm "severally and jointly responsible" as a tenant.

You would only be responsible if
a, you caused the damage
b, you didn't inform her of the damage and it got worse.

I would write a letter to her address here stating that you are not responsible for structural repairs that you have already been helpful being around for the various quotes but you are unable to be in the house for any other quotes and it is unreasonable for her to expect that.
State that she or her representative will have to be at the property for any further quotes and if/when work starts.

You are also allowed quiet enjoyment and her continued texts are invasive and that communication should be limited to letter/email (whatever suits you) and should not be of a thereatening manner.

kingblah

Thank you! A bit of peace of mind at least, I got very concerned I'd be liable for lots of roof damage because that's the language she's using. What is a simple roof repair has caused me no end of stress because of her attitude and complete lack of trust in us.

I informed her of the leak the exact night it happened (within 3 hours) so I don't think she has any leg to stand on..

Pixie5740

To cover your backside you should send a letter telling her about the leak to the address in England. Start a paper trail just in case you should require it further down the line.

You've told her about the leak, you've accommodated numerous visits from builders, it's unreasonable for her to expect you to continue having to take time off work or work late indefinitely. Would it be possible for you to contact the builders directly to arrange times that are convenient for you or your flatmate rather than having to go through the landlord?

I'd be tempted to put her bags of clothes underneath the leak.*

*For the avoidance of doubt I'm not seriously suggesting the OP does this.