Landlord Concerns

~shoozy~

I've been in my rented house for a bit over 3 years and whilst the landlord/LA haven't been the quickest at dealing with repairs, they usually get there in the end.
Lately, the repairs needed are getting bigger and I'm just getting nothing from the LA to the point that there's a substantial hole in the side of the house, the kitchen is falling apart, the boiler is on its last legs with parts being needed back in March still not been replaced. I've written to the LA advising of all issues but still nothing.

Yesterday I came home to a letter from a Mortgage company asking for a forwarding address for the owner, and if it's rented through an agency to provide their details.

I'm trying to think positive here, but I'm really worried that the LL has a few money issues and that's why I'm not getting any repairs done.

Should I just start looking elsewhere? I'm hoping to buy next year and wanted to stay here until I buy so that I can show stable address history.

foxy-stoat

I would start to look elsewhere - does't sound like this Landlord is being very Landlord like.

tom9980

Look for somewhere else certainly your concerns about stable address history are not as big a problem as you think as long as you register to vote at all the addresses you have lived at most lenders wont care that much.

tacpot12

Have a look on your local council's website. They should have information as to how you can get assistance from them to force your landlord to carry out repairs that are needed.

robatwork

tacpot12 wrote: »

Have a look on your local council's website. They should have information as to how you can get assistance from them to force your landlord to carry out repairs that are needed.

But..... you can't force them in practice. However we are fortunate to live in a free country where tenants can move if they find where they are to be unlivable.

foxy-stoat

Maybe they havent paid their mortgage - or not got consent to let as the lender is asking for questions about where their customer is living !

G_M

Yes - sounds like money problems. Links below on getting repairs done, protection from eviction when you escallate repairing issues, and what happens if mortgage lender repossesses.


But basically - time to move!


* Repairing Obligations: the law, common misconceptions, reporting/enforcing, retaliatory eviction & the new tenant protection (2015)



* Repossession: what if a LL's mortgage lender repossesses the property?

~shoozy~

Thanks everyone. The mortgage company seem to specialise in BTL mortgages so I don't think it's because they haven't got permission. It's probably nothing and I'll not hear anymore about it but you just never know!
He authorises some of the repairs eventually but then the LA are just as slow at getting the right tradespeople out to do the work.

You've all confirmed what I was thinking, I think I'll cut my losses and move

~shoozy~

So the letting agent has been in touch and apparently there's nothing untoward going on.

He says that there has been a change in the LL's personal circumstances and he is now the sole owner of the property. The lender needed his new address and that's why they got in touch with me.

Is it just me being cynical of the whole situation? I am thoroughly scunnered with this agency between this and the lack of repairs so it might be clouding my judgement somewhat.

G_M

Have you received, in writing, confirmation of the new landlord, as per S3 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 ?


What did the mortgage company reply when you answered their letter?


Lack of repairs is a totally separate issue, to be resolved separately. See
* Repairing Obligations: the law, common misconceptions, reporting/enforcing, retaliatory eviction & the new tenant protection (2015)

~shoozy~

I've never had confirmation in writing of who my LL is, everything was done as C/O Letting Agency. It was only when I checked the council register that I saw that it was a husband and wife. Now it's just the husband according to the LA.

The mortgage company haven't replied. I gave them the LA details and there's been nothing, but I'm not sure how long these things take.

I'm dealing with the issue over repairs separately, and am following the link you've provided in order to deal with it. I just can't help but get the feeling that the repairs aren't getting done due to money issues caused by the other issues.