Landlord never gave me details to pay rent

RyanD5

Hi all,

A bit of background about my situation.

I moved into a house on the 1st June this year, after speaking to the landlord on the phone without signing a tenancy agreement or even meeting him, the keys were give to me by one of my house mates. He said he would be in touch about his details to transfer him money for rent, but he never did. I sent him a few emails and text messages asking for his details but he never sent them and still hasn’t 7 months down the line. In October one of the people moved out with outstanding debt and as a result the landlord threatened to kick us out unless we all settle our debts and find another housemate, he gave us a deadline of 31st and that date has been and gone without any action from him.

I’m looking to move out now but wondering how to go about it as I still technically owe him 7 months rent, which I now don’t have. Are there any laws requiring me to pay before I leave? I know it sounds bad trying to get away with not paying but I still haven’t been able to contact him directly, still hasn’t sent me an agreement or his bank details.

Thanks in advance

Mojisola

RyanD5 wrote: »

I moved into a house on the 1st June this year,

He said he would be in touch about his details to transfer him money for rent, but he never did.

I’m looking to move out now but wondering how to go about it as I still technically owe him 7 months rent, which I now don’t have. /QUOTE]

You knew you owed him the money - why haven't you been putting the rent money aside?

RyanD5

A few car issues but mainly being niave. Housemates told me not to worry about it as it’s happened to former housemates as well

HampshireH

There is absolutely no excuse for not putting the rent aside. It is really irresponsible.

Doesn't excuse lack of communication from landlord but his lack of communication also doesn't excuse you not having the money.

You could have got the bank details of another tenant and paid it that way or are you saying that no tenants have paid rent?

If you have a joint tenancy that could be a very expensive mistake to make.

Still expensive regardless but least you wouldnt be responsible for others debts.

RyanD5

I agree it’s irrisponsible on my part, assumed he’d eventually reply to me. Everyone in the house is confused about the situation. Some tennants have signed and agreement others haven’t. The last two tenants left with outstanding debt and nothing was said about the whole house owing money.

theartfullodger

Bet landlord is on the fiddle.


Wonder if he actually owns the place or ...

RyanD5

I never understood why someone would be so lax in collecting money off people so maybe. He’s got quite a few houses around the area so hedoesn’t seem to be missing it

debrajohnson277

If you have no signed a contract of lease with him then maybe you do not owe him. Is there a law that you owe someone you do not have a contract with? But then, if the landlord has proof that you are living under his roof then you owe him that rent. Be prepared to pay rent to him. Just saying.

debrajohnson277

Yes, maybe he is so rich that he forgot his tenants and letting go of the ones who owes him lots of rent's money. Good for the tenants? LOL.:p:j

stator

What information does he have about you?
What form did your agreement with him take? e-mail / text / signed tenancy?
Did you pay a deposit?



If you have never been given a copy of the tenancy agreement then you should probably just give your notice and move out then wait for him to come after you for the rent.

You really should start saving the money you need to pay what you owe him. When he asks for it, you can agree a payment plan or he will take you to court.

AnotherJoe

RyanD5 wrote: »

A few car issues but mainly being niave. Housemates told me not to worry about it as it’s happened to former housemates as well

Are you saying if you had been paying him rent you'd just have stopped paying it in favour of your car anyway?