Rent increase question, is this fraudulent?

sotonkona

Thanks all for your comments. I won't be excepting this scam to help him get a better mortgage!

The LL moved out of the UK a couple of years ago and has been a nightmare to deal with and is extremely tight (but also loaded!) - for example getting even the smallest plumbing repair takes months. Trouble is it is a nice house in a nice area, but it's already at the top end of market value.

sotonkona

I can't include the bills or council tax in the STA as this won't help his case to get a better mortgage - it's a bloody scam through and through and part of the reason why rents have risen so much as LL increase rents to get better B2L mortgages, the system is all wrong.

sotonkona

So my landlord has now asked whether he can charge the extra rent but cover our council tax in return to make up the balance of the increase!

The landlord doesn't want to include that 'council tax' will be included in the rent in his contract as the mortgage company won't accept it as then the total rent isn't the full rental value.

Instead the LL wants to write a separate contract to say that he is covering the council tax! So I would end up with a STA with my liability to pay the council tax and separate contract to say they will cover it - would this even stand up in court if the LL didn't pay our council tax? Is there anything wrong with the tenants not paying council tax? ie. would we lose out on anything?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. seriously thinking of just moving out as I been given an ultimatum which is accept my increase as I need to take equity out of my home or I will sell it and you will have to move out!

Comms69

sotonkona wrote: »

So my landlord has now asked whether he can charge the extra rent but cover our council tax in return to make up the balance of the increase!

The landlord doesn't want to include that 'council tax' will be included in the rent in his contract as the mortgage company won't accept it as then the total rent isn't the full rental value.

Instead the LL wants to write a separate contract to say that he is covering the council tax! So I would end up with a STA with my liability to pay the council tax and separate contract to say they will cover it - would this even stand up in court if the LL didn't pay our council tax? Is there anything wrong with the tenants not paying council tax? ie. would we lose out on anything?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. seriously thinking of just moving out as I been given an ultimatum which is accept my increase as I need to take equity out of my home or I will sell it and you will have to move out!

THIS IS MORTGAGE FRAUD - not sure how often you must be told this.


Let him sell it. Why do you care?


So from now on my answer will be - just go for it.

sotonkona

I only care as it's a massive pain in back side to have to move house, but you are absolutely right it is fraud and to be honest it makes me feel very uncomfortable about staying somewhere when clearly the LL couldn't care less about tenants that look after a house, pay rent on time etc. etc.

Comms69

sotonkona wrote: »

I only care as it's a massive pain in back side to have to move house - is it more or less of a pain than being prosecuted for fraud (and potentially going to prison?) , but you are absolutely right it is fraud and to be honest it makes me feel very uncomfortable about staying somewhere when clearly the LL couldn't care less about tenants that look after a house, pay rent on time etc. etc.

If he sells, you may not need to move anyway; a landlord may buy it

sotonkona

Very true and yes, good point, thanks!! Accessory to mortgage fraud doesn't sound that good!!!

Comms69

sotonkona wrote: »

Very true and yes, good point, thanks!! Accessory to mortgage fraud doesn't sound that good!!!

It may mean you have a marker put against your name which will make getting any financial products (that's mobile phone contracts, loans, mortgages etc. ) impossible

sotonkona

Yes, another good point.

Jumblebumble

Sibz wrote: »

Is he definitely registered as a LL? If he's actively looking to engage others in mortgage fraud is he bothered about the rules with being a LL either?

Sounds like he might be a 'Nigerian General' moonlighting as a LL or maybe your next communication from him will be telling you that he's traced a distant relative of yours that has left you a massive inheritance, but there are costs for transferring to the UK that he can help you with...

Who do you think the Landlord would be be registered and why is it a problem if he is not if this is in England?
There is no such thing as registration for landlords in Engalnd except in a few local authorities and HMOs ( Different rules are in Scotland and NI)
It is however mortgage and tax fraud and I would not do any such thing.