Can I refuse council upgrades to my property?

bradders1983

I see. Well in that case, I don't see what recourse they have then, other than moaning and hoping they change their minds.

emma_oneill35

neilmcl said:

Hasbeen said:

Why would anyone who are renting, pay money to do up someone else's property?

Because it's not the same as a private rental. Someone with a secure tenancy for example could live in the house for rest of their lives so it's quite reasonable they might want go in for home improvements, although the sensible thing would be to ask the council first to see if they would do it themselves or have any objections.

When we did the bathroom up, it was over ten years ago and they said there were no plans for improving properties. Obviously that has now changed. 
The council rent is significantly less than any private rent and I have no interest in owning property. My job moves me around. Currently it's me and my mother living here, and as she has a terminal illness, the other poster is right - the only way she's leaving is in a coffin. 

Hasbeen

shaun_from_Africa said:

Hasbeen said:

Why would anyone who are renting, pay money to do up someone else's property?

Possibly because they intend staying there for a long time to come and want somewhere that is done up to a good standard.
I know someone who moved into a council owned property about 30 years ago and they have a secured tenancy so if they wish, they can stay there for the rest of their life.
As the rent is very reasonable, I don't see anything wrong with them spending money to get the property to a standard that they are happy with and enjoy, a property where they may well never move out of (unless it's in a coffin)

Fair enough. But they are running the risk of council "modernising" at certain times.

shaun_from_Africa

bradders1983 said:

But at the end of the day, they don't own the house.

If they have lived there for a considerable time and intend living there until they die, does who owns it really make that much difference when it comes down to the quality of the accommodation and the sort of comfort they want to live in? 

I'm currently working away from the UK and the company I work for has provided rented furnished accommodation for me to live in.
However, even though there are kitchen tools, pot, pans etc provided, these are very poor quality so I have purchased my own. The same goes for bed linen and pillows.
When I finally leave, all of these will be left behind.
Why have I done this? Because I live here for about 8 months of the year and want to live in comfort rather than simply making do with the low quality goods supplied by the landlord.

bradders1983

shaun_from_Africa said:

bradders1983 said:

But at the end of the day, they don't own the house.

If they have lived there for a considerable time and intend living there until they die, does who owns it really make that much difference when it comes down to the quality of the accommodation and the sort of comfort they want to live in? 

In the eyes of the law? Yes.  Unless you are suggesting living in a property as a renter (either council or private) for X number of years grants you extra rights in law in Scotland?

shaun_from_Africa

bradders1983 said:

shaun_from_Africa said:

bradders1983 said:

But at the end of the day, they don't own the house.

If they have lived there for a considerable time and intend living there until they die, does who owns it really make that much difference when it comes down to the quality of the accommodation and the sort of comfort they want to live in? 

In the eyes of the law? Yes.  Unless you are suggesting living in a property as a renter (either council or private) for X number of years grants you extra rights in law in Scotland?

So the law decides the quality of accommodation that the renters want to live in? Which law exactly?

bradders1983

shaun_from_Africa said:

bradders1983 said:

shaun_from_Africa said:

bradders1983 said:

But at the end of the day, they don't own the house.

If they have lived there for a considerable time and intend living there until they die, does who owns it really make that much difference when it comes down to the quality of the accommodation and the sort of comfort they want to live in? 

In the eyes of the law? Yes.  Unless you are suggesting living in a property as a renter (either council or private) for X number of years grants you extra rights in law in Scotland?

So the law decides the quality of accommodation that the renters want to live in? Which law exactly?

I feel you are arguing a totally different point here. If the council want to replace an adequate (or currently sub standard) bathroom with a new adequate bathroom, please point me in the direction of the law, regulation and/or statute which allows the tenant to block this from occuring.

-taff

You can try refusing and see what they say but if they damage any tiles so that they're dangerous [ can cut you etc] then they should repair them. Why not phone them up and express your concerns to them, and also mention the flooring. Don't be argumentative or agressive...Or write to them and explain your fears...

Norman_Castle

Op, if you don't want the "upgrade" its unlikely they will force you to have it. Did you ask about the kitchen floor?, I would expect the floor to be replaced if removed as part of a refurbishment.

shaun_from_Africa

bradders1983 said:

I feel you are arguing a totally different point here. If the council want to replace an adequate (or currently sub standard) bathroom with a new adequate bathroom, please point me in the direction of the law, regulation and/or statute which allows the tenant to block this from occuring.

I'm not arguing a different point. The first post I made in this thread and all of the subsequent ones were responding to this comment:

Hasbeen said:

Why would anyone who are renting, pay money to do up someone else's property?

If the council wish to upgrade a property or rip out alterations previously done by a tenant then that is a totally different subject, one that I have not mentioned.