Annex Council Tax/ Landlord Dilemma

[Deleted User]

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Like my former landlord it sounds as if your landlord’s behaviour is criminal. You obviously know it’s wrong but are quite happy to turn a blind eye for an easy life and cheaper rent. Only you can decide if you’re happy with that arrangement. I reported my landlord to the council because she more than crossed the line a few times. My only regret is not suing her over the deposit even if I just donated the money to Shelter Scotland or set fire to it. 

Sounds similar actually. However, I'm obviously not quite happy to turn a blind eye. I have been up half the night and have had an extremely anxious day trying to work out what the right thing to do is. I did not choose to rent this place on the basis that it is essentially an illegal operation. Now I am seriously considering moving out of the first place I've found in years that I am comfortable in as a result.

If you were that unhappy and didn’t want to turn a blind eye this wouldn’t be a dilemma. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey! You’d know exactly what to do about this bent landlord. Mother of God. Instead you’ve started this thread....why? Perhaps to get some internet strangers to tell you that what you’re doing is ok. 

I started this thread so I could make an informed decision about what to do next and if a reasonable solution that would allow me to stay in my home is available. I only moved in two months ago after a very tumultuous year last year, so ideally, would like to stay put. 

Exactly, you want to stay put. That essentially means turning a blind eye. Your landlord has been trucking along quite nicely up until now with her hooky let and if you start to press her on the things she should have been doing all along I wouldn’t be surprised if either she illegally evicts you or if the property is somehow ruled to be uninhabitable by the council and so out you go. Only you can decide what’s right for you. 

[Deleted User]

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Like my former landlord it sounds as if your landlord’s behaviour is criminal. You obviously know it’s wrong but are quite happy to turn a blind eye for an easy life and cheaper rent. Only you can decide if you’re happy with that arrangement. I reported my landlord to the council because she more than crossed the line a few times. My only regret is not suing her over the deposit even if I just donated the money to Shelter Scotland or set fire to it. 

Sounds similar actually. However, I'm obviously not quite happy to turn a blind eye. I have been up half the night and have had an extremely anxious day trying to work out what the right thing to do is. I did not choose to rent this place on the basis that it is essentially an illegal operation. Now I am seriously considering moving out of the first place I've found in years that I am comfortable in as a result.

If you were that unhappy and didn’t want to turn a blind eye this wouldn’t be a dilemma. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey! You’d know exactly what to do about this bent landlord. Mother of God. Instead you’ve started this thread....why? Perhaps to get some internet strangers to tell you that what you’re doing is ok. 

I started this thread so I could make an informed decision about what to do next and if a reasonable solution that would allow me to stay in my home is available. I only moved in two months ago after a very tumultuous year last year, so ideally, would like to stay put. 

Exactly, you want to stay put. That essentially means turning a blind eye. Your landlord has been trucking along quite nicely up until now with her hooky let and if you start to press her on the things she should have been doing all along I wouldn’t be surprised if either she illegally evicts you or if the property is somehow ruled to be uninhabitable by the council and so out you go. Only you can decide what’s right for you. 

I would want to stay put if there is a way in which this could be explained, which is what I came on here to explore since I'm not well-informed about landlords etc. However, it seems that: 
a) Planning permission was granted for this place as a detached garage and specifically says that it was not for the purpose of having a tenant, only to be used by the owners. 
b) She is not registered as a LL, nor is the property listed on the Scottish VOA.
c) She is claiming the 25% discount on CT.
I don't feel comfortable staying under these conditions and will look for a new place.

Hasbeen

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Like my former landlord it sounds as if your landlord’s behaviour is criminal. You obviously know it’s wrong but are quite happy to turn a blind eye for an easy life and cheaper rent. Only you can decide if you’re happy with that arrangement. I reported my landlord to the council because she more than crossed the line a few times. My only regret is not suing her over the deposit even if I just donated the money to Shelter Scotland or set fire to it. 

Sounds similar actually. However, I'm obviously not quite happy to turn a blind eye. I have been up half the night and have had an extremely anxious day trying to work out what the right thing to do is. I did not choose to rent this place on the basis that it is essentially an illegal operation. Now I am seriously considering moving out of the first place I've found in years that I am comfortable in as a result.

If you were that unhappy and didn’t want to turn a blind eye this wouldn’t be a dilemma. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey! You’d know exactly what to do about this bent landlord. Mother of God. Instead you’ve started this thread....why? Perhaps to get some internet strangers to tell you that what you’re doing is ok. 

I started this thread so I could make an informed decision about what to do next and if a reasonable solution that would allow me to stay in my home is available. I only moved in two months ago after a very tumultuous year last year, so ideally, would like to stay put. 

Exactly, you want to stay put. That essentially means turning a blind eye. Your landlord has been trucking along quite nicely up until now with her hooky let and if you start to press her on the things she should have been doing all along I wouldn’t be surprised if either she illegally evicts you or if the property is somehow ruled to be uninhabitable by the council and so out you go. Only you can decide what’s right for you. 

I would want to stay put if there is a way in which this could be explained, which is what I came on here to explore since I'm not well-informed about landlords etc. However, it seems that: 
a) Planning permission was granted for this place as a detached garage and specifically says that it was not for the purpose of having a tenant, only to be used by the owners. 
b) She is not registered as a LL, nor is the property listed on the Scottish VOA.
c) She is claiming the 25% discount on CT.
I don't feel comfortable staying under these conditions and will look for a new place.

She is breaking so much legal requirements and potentially putting your life at risk, it is no wonder all Landlords get a bad name.  

She is greedy, non caring  and  ignorant of her legal obligations to keep her tenants safe.

Personally, I would report her as the next tenant may not be as fortunate and will be in danger in such an illegal un certificated non safety type of property.

[Deleted User]

Hasbeen said:

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Deleted_User said:

Lover_of_Lycra said:

Like my former landlord it sounds as if your landlord’s behaviour is criminal. You obviously know it’s wrong but are quite happy to turn a blind eye for an easy life and cheaper rent. Only you can decide if you’re happy with that arrangement. I reported my landlord to the council because she more than crossed the line a few times. My only regret is not suing her over the deposit even if I just donated the money to Shelter Scotland or set fire to it. 

Sounds similar actually. However, I'm obviously not quite happy to turn a blind eye. I have been up half the night and have had an extremely anxious day trying to work out what the right thing to do is. I did not choose to rent this place on the basis that it is essentially an illegal operation. Now I am seriously considering moving out of the first place I've found in years that I am comfortable in as a result.

If you were that unhappy and didn’t want to turn a blind eye this wouldn’t be a dilemma. Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey! You’d know exactly what to do about this bent landlord. Mother of God. Instead you’ve started this thread....why? Perhaps to get some internet strangers to tell you that what you’re doing is ok. 

I started this thread so I could make an informed decision about what to do next and if a reasonable solution that would allow me to stay in my home is available. I only moved in two months ago after a very tumultuous year last year, so ideally, would like to stay put. 

Exactly, you want to stay put. That essentially means turning a blind eye. Your landlord has been trucking along quite nicely up until now with her hooky let and if you start to press her on the things she should have been doing all along I wouldn’t be surprised if either she illegally evicts you or if the property is somehow ruled to be uninhabitable by the council and so out you go. Only you can decide what’s right for you. 

I would want to stay put if there is a way in which this could be explained, which is what I came on here to explore since I'm not well-informed about landlords etc. However, it seems that: 
a) Planning permission was granted for this place as a detached garage and specifically says that it was not for the purpose of having a tenant, only to be used by the owners. 
b) She is not registered as a LL, nor is the property listed on the Scottish VOA.
c) She is claiming the 25% discount on CT.
I don't feel comfortable staying under these conditions and will look for a new place.

She is breaking so much legal requirements and potentially putting your life at risk, it is no wonder all Landlords get a bad name.  

She is greedy, non caring  and  ignorant of her legal obligations to keep her tenants safe.

Personally, I would report her as the next tenant may not be as fortunate and will be in danger in such an illegal un certificated non safety type of property.

I agree with you. Kind of startled really because she seems a kind of caring person but who knows really. There have been minor issues with the place since I first came here and none of them have been addressed so I suppose actions speak louder than words. I am getting the ball rolling and hoping to move out. I'm sure she won't be best pleased, but I feel I have a valid reason for it.

RAS

Hi Deleted_User

Please don't beat yourself up. You moved in not understanding the legal situation, after a tough time.

Yes, I think you need to move out, as much to protect yourself from the dodgy landlady and possible financial and practical danger resulting from her arrangements, as to make a stand.

But don't rush headlong into unsuitable accommodation just to get out of there. You may need time to find somewhere decent with a decent, legal landlord. Heavens, you are far from the only person on MSE who's been in this situation over the last decade or so I've been on here. You're not likely to be found by flying drones; that's much more effective in cities and large towns but your LL may get shopped by a neighbour. Although they may also keep quiet because of the potential fall-out locally if they're identified as the whistle-blower.

So give yourself time to find decent new digs, and bear in mind that if madam kicks off at any stage, you can remind her of at least one of her many failings (perhaps not being registered as a LL).

Meantime best of luck and stay safe.

sheramber

Are you still looking to buy?

[Deleted User]

RAS said:

Hi Deleted_User

Please don't beat yourself up. You moved in not understanding the legal situation, after a tough time.

Yes, I think you need to move out, as much to protect yourself from the dodgy landlady and possible financial and practical danger resulting from her arrangements, as to make a stand.

But don't rush headlong into unsuitable accommodation just to get out of there. You may need time to find somewhere decent with a decent, legal landlord. Heavens, you are far from the only person on MSE who's been in this situation over the last decade or so I've been on here. You're not likely to be found by flying drones; that's much more effective in cities and large towns but your LL may get shopped by a neighbour. Although they may also keep quiet because of the potential fall-out locally if they're identified as the whistle-blower.

So give yourself time to find decent new digs, and bear in mind that if madam kicks off at any stage, you can remind her of at least one of her many failings (perhaps not being registered as a LL).

Meantime best of luck and stay safe.

Thank you @RAS for such a kind message. Yes, I was slightly freaking out yesterday, trying to find somewhere suitable ASAP. However, while it's my intention to move, I can probably take a bit more time over it. I found this place via Spareroom (rather than through an estate agent, for example) which in my experience is often associated with these kind of landlords. She's a lovely person but has fallen completely short when it comes to going through the proper channels and from what I can tell, I'm the one shouldering the guilt. Honestly, I'm not sure how she's got away with it given the annex is visible to the neighbours, though maybe they just think everything is above board...
@sheramber Yes, still very much looking to buy but slim pickings in my area at the moment. I've just had notification that there will be a house in the village I like up for sale in June so I'm hopeful about that!

sheramber

Would it be worth approaching  the owner about buying it. It would save him EA fees?

Keswick1uk

This happened to someone I know. They registered to vote (Brexit time) and it got picked up by council. They now pay council tax by law and spoke to the landlord who agreed to reduce rent accordingly as the rent is bills included. The tax was backdated but only by a few months because it was picked up so fast.

tomphoto

Sorry to hijack the thread... I've been directed here as I have a similar issue. Only difference in that my annexe is attached to the main house (via a closed doorway) Also I've been living here a few years!

As it's attached could I suggest to my LL that he put me down as a resident in the house and begin paying the additional council tax? My concern now is that having been off the electoral roll for a number of years, I am going to appear on the system with no explanation where I've been for the last few years.