Landlord wants to take down shed

Pianoman1

Moved into a rental 9 months ago. After moving in, noticed the shed roof had a large hole on one side. Landlord had left equipment to repair and said I could do it myself or they can remove the shed.

I let it go with the view of repairing further down the line, but I didn't say anything or agree anything with the Landlord.

Landlord just emailed saying that someone is coming to remove the shed tomorrow. I asked if we can keep it because we have a lawnmower and bikes inside. Landlord has responded asking that I make a statement accepting liability for all future maintenance and repairs.

I am happy to upkeep/maintain, but I don't want to end up having to replace or give the landlord a new shed, as it's in poor condition (noted on signed inventory) and they were already willing to write it off.

There is no mention of the shed in the tenancy, but it is listed in the signed inventory as having roof in poor condition.

I would like to know:

1) If I have 3 lawns to maintain, is it reasonable for the landlord to provide something suitable to store a mower?

2) Is it within their rights to remove the shed at 24 hours notice, given I have items inside?

Rental properties in this area are in scarce supply. I have already improved an awful garden that was also wrecked when a wall was knocked down at replaced and I pay my rent will in advance each month.

Any other advice in this situation would be appreciated.

Robbo66

There is no obligation for a landlord to provide a shed. If the shed is in that poor a condition why not let him remove oi you then purchase one of those plastic Keter sheds and then you can remove and take it with you to your next home as and when you move

FreeBear

Pianoman1 said: Landlord just emailed saying that someone is coming to remove the shed tomorrow.

Print out a copy of that email just in case the LL tries to claim for a new shed when you leave.

Pianoman1

Robbo66 said:

There is no obligation for a landlord to provide a shed. If the shed is in that poor a condition why not let him remove oi you then purchase one of those plastic Keter sheds and then you can remove and take it with you to your next home as and when you move

What about removing the shed, do they have a right to remove it?

Sheds are quite expensive at the moment and money is tight. I would rather fix it with the materials already supplied.

Landlord has also been very strict not allowing even a nail in the wall, so there is risk that the landlord will reject my request to put my own shed in.

deannagone

I am no legal expert, but I would assume that if your tenancy agreement (and possibly this includes having the shed mentioned in the ingoing inspection report), then the shed is part of your agreement to rent the property.  And there should be a shed there.

But if the LL wants to remove it, refuses to repair it, I am not sure what you can do about it.  I can't really see you taking the LL to court for removal of the battered shed.  Obviously moving is not an option right now. I am not sure of the legal ramifications of refusing to sign the 'I will repair it' document.  But I have heard stories of tenants complaining about flooring, and the LL removed it rather than replacing it.  So it is a bit of a sticky wicket.

I wonder if you can negotiate with the LL to make a contribution to a new shed?  I have bought a second hand 10x8 shed for £90 that was in very good condition and is still standing and in good repair right now.  But the biggest problem in that shed was getting it home.  Was worth it though considering the price of new sheds.  We did replace the roof though.  We did repaint and keep the shed in good condition though.  I am not sure why you didn't reroof it when provided with the equipment.

Alternatively, in this house, I used to keep a lawnmower in the cupboard under the stairs.., only place I could keep it. Or you could buy a cheap plastic shed to keep tools in perhaps (but check reviews, they can be flimsy). If you only keep tools in it, you probably don't need a 10x8 shed.

Slithery

Pianoman1 said:

Landlord has also been very strict not allowing even a nail in the wall, so there is risk that the landlord will reject my request to put my own shed in.

The LL can't 'not allow' you to put nails in the wall, nor do they have any say in what you do or put in the garden. The only thing that matters is that you leave the property in the same condition that you found it.

lookstraightahead

Does your tenancy agreement / photos include the shed? 

lookstraightahead

Robbo66 said:

There is no obligation for a landlord to provide a shed. If the shed is in that poor a condition why not let him remove oi you then purchase one of those plastic Keter sheds and then you can remove and take it with you to your next home as and when you move

Even if it forms part of the tenancy? There's no obligation for a landlord to provide a garden either but if there's one there in the tenancy, and then they dig it up? 

Pianoman1

deannagone said:

I wonder if you can negotiate with the LL to make a contribution to a new shed?  I have bought a second hand 10x8 shed for £90 that was in very good condition and is still standing and in good repair right now.  But the biggest problem in that shed was getting it home.  Was worth it though considering the price of new sheds.  We did replace the roof though.  We did repaint and keep the shed in good condition though.  I am not sure why you didn't reroof it when provided with the equipment.

Alternatively, in this house, I used to keep a lawnmower in the cupboard under the stairs.., only place I could keep it. Or you could buy a cheap plastic shed to keep tools in perhaps (but check reviews, they can be flimsy). If you only keep tools in it, you probably don't need a 10x8 shed.

I've never taken apart a shed before and have a sick wife, toddler and caring for father in-law, so i can't take on a project like that.

There is no under stairs cupboard, it's a small bungalow and we have no other storage options in the house for a mower.

If the landlord wants to remove it, can I at least push it back until I am ready to make my own arrangements? Do they have the rights to come in there with 24 hours notice and remove it?

AdrianC

Pianoman1 said:

Moved into a rental 9 months ago. After moving in, noticed the shed roof had a large hole on one side. Landlord had left equipment to repair and said I could do it myself or they can remove the shed.
...
I let it go with the view of repairing further down the line
...
I would like to know:

1) If I have 3 lawns to maintain, is it reasonable for the landlord to provide something suitable to store a mower?

There is absolutely no requirement for them to do so.

2) Is it within their rights to remove the shed at 24 hours notice, given I have items inside?

Sounds more like nine months notice to me.

You were told when you moved in that you could repair it, or it would be removed.
You have not (correct me if I'm wrong) repaired it.

Pianoman1

lookstraightahead said:

Does your tenancy agreement / photos include the shed? 

The landlord did not supply photos, but i took my own and got them to sign off the photos with the inventory. This included photos of the shed.

The tenancy agreement does not include any mention of shed or out houses. Only nearest term is "grounds"