House in Disrepair Update: Landlord now Selling

solventblackbird

The deposit is in one of those schemes and it looks like I am not going to be in the house long enough even to create wear and tear. When I mentioned moving out at the end of my tenancy the agent reminded me they would offer me a periodic agreement at the end of my six months. Clearly he wants to avoid any void periods while a sale may/may not go through, but I'd prefer to go at the end then they can have as many people traipsing round as they like.

I've been disgusted, generally, by these letting agents - I moved from a house because of three years of disrepair and empty promises of getting it fixed, so learned a lot about my rights along the way. This agency, I thought, would be better, but they send me emails in text speak

u goin 2 b in tomorro 4 roofer + let him in?

which are an embarrassment for any professional company. I realise I'm going to have to put up with things like this until I buy, but I'm not going to wait three years for things to improve this time.

I'll be posting here again for people to recommend me a good lettings agent - is that allowed?

neverdespairgirl

solventblackbird wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice. I called the agent again and pointed out the facts of the photograph, and rang the estate agent who were quite willing to make me an appointment to look around the house. I asked if they wanted to check the time was convenient with the current occupier, and they said that wasn't a problem.

Nice one! Now you know the agents are completely taking the !!!!. I think you are right to stand your ground. It's your house, and you are entitled to quiet enjoyment.

solventblackbird

Thanks for that. 'quiet enjoyment' was one of the things I quoted to the estate agents, hinting that if I didn't get that, something I was paying for, I'd need a rent reduction.

Now I'm thinking maybe I should have offered to show the potential buyers around... for fifty quid a visit.

Seriously though, I have never, ever been satisfied with a Landlord or Landlord's agents in the whole time I have been renting, and I don't think I am unreasonable. I work with the public and the way I have been spoken to and corresponded with by various people claiming to be housing professionals is shocking.

I'm just pleased I've been able to get as much info as I have done from here, and pleased I've been able to let them know that I know exactly what my rights are.

So thanks again.

PasturesNew

solventblackbird wrote: »

The photographs show a vase that I only put on my windowsill last week, so I know this isn't true.

roflmfao ... cheek!!

PasturesNew

When you go out, put a small rolled up piece of paper behind the door, when you go back in you'll be able to see if anybody's been in as the paper will have moved.

You are within your rights to change the locks while you are there. Just hold onto the old ones and put them back in when you move out at the end of your tenancy.

barnaby-bear

solventblackbird wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice. I called the agent again and pointed out the facts of the photograph, and rang the estate agent who were quite willing to make me an appointment to look around the house. I asked if they wanted to check the time was convenient with the current occupier, and they said that wasn't a problem.

I then phoned the agent back again and let him know this. I also let him know I would be bolting the front door from now on so no-one could come into the house while I was out, and that the house was unavailable for viewings until I moved out at the end of my contract.#

He was a bit annoyed at this, and said the landlord only wanted the house valued, not put on the market. I said this was rubbish, reminded him that I had phoned the agents, and that I was acting well within my rights. I also said if there was any evidence anyone had entered the house during my absence I would be reporting it to the police as a break-in.

I also said I would be willing to end the contract early if they covered my deposit on the new house and my moving costs. I know it isn't likely, but you never know.

Thanks so much for your help and replies - sorry I couldn't answer back sooner, I've been at work.

http://www.all-about-the-home.co.uk/yale-saa5020-pir-shed-alarm-with-programmable-keyfob---free-delivery-600-p.asp

zebulon

barnaby-bear wrote: »

http://www.all-about-the-home.co.uk/yale-saa5020-pir-shed-alarm-with-programmable-keyfob---free-delivery-600-p.asp

oooooooooooohhhh (as in Toys Story, the little aliens)

Yes please do that!:rotfl:

solventblackbird

That's wonderful. And I am severely tempted. I've been in this afternoon, which isn't usual for me, and every time I hear a noise outside I think it is someone trying the door.

I have no evidence whatsoever that they have actually been in the house - there are no interior photographs and nothing has been moved, so I don't want to get too paranoid. But I am, now, a bit.

tbs624

PasturesNew wrote: »

You are within your rights to change the locks while you are there. Just hold onto the old ones and put them back in when you move out at the end of your tenancy.

Hmmm.. check your tenancy agreement first. Changing the locks may be classed as an alteration to the property and therefore in need of the landlord's written consent. Your Agreement may also stipulate that if you are allowed to change the locks you have to provide the landlord or agent with a spare key, which defeats the object here.

Have you got a computer/webcam you could set up or a techie friend who could do it for you?

solventblackbird

I don't want to go to too much effort or expense on this, seeing as I am moving soonish anyway. I also don't want to let it prey on my mind too much, but enjoy the rest of my time in the house. I think bolting the inside of the door and doing out of the side (they don't have an alley door key and I had to get one cut from a neighbour's key) and putting a piece of paper behind the door (good plan) will be enough for the time being.

Again, as I said, it is only a feeling and because I have no proof I can't take it any further. They know where they stand with me and they know I know my rights now. So that will be enough. And it only three months.

Thank you.