Landlady - am I being unreasonable

Den

My two recent landlords:
- Came every months to collect rent (his choice) and was doing quick look around. Once he came and said that bathroom window must be open most of times. We had newborn and told him that we will do it when we want to, so ended up in argument. Then he apologised. He repaired all things without problems and I think he was quite good, not so much annoying.
- I saw current landlord only twice during three years, standing order for rent and he pays all repairs required by a cheque. Quite happy, feels like it's my house.

I don't know if landlady allowed legally to request certain things but her inspections should be in agreement, if not then you don't have to let her.

Diamond78

Den wrote: »

My two recent landlords:
- Came every months to collect rent (his choice) and was doing quick look around. Once he came and said that bathroom window must be open most of times. We had newborn and told him that we will do it when we want to, so ended up in argument. Then he apologised. He repaired all things without problems and I think he was quite good, not so much annoying.
- I saw current landlord only twice during three years, standing order for rent and he pays all repairs required by a cheque. Quite happy, feels like it's my house.

Thats how it should feel-like home.x

barnaby-bear

Poodlecrazy wrote: »

Hi!

I have rented several times before without any difficulties but I am currently finding my landlady particularly difficult to deal with and I was wondering if anyone had any advice.

The property is rented by myself and a friend, we are both single professionals. Property is a two bed flat in a nice part of town. We pay on time by standing order every month, as set up by the landlady's husband when we first moved in.

Some works were recently done on our flat (to the communal area but access was required so the landlady went in, with our permission to 'supervise'). Whilst she was there she clearly had a good snoop around, can't say I'm that bothered as she is a nosey type and we have nothing to hide.

That evening she phoned me to tell me that we hadn't defrosted the freezer and this had to be done every 3 months without fail. When I got back to the flat I realised she had cleaned the sink and chucked out our reusable shopping bags :mad:.

Anyhow she then wanted to do an inspection. Insisted on early evening, despite knowing we both work. During this inspection she pointed out the following:

1) residue washing powder in the washing machine;
2) washing machine door had been left closed, must be open at all times (there was washing in it at the time);
3) sink guards on all sinks at all times;
4) a plastic bag had to be put in our (also plastic) kitchen bin;
5) table in sitting room had to be moved around every week to prevent marks on carpet;
6) sofa cushions should be 'puffed up' every week; and
7) cord that is used to switch bathroom light on has come off - she says we must have been heavy handed, in reality it simply broke. Must call electrician to fix (yes to put a cord through a plastic loop...).

I was furious, she told me she would be back in a month and if we hadn't improved she would serve notice. To be honest, I don't want to move but gladly will if I get rid of this woman!!:p Am I being over sensitive or is this woman crazy?? Any thoughts / ideas welcome!

P
x

Make sure you put a written request for her address while still a tenant (legally obliged to reply in 21days) if it isn't on the contract - you may well need that servable address to get at the deposit. If any contract was signed after April 2007 even a renewal the deposit must be protected and you notfied where within 14 days.

clutton_2

this woman is a control freak - do not let her into YOUR home ever again !!!!

shellsuit

Is your landlady Anthea Turner by any chance?? :rotfl: :rotfl:

She sounds barking mad and nearly all of those points have got Jack Shoite to do with her!

Where exactly did she want you to dye your hair? In the street with a hose

If none of those things were mentioned in the contract, there's naff all she can do about them. Even the carpet and table situation, you shouldn't be expected to move furniture around and there is nothing she would be able to do if the carpet did get marked by the table legs, unless it was mentioned in the agreement when you signed.

P.S. I actually plump my cushions everyday...:D

tbs624

The LL certainly sounds OTT in her approach to inspections.My own view is that inspections are fine provided they're at an agreed time & date, with appropriate notice, and don't occur too frequently. There is usually a clause within the agreement. You can of course use the inspection as a two-way meeting, and take the opportunity to draw the LLs attention to any specific problems.

Just a bit concerned that several posters are recommending withholding the final month's rent, in anticipation of problems with the deposit: the deposit and the rent are two entirely separate items. As a tenant you are contractually obliged to pay your rent for the full term you signed up for and you could find yourself in court for breach of contract. That's a good one to suggest for the OP who is a solicitor - not the sort of court experience that looks particularly good professionally.

If the deposit is already protected then any deduction has to be agreed, and if it's not already protected, the tenants can chase this up and the LL will be given instructions to place it within a scheme forthwith.

The trouble with these LL & tenant issues is that once one side starts being unreasonable (and/or acting illegally), the other retaliates and then things can get blown out of all proportion. Sometimes just being ever so persistent, but nice with it, and showing that you have complied with your own legal obligations is the way to go.

poppy10_2

What a fruitcake :rotfl:

£1800 is a lot of money, don't write it off without a fight.

MissMoneypenny

These sites may be of some use to you:-

Housing Act 2004. Deposits Sections 212 - 215
http://www.england-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2004/ukpga_20040034_en_19

The Prescribed Information relating to Tenancy Deposits
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/uksi_20070797_en_1

Shelter - Is the landlord coming round to inspect the property too often.
http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-7354.cfm

Shelter - Giving the Tenant certain Information
http://england.shelter.org.uk/advice/advice-3181.cfm

clutton_2

did you get an inventory signed when you moved in ?

SquatNow

I'de write the landlady a polite note, sent recorded delivery, stating that while she was there to supervise maintenance work she had no right to look around the flat.

State that if she bothers you again you will contact the police RE: Harrassment.

Send her a BILL for the re-usable bags she STOLE.

Explain that if she pays you for the re-usable bags you wont be forced to involve the police. IIRC for such a pityfull amount, the police wont arrest her, they'll just make a mark on her "file" giving her a criminal record.