help needed with annoying landlady?

Question

HI. I'm an international student. I'm having problem and dunno whom to speak to about this. she is making new rules which were not mentioned in contract such as asking me for bills when it was agreed that bills will be included. and now she is talking in bad tone and says 'you don't dictate me, I dictate u!'. I have had it with her. everytime she comes she shouting... what do I do. and she lies about everything I mean everything. Due to this I'm getting really stressed and disturbed. please help thanks.

I have paid rent in advance. for this month and then I'm going back home.

got this through university as Uni lodging. it does not mention that bills will be included. but she said bills will be shared in october and i'm going in september end. she asked for council tax excemption certificate and I gladly gave her. THANKS to all for suggestions! much appreciated!

University accommodation office and Personal tutor are no help they say personnel responsible for private accommodation is busy so call back later. I'm dissapointed. this is unbelievable. Anyways thanks to all of you!! I wish my landlady was as nice as you guys.

Answer 1

Move out.

Answer 2

Firstly, she is attempting to alter the contract. This cannot be done without the consent of both parties unless there is a clause to the contrary in the contract.

As this tenancy was done through the university housing service, go and tell them what is happening. The uni will have a list of approved landlords and agencies. She may be removed from this list. They may also help resolve this problem.

She cannot 'dictate' anything to you, if she pesists she may be in breach of the Protection from Harrasment Act.

Unfortunately Overseas students are often taken advantage of, especially if their English language skills are not of a very high level because these individuals rather foolishly think because English is not a first language, you are stupid.

If you were then you would not be at uni, it is the landlady that is stupid for behaving in this way.

If possible withold your last months rent and move out.

DON'T KEEP QUIET

Make sure someone knows about it. She has probably done this before.
Keep a diary of the harrasment. It can be used in evidence.

Talk to a solicitor that specialises in landlord and tenant law. At minimum you are entitled to 30 mins free advice. Write all the details down, it will save time for you and the solicitor. Take all documents with you.

Try not to let this unfortunate experience spoil your stay in the UK

Answer 3

If the accomodation iss uni-owned then it should be covered under universitty complaints services.
Firstly, try and speak with the landlady. Try and arrange a formal session, and try and take someone along who has seen the bother the landlady is giving you. In this formal setting, it is less likely she will brush away any complaints you make at the time.
Make sure you have a copy of your tenancy agreement which you should have signed when you got the room.
If this does not work then go to your prsonal tutor, and then proceed with a formal complaint with their guidance. Hopefully this should either change the situation, or you may be offered different accomodation temporarily.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Does your contract say that bills are included?

I work with ESL students and I've seen some pretty bad landlords and homestay families. Tell your academic advisor what you've told us, and then make an effort to avoid being around the house. Make a photocopy of your contract and give it to one of your friends, so that if she locks you out you can prove that you have a right to be in the house. I also suggest locking up your valuables, and taking digital photos of your most important possessions in case she tries to get back at you by stealing something.

Once you've done all this safeguarding, just try to ignore her. Study at the library instead of at home. Don't answer the phone if you see she's calling. She's probably just old and grumpy, so go out and enjoy your youth without letting her bother you! The less contact you have with her, the better.

Answer 5

If your lease does not have a provision for the payment of bills (such as water, heat, etc.), it is generally assumed that those bills are the responsiblity of the tenant. If the lease explicitly says that the landlord will pay such bills, you need to point this out to your landlord in a calm, but firm manner.

I would get a hold of your town or city's residential leasing or landlord/tenant code. If you feel comfortable enough, read through it carefully and highlight those parts of the code you feel your landlord may be violating. You may also want to research whether local legal aid organizations may be of assistance. This may be difficult, but it's worth a look.

Landlords often take advantage of tenants that they believe won't fight back. If you approach your landlord reasonably (and armed with relevant parts of the lease and/or the landlord/tenant code), she may be less likely to make unreasonable demands.

Answer 6

Be careful... It is well known that those people will push to see how far they can. Stay to the contract and you'll be ok. Have her show you where it says that you should pay for this or that. Tell her, "We agreed to this, no need to try to ammend it or pull a wool over your eye." Don't lose your copy, keep it in a safe place or make a photo copy as a back up.
Don't move before your lease is up, or, she will keep your entire deposit. She might be trying to do that.
Tell her, "we don't need to scream to get our point across." I will not be intimidated, because you scream.
Good LUch dude, don't let het get away with this.
Stay to the contract, and she won't be able to do anything.
>>>Take pictures of the condition of the room you live in, and bathroom you use. Especially after you move, and have a witness. So she can't blame you for damages and keep your deposit <<<<<

Answer 7

I suggest you have a word with the accommodation officer at your university and put them in the picture. Perhaps they can advise of your best course of action. Speaking to your student union may prove useful. Particularly, if you require legal advise they might be able to help you. Also as someone else suggested check your contract as whatever the terms were they should be printed on there. If she is breaking the terms you can produce the contract as a binding legal document in any ensuing case that may follow.

Answer 8

You could get someone in authority to talk to her, a clergy person, one of your professors, a person from your embassy, or a housing rep from your school. See if your housing office has referrals, and tell her you will give her a bad referral. This would help her understand that you have people that will back you up and that you are not with out resources. She might back down. She is bullying you because she thinks she can get away with it because you are an international student with out someone to speak up for you.
You might have to eventually go to court. Write everything down. Keep a journal of every time she talks to you or communicates to you and what she says.
Good Luck and try not to make her ruin what should be a great experience for you.

Answer 9

It appears that you have a written contract. If that is so politely remind her of the fact, state that you will abide by the letter of law. if she threatens to evict you calmly close the door. If it gets any worse then call the police saying that you are worried that it might get violent. I had to do this once. At the end of the contract leave the property in excellent condition and get your deposit back, give a warning letter ( have it ready )
If you don't get it back use moneyclaim online and the court will get it back for you.

Sorry about your bad experience.- keep your manners even if she doesn't and you have nothing to worry about.

Answer 10

Whatever you decide to do, I would call your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau first thing, get an appointment and go and see them. Take everything with you she has given you, such as inventories, rental agreement or whatever. There are laws against this kind of thing. Even if you still move out, she should be stopped, as she will only do it to someone else. Good luck.

Answer 11

Have you got a written contract or a tennant agreement. If you have not got anything on paper move out asap. If you have an agreement go to your local Citizen Advice Bureau, you can find local number on the internet and ask them to check your agreement.

You may also be able to get advice from your student union or accomodation officer at college/uni.

Log all conversations and incidents with dates, times and comments made.

Good luck