He sends cowboys in to do repairs to the point I would rather live with the faults. The only thing that has stopped him from letting himself in is because something happened when we first moved in and I reminded him of the law.
The kitchen is falling to bits and he offered the guy downstairs, whom is a friend of the family and moved in after we sort of did a good word for him, a new fitted kitchen. The guy really doesn't want or need a new kitchen and the inconvenience it will cause. We don't particularly but definitely our flat is in more need of one compared to the one downstairs. But he is adamant and downstairs is getting a new kitchen.
I won't mention the carpets other than they are beyond cleaning. We have put vinyl in the kitchen and bathroom, they were carpet too when we moved in.
2007-03-18 11:32:33 · 14 answers · asked by Part Time Cynic 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
In the 5 years we've been in the flat we have never been behind with the rent. He wants and gets cash in hand and has built a nice brick garage with the cash at his own bungalow. And converted his old garage to another spare bedroom.
Should I care for the flat? Or is he getting what he deserves?
I've not told him the roof has been leaking for 2 years you see :-) I really don't want cowboys in the house :-(
2007-03-18 11:33:13 · update #1
Joel: we're working on it
2007-03-18 11:42:54 · update #2
zeldi: if i do that i know it will be the end of the tennancy before we are ready to move. the law is a donkey's backside. it gives me 3 months. I've had landlords like him before. I've stopped caring for private landlords now. Why should i care?
2007-03-18 11:46:51 · update #3
Butt: I don't believe in violence.
2007-03-18 11:49:39 · update #4
Bob: you sure you not him? Maybe i'll put the old carpet back in the kitchen and bathroom when we do leave. And put the lino we bought on Freecycle.
2007-03-18 12:05:26 · update #5
First ask yourself why do you choose to live there. Are you getting something out of it (like very low rent)? Your landlord doesn't sound deserving of much respect, but there is no reason to lower yourself because of that. Behave in accordance with your own standards, or find someplace else where the situation inspires mutual respect.
2007-03-18 11:44:38 · answer #1 · answered by historydoc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello there! To an extent you need to care about the landlords property but is he caring about you or your living conditions? He is kind of neglecting his duties as a landlord and NEVER is he ever supposed to ask for rent in cash unless he gives you a recipt. Looks like you have a landlord who thinks he is above the law. You said that your kitchen is falling apart and you have been asking him to fix a leak for several years. Did you know you can withhold rent for that. If he doesnt supply you with safe living conditions then you can withhold rent until he does. And the man who lives downstairs with the new kitchen- does he pay the same amount of rent as you do? Because if the floor plan is identical you should be paying less. I live in New Jersey and I have dealt with my share of bad landlords. tHe one thing I know for sure is to know the laws and get everything in writting and Document everything! He is taking advantage of you and yet happily taking your rent each month. You need to stand up for your rights. Your home is supposed to be your "haven" and it doesnt seem like thats the case in your house. Write him a note stating all the major things that need to be repaired and state that if they are not fixed by such and such a date, that you will withold the rent. Make sure the note is 'return recipt requested'. Or you can get them fixed yourself and give him the bill or deduct it from your rent. You have to show him that you mean business
You situation sounds similar to an apartment complex I use to be in in McAfee new Jersey. I feel your pain. Good luck
2007-03-18 12:30:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beyond your contractual agreement, you shouldn't. But you do have and implied responsibility to take due care. That is, you cannot neglect the property to the point that damage will occur just as he is required to provide a safe enough domicile to prevent bodily harm or damage to your property. In this there is the principle of undiscovered peril, so you must keep your landlord fully informed or you cannot hold him liable.
2007-03-18 11:46:13 · answer #3 · answered by Sophist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry to ask, but why are you still there? im not being rude but if its such a state... you can get someone from your local council to check it out for you, they will issue him with a list of repairs etc, a inspector can assess the damage on your behalf, i'd refuse to pay full rent unless work was carried out to make it liveable and someone from the council checked the work once it was completed to see if it was ok, if you only pay half rent, he will habve to do something
2007-03-18 11:40:00 · answer #4 · answered by zeldieuk2002 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, no need to care for this man's property, he sounds like the kind that will complain -charge you- for changing dirty carpets for linoleum when you move out. Do try find another place, this is sick.
2007-03-18 11:51:36 · answer #5 · answered by hans t 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to hear such bad luck but cant you report him to the council or take him to a rent tribunal,or withhold your rent until he does do something.
2007-03-18 11:54:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move out.
2007-03-18 11:41:11 · answer #7 · answered by Bethany 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would move out. There is obviously no changing the landlord but you can change your residence.
2007-03-18 12:01:54 · answer #8 · answered by karen wonderful 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If he's getting cash in hand, report him to the Inland Revenue.
2007-03-18 11:52:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some landlords are complete a*******s!! one ripped me off years ago so when i vacated the property i stuffed raw bacon and beefburgers behind the boiler where you couldn't get at it!!
2007-03-18 11:40:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋