I posted a question earlier you can view it here - http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Aqan3laTP_qiD01TSHSnH9QhBgx.;_ylv=3?qid=20071129082246AAraAg8
I would just like to reitarate
A. I am in the UK
B. It is not neighbourhood gossip, someone did come into the house, but didn't take anything because i saw them.
C. The police have said "you are well within your rights to withold your rent until this matter is resolved. Your landlord and letting agent should not push you until the investigation is completed." - that is word for word, i asked several times and i am not 'making it up'.
Any constructive answers/suggestions would be much appreciated.
2007-11-29 04:26:25 · 10 answers · asked by NClarke 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
Mary B - I am involved. I have spoke to the police, they have taken a statement. A man entered my house who they believe to be the person commiting all the burglaries. I am the only person who seen him therefore i am the KEY WITNESS.
It is not gossip, both my letting agent and the police have confirmed we are in danger and the fault is with the letting agent or landlord. I am worried that
A. By paying rent we are funding a criminal.
B. He has not completed maintenance on our house that is putting our health at risk. (i.e. chronic damp, no fire alarm system)
C. The letting agent/landlord have breached the contract so are not legally entitled to the rent.
I don't want any answers other than constructive ones, i am not after a way to live here rent free. I was simply asking whether i should withhold my rent for the meantime and pay all that is owed once the investigation has finished.
2007-11-29 06:57:09 · update #1
Put the rent money away so that you can pay it when demanded.
The landlord IS the legal owner and entitled to collect rent, no matter what crime he is guilty of. This is not a game of Monopoly!
2007-11-29 04:32:17 · answer #1 · answered by Phil McCracken 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Contact the citizens advice bureau to see if you are within your rights not to pay your rent, no offence to the police for saying that but this but if it isnt in writing then i would be a little reluctant to just stop paying rent on what could be construed as a policemans personal opinion, if i were you i would also use this time to try to find somewhere else to live as this guy doesnt sound to good as a landlord. As you would have to give any new keys to the letting agent then why not try getting a cheap video camera and have in trained on the door so you can film anyone who comes into your property as a little extra security and any evidence might be used to help with the police investigation.
2007-11-30 04:37:48 · answer #2 · answered by leambi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1. It doesn't matter where you are located, a contract is a contract.
2. It IS neighborhood gossip because your post didn't say you heard anything from any reliable source, and I seriously doubt the police is going to discuss anything with you, since YOUR UNIT is not involved in the investigation AT ALL...they have no reason to talk to you!
3. Again, NOTHING HAPPENED TO YOU...so I fail how to see you can get out of paying rent, when you have SIGNED A CONTRACT agreeing to pay it, and you haven't said a single word about your unit being involved in any of the break-ins.
4. Yahoo! Answers is primarily read and commented on by Americans. If you don't want an American opinion...then go to a UK message board.
5. Sometimes the answer YOU WANT is not the one you are GOING TO GET.
2007-11-29 13:03:38 · answer #3 · answered by Expert8675309 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
hi, you have a legal contract to pay an agreed amount of money for the right to live in his property, irrespective to what your landlord does or does not do in regard to repairs to your property alone affects wether or not you should withhold any payments, if it is an allegation and it is not related to your property then you would be in breach of contract and can be evicted and taken to court for monies owed, If you are genuinely worried and not just trying to live rent free then i suggest you look for alternative accommodation with another agent, good luck
2007-11-29 12:44:03 · answer #4 · answered by JOHN P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One word: CAB now!
No offence to anyone who answered but I don't think anyone is really going to be able to answer regarding legal rights ... It sounds complicated and the last thing you want to do is put your foot in it.
Always always back yourself up before taking action!
if you guys can't afford a solicitor for advice then go to C.A.B website or phone your local housing council office who should be able to help.
Don't rely on people here as it does vary from where people are from and people's opinions often dictate first lol
As for putting another lock on or a new one, that very often is breach of contract on your part (My dad had this very issue!) so be carefull what you action out before speaking to someone who can help.
Good luck!
2007-11-29 13:10:22 · answer #5 · answered by What's the point? 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ensure that you put the rent somewhere and don't spend it regardless...no one has a right to live in another persons home rent free..but seek legal advice asap...The thing is this place does not seem safe if someone came to the house...maybe its time to move under the circumstances?
2007-11-30 13:50:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are still legally bound to pay rent. However, if you feel that you are not safe, you may add a lock to your door without giving a key to the landlord. You must notify him in writing of your intentions and the reason.
2007-11-29 12:39:03 · answer #7 · answered by mrsdeli 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your landlord is Nicholas van Hoogstraten then I suggest you continue paying rent.
2007-11-29 12:29:33 · answer #8 · answered by Narky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely you signed a lease or some sort of contract that said who you were to pay.
Pay that person and make sure you get a receipt to verify payment.
2007-11-29 12:33:28 · answer #9 · answered by stew 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
time to speak to a U.K. attorney
2007-11-29 12:29:22 · answer #10 · answered by tom4bucs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋