• How to Deal with Negligent Landlords

  Filed under Furniture
  Jan 13

  Renting a property inevitably means that you will be dealing with a landlord. Fortunately, most landlords are good, honest people, realising that their tenants are human just like them and need shelter. Most are sympathetic to their tenant’s personal and professional problems – after all, we have them. They are all business people that provide living accommodation for others.

   

  The term “landlord” dates back to the Roman Empire, during which the manorial system existed. This system meant most people were bound to the land of another, with the poor performing work on the property of the rich in exchange for protection.

  Things have progressed since them, but unfortunately some landlords have not. Some can be so irresponsible and unprofessional that tenants will do anything to escape their contract.

  Protect yourself from the start

  Before moving in, it’s definitely worth checking out the landlord’s other rentals. Learn as much as you can about their properties, touring them wherever possible. This can give you a fair idea of the landlord’s maintenance abilities. Try and speak with tenants in other properties as well, in order to determine the approachability of the landlord.

   

  Ensure that you contact utility companies in advance and have them put in your name. Supply them with the address of the property to check any outstanding balances.

  Immediately take pictures of every nook and cranny of the property, having them printed off with the date and time stamped on each photograph.

  Carefully read over the lease. If any of the provisions are unclear, speak with your solicitor, as the review cost will be worth it.

  Don’t let anyone live with you who is not included in the agreement. Doing so will put you at risk, particularly if the contract clearly states the number of occupants.

  Dealing with negligent landlords

   

  If any problems should arise, make sure to document everything in writing and with pictures, including a timeline and any conversations taken place between you and the landlord. Simply relying on your memory may cost you in the end. Be sure to review your contract in order to determine what your responsibility is and what is the landlord’s.

   

  Even further, send a letter to the landlord, clearly stating the problems and including a ‘deadline’ of when you expect the problems to be resolved. Include a statement declaring that you will have the repairs done by yourself if the problem exceeds this deadline, and that you will withhold the same amount that you would normally pay in rent. Alternatively, you can withhold a portion of rent until the landlord has the repairs made himself.

  If you make the repairs yourself and withhold an equal amount of rent, make sure that you keep the receipts. Retain the originals, making copies. Send these copies to the landlord.

  You should not withhold all rent. Because an appliance is broken doesn’t render the property completely uninhabitable. Conversely, is a property is indeed uninhabitable due to lack of utilities or a structural defect, withholding all of the rent can be considered until all of the problems are solved by the landlord.

  For unpleasant and unfriendly landlords, try your best to be personable. Keep interactions brief and civil. Make sure to pay rent on time, and make requests only through letters or e-mail. This can lessen arguments from occurring.

  If the situation escalated beyond reasonable control, then you should seek legal help as a matter of urgency.

   

  Dane Cross writes on behalf of One UK, a UK based estate agents who specialise in apartments and flats in Manchester.

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