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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To with hold rent to landlord..

61 replies

mrsL1984 · 10/01/2013 07:34

Because he isn't maintaing the maintenance of the property. I've got failed double glazing. Two fence panels have fallen down. And two days before Xmas two windows shattered due to age and cold weather. First to things happened early 2012. We contacted landlord again Monday he just says we will ring?? Is it now beyond a joke??

OP posts:

marchwillsoonbehere · 10/01/2013 10:22

Assuming I have understood your posts correctly (not always easy, especially the last one) I think you have not much of a leg to stand on, and that your landlord might well be playing the long game in trying to get you move out of your own accord without his having to get nasty about it. I can't say I blame him, from what you say.

MrsBucketxx · 10/01/2013 10:23

Could you not get the work done and invoice him?

With his permission he could just be s lazy ass.

sparrowfart · 10/01/2013 10:34

There are legalities you must follow before you withhold rent - you have to put your request in writing, give him a 'fix-by' date, and if he still doesn't do it then i BELIEVE (not an expert) you can provide a number of quotes for the work and then take the cheapest from your rent. If you fall behind more than two months he is legally able to repossess the house. Given that you are already two months in arrears you are already in breach of your contract anyway and I don't see how you can legally hold him to his side of the deal until you are up to date. If I was you I would get the two months arrears paid and then contact your local council for advice.

BelleJolie · 10/01/2013 10:44

So your arrears are because of a bank mix-up? All the more reason to pay them! It's bizarre you haven't and even more bizarre that you seem to think this is ok and bizarre-er (not a word, I know) still that you can't work out a suitable way to make the payment independently...without being chased up! Seriously?

Sort your arrears and then approach your landlord for the repairs.

Original poster

mrsL1984 · 10/01/2013 10:52

I think I may have mentioned up post we offered a payment back to him which he declined! I'm not saying I'm refusing to pay I am! I just feel at the moment the house isn't in a position worthy of what they say!

OP posts:

BelleJolie · 10/01/2013 11:12

Yes, you did mention it but it still doesn't make sense to me, sorry. Why can't you send a cheque or make an online payment with your bank?

Sunnywithshowers · 10/01/2013 11:29

OP, as I mentioned upthread Shelter runs a helpline that can advise you of your rights - it's definitely worth giving them a clal.

poppywillows · 10/01/2013 12:20

We are in the same position as you but not in rent arrears. The ll does not want to know. Its rent to them and thats all they want. What makes it worse is mine's a d-list celeb and is always in the paper for the littlest thing.. its not like she cant afford it! Anyway, i suggest you write a letter firstly explaining youd like to come to come to an arrangement re. Rent arrears. Go with what he suggests. If he suggests nothing then hes obviously using the arrears as an excuse not to do anything. Just pay it. Out of the blue. Then you have him by the balls. Next, report him to the council. They set standards that landlords must maintain. A damning report from them can stop them from letting property and he wont want that! The broken windows are a safety issue that they will take seriously. The dbl glazing happens a lot in rented houses though. I havent been in one that doesnt have it! Before reporting to the council, send him another letter telling him you will be reporting him to give him one last chance. Shorthold lets dont give you many rights as ive discoered and we've just given up. If anything here gets worse we'll sadly be leaving - but with a stack of copies of letters we've sent as back up in case they try anything silly eg with holding the deposit.

milf90 · 10/01/2013 12:27

I am aware needs paying like I said up thread we have told him what we n pay additional to our rent to clear it! He didn't accept that!

then why not put that extra £50 a month into the bank and when you had the full amount pay him back??

also if it was a problem about the banks then why couldnt you just transfer the money when it was sorted then??

you are not a child, be sensible fgs.

Original poster

mrsL1984 · 10/01/2013 12:48

Thanks everyone! Ill get the number for shelter!

OP posts:

maddening · 10/01/2013 16:21

The main thing is the broken windows.

I don't see you can demand the double glazing replaced.

Thw fence - do you know it's his and not the neighbours fence? It depends on the deeds as to who is responsible. Can it not be bodged cheaply?

If he is happy for you to sort the windows and take it out of money you owe him I don't see the problem.

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